BEACONHILLS College Year 11 students have designed, built and battled their own robots in the college’s own version of ‘Robot Wars’.
Robot Wars is a popular part of unit one of the systems engineering subject, giving students a fun way to apply engineering principles and their learning about simple machines.
Pakenham campus systems engineering teacher Mark Tory said the students loved battling their finished robots (with safety gear and under teacher supervision).
“This is an annual competition and a fun and engaging way for students to learn what could otherwise be dry concepts,” Mr Tory said.
Many students came up with some lethal weaponry and defence systems for their machines. Caleb F used a 3D printer to create custom parts to make a spinning circular saw, while Mathew S added pivoted dual circular saws to his robot. Aaron D included scissor lift for extra destructive height while Luke W sacrificed power for a fast robot that could evade others and make quick strikes.
During the project, the students gained skills researching parts such as motor specs, gears and cranks, learned about project management and testing and construction skills such as soldering, cutting and joining.
This year’s Robot Wars winners were James W, Aaron D and Cameron R, with James W the overall Year 11 champion.
