Overview
GNARLY started as an idea and a funding pitch. I founded NITK’s first combat robotics program, secured over $3,000 through a management proposal, and led a 15-person team to design and build a competition-ready 15 kg combat robot for Engineer ‘23.
What I built
- One of India’s few four-wheel-drive (4WD) combat robots in the 15 kg category.
- A vertical bar spinner weapon with a belt-driven system and chain-driven drivetrain, tuned for speed, impact, and durability.
- Structural optimization and material selection across aluminium, titanium, and stainless steel to survive repeated high-energy impacts.
Highlights
The build demanded precision manufacturing — CNC machining, laser cutting, turning, welding, and manual machining — and taught the whole team how to make something that stays together when it’s being hit. As primary driver, I took the robot to podium finishes across multiple inter-university competitions.
Stack
SolidWorks · drivetrain & power transmission design · CNC · laser cutting · TIG welding · turning