The Evolution of B3 (Big Bubba Bot)
In cooperation with
The Robot Group
of Austin, Texas.
B3 is a 1,500 pound (give or take) killer hydraulic combat robot that was designed for the SCI FI Channel Robot Special Competition "RoboDeath".
Though they announced this event in March of 2000, it turns out the SCI FI Channel was unable to follow through and produce it. What they did, instead, was spin-off a new division, SCI FI LABS. We continue working on B3, though not as frantically, in the hopes that Sci FI Labs will come through and provide a venue for it in competition...
Many details of B3 will remain secret until such time as (a) it competes, or (b) the team decides to make it's privates public.
Not surprisingly, B3 evolved in 3 stages that we called: MiniB, WannaB, and finally B3. I hope you enjoy watching B3 come to life as much as I have enjoyed working on it with an incredibly talented group of fellow robot fanatics.
MiniB
The initial prototype built with Lego Mindstorm(r) pneumatic components. The scorpion design was finalized with this model.
WannaB
(July 8, 2000) A full scale prototype built from wood, PVC pipe pneumatic cylinders and the front end of a 1975 Grand Toronado from a local junk yard. The cylinders actually work! WannaB gave the team a chance to see how the major components would go together using relatively inexpensive 2x4's before cutting metal. Here you can see my son Aaron actuating some of the stinger joints.
(August 2, 2000)
B3
(June 23, 2000) The ultimate "before" picture. This pile of steel will eventually take shape and become a force to be reckoned with!
(July 8, 2000) A momentous occasion for the B3 team. The first piece of steel is cut. Bill, Dave and Edwin watch the band saw do its work.
(August 21, 2000) Edwin welding portions of the base frame.
(June 23, 2000) The heart of B3; a Type I Volkswagon Beetle engine on its test stand. This motor will power the hydraulics that will put the BAD in B3.
(October 1, 2000) Edwin and Dave work on the underside of the B3 frame.
(October 1, 2000) One of the biggest challenges for the B3 team has been trying to make a 3 1/2 inch hole in 1/4 inch plate steel. The team first tried a hole saw that did little except dull up a perfectly good saw blade. When The Robot Group acquired access to a Smithy 3-in-1 machine, Tom spent many hours experimenting with various tools and techniques until he was able to slowly create a good cut. This hole is needed for the drive shaft to the main drive wheels. The hydraulic motor will mount to this plate. UPDATE (November 1, 2000): The addition of a rotary table to the 3-in-1 made completion of the holes much easier. We now have 2 nearly perfect mounting plates!
(December 14, 2000) So THAT'S where those darn plates go!
(December 14, 2000) Up close and personal with B3.
(December 14, 2000) Here you can see that we've got the rear caster wheels mounted and we have prop'ed up the front end with the drive wheels onto the front suspension arms.
Other B3 Related Links
B3 In The News! An excellent article written by John DeFore for the
San Antonio Current.
. The article covers The Robot Group and talks a little about the B3 project. To view the article Click
here.
The B3 Project Page at Simreal. Click
here.
Be sure to check out the site images for the proposed filming location. Apparently Cameron filmed some of the T3 ride film here for it's post-apocalyptic look.
The Robot Group Home Page. Click
here.
Without their support we never would have gotten this project off the ground.
Dave Pike's BEAM Robots and Other Oddities Page. Click
here.
Dave is an inspiration to us all!
E-Mail Us
If you would like to be an official B3 corporate sponsor or would like more information, click
here.
Questions, comments, etc to Eric click
here
This page last modified June 6, 2001.
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