Fall 2025 – IED Blasts Competitors to Smithereens with KILLSWITCH

This semester has been an exciting and productive one for Team KILLSWITCH. We kicked things off by upgrading our previous combat robot design from the June competition, focusing on improving reliability and performance. One of our main challenges was addressing drive issues and severe overheating, which we tackled through a complete electrical system overhaul—moving from a 6S to an 8S setup. We also swapped our high-Kv TP Power motor for a lower-Kv, sensored weapon motor, dramatically improving control and efficiency.
These updates eliminated our overheating problems and boosted our drive speed by roughly 20%. Beyond electrical improvements, we added a pulley guard to better protect the weapon belt from vertical spinners and hammer saws, and installed longer track spikes for enhanced traction and maneuverability.
After completing these upgrades, we competed at the World Championship, where we were unfortunately eliminated early, however undoubtedly wrecked house in the disco brawl. Now, we’re applying everything we learned to prepare for February NHRL competition.

The NHRL Worlds Team posing together after a long day competing
The NHRL Worlds Team posing together after a long day competing.

Killswitch punts Deadrise at NHRL Worlds
Seconds before disaster, Killswitch punts Deadrise at NHRL Worlds.

Killswitch punts Deadrise at NHRL Worlds
Moments before disaster, Killswitch punts Deadrise at NHRL Worlds.