By Nuwan Ariyarathna – IEEE IES Student Branch Chapter at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

The Mechatronics Technology Students Society (MTSS), supported by the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) Student Branch Chapter at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, organized ElectroCombat on August 3rd, 2024, at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. This full-day event saw an enthusiastic turnout of 400-500 spectators, while 30 teams of competitors brought their innovative, custom-built robots to the battlefield.

The event’s main highlight was the intense head-to-head robotic combat, where participants demonstrated not only engineering skills but also strategic thinking. Robots were designed to withstand and outperform opponents, showcasing advanced mechatronic systems and problem-solving under pressure. The energy in the arena was electric, with each round pushing participants to innovate further and spectators cheering as robots clashed in exciting, action-packed battles.

In addition to the combat, the event emphasized collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and technical growth. ElectroCombat served as a platform for competitors to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, promoting teamwork and creativity in a high-stakes environment. The event fostered a spirit of innovation and learning, encouraging students to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics.

The competition concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing the top-performing teams for their ingenuity and technical excellence. The outcomes of ElectroCombat were not only the crowning of champions but also the furthering of engineering expertise and community building within the field of mechatronics. Participants left inspired, having exchanged ideas and learned from each other in a collaborative and competitive setting.

Overall, ElectroCombat highlighted the growing interest and talent in robotics and mechatronics at the university, setting a high standard for future competitions. The event stands as a testament to the creativity and dedication of the participants and organizers alike, and it continues to inspire innovation in the field of robotics.