Robotics 401: Advanced Combat Skills Ft: The MIT Combat Robotics Club
In this special episode of Havoc Rundown, the crew welcomes an all-star lineup from the MIT Combat Robotics Club ahead of the April NHRL event. From bold design philosophies to open-source accessibility, this conversation dives into what it takes to build competitive bots under pressure—while juggling coursework, team dynamics, and the love of the sport.
Each builder brings their own unique flavor to the fight, and you’ll get an inside look at six exciting bots being prepped for the arena. Plus, things get competitive in our Game Corner with a round of Name That Bot, putting the MIT crew’s trivia skills to the test.
If you’re into design innovation, builder culture, or just love a good rivalry, this episode’s got something for you.
🎉 Special Thanks To Our Guests from the MIT Combat Robotics Club
Huge thanks to the brilliant MIT team for joining us and sharing their builds:Ryan Duarte – Budgetboi, an open-source 12lb bot designed for maximum accessibility
Abi Dixon – Killer Queen, a striking new contender with creative weapon architecture
Anhad Sawhney – Kratos, featuring a custom axial flux motor for peak performance
Miles Roper – Traiano, a hammer saw bot built with precision and power
Tom Nguyen – Marshmallow, returning with smart design and tactical flexibility
Carlos Lopez – Underdawg, a bot with heart, grit, and sharp engineering instincts
We loved having you all on the show—good luck in April!
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Stay locked in with everything Havoc Rundown—from fantasy league updates to bot breakdowns:📲 https://linktr.ee/havocrundown
🎶 Music Credits
This episode features royalty-free tracks from Artlist:Paving the Way by Danny Shields
Listen hereHands Held High by Aves
Listen herePine by Joley
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The Havoc Rundown
We are a discussion podcast focused on robot combat specializing in events and builders from NHRL in Norwalk CT. Our members include the staff that works behind the pit desk every event acting as the nerve center between the builders and the cage management system. We preview events, talk about fights, interview builders & staff and try to give a peek behind the curtain of what makes an NHRL event work.
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