Teams and Projects

For the first year ever, we are hosting a robotic sumo wrestling competition for active EDT members. With the help of Arduino microcontrollers, motors, and sensors, team members will get a chance to design a robot that aims to push its rival outside an arena. With no experience necessary to join, this is a perfect for new engineering students to learn basic programming, CAD design, and electrical knowledge! This competition is still under development and looking for technically experienced UIC to take leadership positions within the team. Please contact us if interested!

The Midwestern Robotics Design Competition (MRDC) took place for many years during the Engineering Open House on the UIUC campus, with 30-40 teams in previous years. Teams competed in bracket-style elimination over two days, where matches are 10 minutes each - four robots at a time. Each robot (ground or drone) must complete tasks to gain points, and the team with the highest points at the end of each match moves forward. Team Stella has competed in the MRDC since 2017. This robot was designed for rough terrain driving, and the ability to attach new mechanisms each year. Stella has undergone significant improvements each year including powertrain ability, structural, and electronics. This year the team plans to continue development of the robot in hopes of competing in a different competition hosted at NIU.

Team AIR builds/programs drones, and emphasizes autonomy and controls built from open-source platforms. The team has also competed in MRDC and the International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC). Last year, the designed a fully 3d printed frame for mounting several attachments to suit any need that may arise. This year the team plans to continue development on the software side and hopefully achieve autonomous functions.

Robobrawl is an annual combat robotics event that takes place each year during the Engineering Open House on the UIUC campus. The event consists of a double elimination tournament over the two days, where each team battles for dominance. The current format consists of 30 pound combat robots fighting in a 16′ x 16′ arena. The event encourages interdisciplinary engineering collaboration in order to challenge all comers in both design and manufacturing skills.