DART Spring Combat
Date
05/02/2026
Location
Blacksburg, VA, United States
Time
08:00 - 17:30
About This Event
Event Date:
- Saturday, May 2nd
Location:
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Virginia Tech, Goodwin Hall
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The nearest on-campus parking for the event is Perry St. Garage
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Address: 635 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Schedule:
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8:00: Doors open
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8:15: Safety checks begin
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9:55: Safety checks end
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10:00: Competitor briefing
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10:30: fights begin
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12:30: Lunch break
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5:00: fights end
Safety
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All robots need to pass safety before being allowed to compete. This consists of failsafe testing and weighing in.
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If a LiPo becomes exposed in a design, the match will immediately end as a knockout.
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Weapon locks must be used at all times when the robot is not in the arena or test box.
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Robots may only be tested in the arena or test box. This includes drive tests.
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Failure to follow safety guidelines may result in removal from the event.
Arena:
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Our arena is 5x5x2.5 ft, with 2 layers of 1/4in polycarbonate
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The arena floors and kickplates are made from wood
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There are no arena hazards
Rules:
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Our event will follow SPARC V1.6 rules.
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No flame or heat weapons are permitted.
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Shufflers and robots with non-traditional drive will be granted a 25% weight bonus.
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The match length is 2 minutes.
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There will be only 1 unstick per match, and only to separate robots from each other. If a second unstick is necessary, the match will go to a judges’ decision. If a robot gets stuck in the arena, there will be no unstick.
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If a match goes to a judges' decision, a 7-5-5 system will be used: 7 points for weapon effect, 5 points for aggression, and 5 points for control.
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Each robot will be given a minimum of 20 minutes to repair between fights. Robots not ready for their match must forfeit, although fights will be pushed back when possible.
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Pins can be held for 10 seconds. Grapples (moving pins) may be held for 20 seconds.
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Fights will take the form of a double elimination tournament. Each robot is guaranteed at least 2 fights if it is ready for each.
** Weight classes:**
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Full combat antweight (16 max)
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Plastic antweight (8 max).
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Plastic antweight designs may be built from 3D printed PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, ASA, and PET.
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TPU, or any flexible material, may not be used in the plastic antweight class.
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The registration fee for each design is $20
For any questions or concerns regarding this event, please contact us at nickolasc24@vt.edu
