Cadet Chrysander Rahardjo, a Trustee Scholarship recipient from New Zealand, shares his experience in combat robotics, where STEM meets creativity and destruction. He built a one-pound combat robot named Mini Kiwi 1 (MK1), blending his love for STEM with his passion for design and engineering.
In its first competition, Mini Kiwi 1 participated in Richmond Area Bot Instigated Destruction (RABID), facing off against various robots. Chrysander’s creation went 2-4 in matches, displaying resilience and innovation despite design challenges. Along the way, he learned valuable lessons in engineering, made connections with professionals, and identified areas for improvement, such as better rear-wheel protection and enhanced maneuverability.
Despite setbacks, Chrysander sees Mini Kiwi 1 as a successful proof of concept. He plans to build Mini Kiwi 2, incorporating significant upgrades to compete more effectively in future tournaments. Beyond the chaos of battle, Chrysander highlights the camaraderie and collaborative spirit of the combat robotics community, where participants share knowledge and support each other.
This journey reflects Chrysander’s creativity, perseverance, and engineering skills, showcasing how he embraces challenges and transforms setbacks into learning opportunities. He looks forward to his next competition with an improved design and renewed determination.
Click the button below to view Mini Kiwi 1 (MK1)'s journey!