Driven by curiosity. Driving changeWelcome to the Robot Club – where creativity meets controlled chaos
CEB’s Robot Club brings together sparks, strategy and hands-on engineering in an annual competition open to the whole department – from students and researchers to professional services staff.
Each year builds on the last, with a structured starting point that helps everyone take part on equal terms. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced builder, the club is a chance to learn practical engineering skills – from CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining to teamwork and problem-solving – in a relaxed, social setting.
Participants can choose from template robot designs to get started quickly, while others design their own machines. More experienced builders are often paired with newer members, keeping the focus on shared learning, support and collaboration.
The tournament takes place in mid-May, outside the busiest academic period, giving teams time to test, improve and refine their robots.
The club continues to evolve each year, with improvements to the arena, organisation and format based on feedback.
Whether you are in it to win, to learn, or just to take part, Robot Club is about creativity, teamwork and a bit of controlled chaos.
Sign-ups open each academic year – check back to join the next competition
From pilot to project
How it began
The Robot Club began in October 2023 as a pilot initiative within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB), designed to bring students, researchers and staff together through hands-on, technician-led engineering challenges.
Developed by Anna Rudd, Technical Operations Manager in CEB, with delivery support from Josh Easy, Makerspace Manager, the format was built around Collaborate, Engineer and Battle (CEB) – a simple framework for learning engineering through practical, team-based problem-solving.
The first full tournament followed in June 2024, with teams designing and building robots in CEB’s Makerspace before pitting them against each other in a fully enclosed arena.
Why it works
The format works because it is simple and open to everyone. Mixed teams work side-by-side regardless of role or experience, learning by building and support from veterans and the club’s organisers.
It also gives technicians a central role, with opportunities to support teams, share skills and demonstrate expertise in a practical setting.
The result is a hands-on environment that combines engineering, collaboration and creativity, with a strong emphasis on participation and shared learning.
Expanding the club
CEB was awarded £10,000 from the University’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund in 2025, to expand Robot Club to other departments and, even, Colleges across the University.
The funding provides reusable robotics kits, a portable arena and supporting resources. This creates a standard format that other departments can use without needing to design their own competition. The format has been designed to overcome common barriers such as space, equipment and set-up.
Most robot parts are reusable, and teams typically spend between £100 and £300 per build, meaning departments can sign-up with a budget as low as £500 (5 teams with £100 each).
A portable polycarbonate arena has also been developed, which will allow competitions to run in different departments and Colleges without specialist facilities, with the arena transportable by trailer.
What comes next
The long-term aim is to build a network of departmental Robot Clubs across the University, with opportunities for inter-department competitions in future years.
Taking part
Robot Club runs across the academic year, with a typical time commitment of around two hours per week. It is a substantial hands-on project, from early design through to testing and competition.
Teams design, build and refine their robots throughout the year, with support from weekly workshops and access to the Makerspace.
The competition takes place at the end of the academic year, where both leagues compete for top place.
Winners of the Beginners League may go on to face a Veteran team, while the Veterans League winner takes the overall prize.
The leagues
Two leagues ensure a fair and accessible competition for all experience levels.
Veterans League
Robot Weight (max): 1.5kg
Budget: Assigned on a team-by-team basis to ensure fairness
Beginners League
Robot Weight (max): 1.5kg
Budget: None – all parts will be supplied as per design specs, to ensure fairness (and safety)
Rulebook
Click Here to download the CEB Robot Club Rulebook
Sign-up and eligibility
Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Robot Club is open to everyone at CEB, from complete beginners to experienced builders. No prior knowledge is required.
Participants have access to:
- Weekly workshops
- The CEB Makerspace
- Technical support and guidance
Teams in the Beginners League typically consist of four to five people. Individuals are welcome to sign up and will be placed into teams.
"How can you not have a fantastic time watching robots - built by our students - create chaos and blow each other up? And learn a whole lot about engineering and solving problems while you're at it."
Past tournaments
2024 tournament – year 1
2025 tournament – year 2
CEB Robot Club
Get in touch:
Our Robot Club Team are a group of volunteers who organise and run the annual tournament outside of their core working hours.
They are happy to help and answer any questions, including how you could kickstart a Robot Club in your department, society or College.