👋Welcome!
Comet Robotics at UT Dallas is proud to present Comet Clash March 2026 - a public combat robotics event hosted at UT Dallas, following a long history of combat robotics at the university!
Quick Links
Discord Server
Join 'Comet Robotics at UT Dallas Events' for updates on Comet Clash and future events.
Volunteer Application
Interested in volunteering? Complete this form and we'll get back to you shortly!
Challonge Brackets
General Information
Sponsors
Event Location and Parking
Comet Clash will be hosted at the UT Dallas Engineering and Computer Science West (ECSW) building.
2513 Rutford Ave, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Parking is free! You will want to park in Lot I or Parking Structure 4 (both highlighted in orange), which are both directly adjacent to the ECSW building where the event is hosted (highlighted in green).
While parking is free, you must display a valid parking permit in a visible location on your vehicle to avoid being fined ticketed. We will have printed copies available in the ECSW building for you to place in your vehicle. Alternatively, you may print the PDF file below ahead of time.
This parking permit only allows free parking in spots marked as orange, gold, or green. You may be subject to fines if you park in a spot marked as another color (ex: red or purple),
Schedule
07:10 - Doors open, check-in and safety starts
08:30 - Check-in closes. you MUST be in the building by now if you plan on competing
08:50 - Driver's meeting, brackets will be finalized at this point
09:00 - Fights begin with round 1
11:00 - Break for lunch between round 1 and round 2
12:00 - Round 2 fights begin, all classes
14:30 - Round 3 fights begin, all classes
17:00 - Finals bracket start
19:00 - Estimated finish
Concessions
Concessions will be available at the event - more details to come.
For Competitors
Waivers and Registration Fees
Every robot must have a registration fee paid in order to compete at the event. You may pay online using this link. Alternatively, we will take cash and card payments in-person during check-in.
All competitors must sign a waiver before competing. We will have physical waivers available on-site to complete, or you can print and sign your waiver ahead of time. Minors must be under the supervision of an adult during the entire event, and provide a completed minor waiver, signed by an adult.
For all other competitors, this waiver must be completed.
Robot Requirements
Robots must meet the SPARC Robot Construction Specifications. In addition, no fire weapons or ICE (Internal Combustion Engines). No projectiles of any kind. No Chemical Propulsion (i.e. Rocket, Thermal, or jet). Weapon locks must be used while the bot is outside of the arena. Maximum weight bonus for beetles is limited to 150% (4.5 lbs).
Judging Format
Judges decisions are final. Judges will score based on the new SPARC Damage and Engagement judging criteria. Note that this is a recent revision to the SPARC judging ruleset (v1.2, revised on 9/8/2024) with significant implications to judges' decisions. If you are unfamiliar with the revisions, we highly encourage you review them before the event.
Prizes
Trophies are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each weight class (plant, ant, beetle). Other special awards may be awarded during the event.
For each weight class, the 1st place winner will receive a $40 Repeat Robotics gift card, with 2nd and 3rd place winners receiving a $20 Repeat Robotics gift card! Huge thanks to Repeat Robotics for providing these prizes.
(Other prizes may be available, update when finalized)
Pit Setup
Tables and chairs will be provided. Please note that the pit area is on the floor above the competition area. You will need to use stairs or elevators to get to the pits.
Battery charging is permitted in any location as long as they are in battery bags and the battery charger is plugged directly into a socket, not an extension cord or power strip.
Soldering is not permitted in the pits area. Signage will direct competitors to the Electronics Workshop on the same floor as the competition, where soldering is permitted. Soldering equipment is available but you should bring your own consumables.
Battle Box
The main competition box has an 8 foot x 8 foot floor area. The kickplates are 2x4, and are recessed into the floor so forks can't get stuck under them. There will be a 4 foot x 4 foot box available for testing.
Quick Rules Recap
5 second pins, 1 unstick per bot if stuck on the arena, exposed battery is an immediate KO, 4-5 judging format.
Specifically for the plastic ant-weight competition, your bots MUST be 3d printed with approved materials.
1 unstick per bot per fight if it is stuck in the arena. Examples include: Stuck in the wall, stuck in the floor, etc. Unsticks will not be given for bots who are upside down or tipped up against the arena wall.
For Volunteers
Volunteers have been reached out to via the Discord server - check there for updates and directions on your assigned roles.
Comet Robotics at UT Dallas, a registered student organization at The University of Texas at Dallas, will not take custodial responsibility of minors while participating in Comet Clash 2024. Custodial responsibility will remain with teachers K-12, parents, legal guardians, and chaperones.
Credit to University of Houston’s Robotics at UH for the template for this document - Information Packet - Cougar Cup - Google Docs.
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