Maker Battle Competition in Hartford on July 29

MakerspaceCT in downtown Hartford will be the center of the action on Saturday, July 29 when Maker Battle returns to the Capital City at MakerspaceCT. Inspired by popular TV shows and the National Robotics League, Maker Battle 2023 aims to connect the community with the mission of MakerspaceCT robotics technology, and provide a window on all that robotics is capable of in our lives and careers.

The global market for robots is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 26% to reach just under $210 billion by 2025, according to statistica.com.

“Robotics is essential to a rapidly growing array of industries, and increasingly indispensable in our daily lives,” says Devra Sisitsky, Executive Director of MakerspaceCT. “Robots spark creativity and innovation that connect people with the passion for these cutting-edge machines, and the dynamic technology is what careers are made of.”

Registration is now open for Round 2 of Maker Battle 2023; the event is a battle where competitors pit their remote-controlled 1 lb. robots against each other for bragging rights and other prizes. A double-elimination tournament with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, there is a cap of 25 bots for this day, competing in 2-minute rounds or until one robot has been disabled.

While the event on July 29 is a competition, it also represents an opportunity to bring the community together. MakerspaceCT is a resource for Hartford, Greater Hartford, and Connecticut, connecting with leaders in business and industry, and providing opportunities to learn new skills that are in demand by Connecticut employers. Maker Battle will also bring networking and promotional opportunities alongside an exciting and dynamic event for the Hartford community, featuring access to like-minded makers and members from MakerspaceCT.

Sponsors include Team HUGE, DRT Aerospace, Liberty Bank, Mark Summers, Pullman & Comley, CBIA, ConnStep, and ReadyCT. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. On July 29, set-up and check-in will begin at 8:00 am; following the battle rounds in the morning and afternoon, the day will conclude with awards ceremony at 4:15 pm. Spectator fee for adults is $5; 5-year-olds and younger are free. The BOT registration fee for participants is $40.

Go to https://makerspacect.org/makerbattle/ for information and registration. There will be live streaming of the competition so the festivities can be shared with family, friends, and colleagues.

A report by the Robotic Industries Association details increasing robotics use in industries including life sciences and pharmaceuticals; food and consumer goods; plastics and rubber; automotive; semi-conductor, electronics and photonics; and metals.

MakerspaceCT - the largest makerspace in Connecticut and the second largest in New England - features nearly 30,000 square feet of workshops which support an almost limitless variety of material types and fabrication processes: CNC Machining, Metal Fabrication, 3D Printing, Laser Engraving, Vacuum Forming and much more — equipment that is, in many cases, too expensive or too large for a home or small business to accommodate. The entire facility contains innovative technologies and equipment for the entrepreneur and DIYers to bring napkin sketch concepts to reality every day.

As a non-profit, open since 2019, the facility is positioned to bridge the gap between traditional skills and advanced technologies. MakerspaceCT is an on-ramp to many technologies for the Hartford region. High-tech specialties can be explored offering members and students an opportunity to access equipment, iterate and create. Maker Battle 2023 will help MakerspaceCT continue to provide equipment, community, and education through an unconventional medium.

MakerspaceCT hosts classes in metal, wood and plastic fabrication while facilitating education in prototype and manufacturing techniques. Members explore the latest electronics, computer aided design (CAD) software coupled with CAM, 3D printing and CNC driven machinery. In addition to skills-based learning, MakerspaceCT offers a unique blend of shop experiences by hosting manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and students all in the same labs to learn, gain knowledge, using a hands-on approach and collaboration.

Located in the historic G.Fox building in downtown Hartford at 36 Talcott Street, MakerspaceCT provides opportunities, not only for entrepreneurs and small businesses, but also for local hobbyists, crafters, students and artists, providing training for individuals seeking to expand their skills and companies looking to expand their product lines.