Locked for Combat: How Bloodsport Stays Powered with Kona Connectors

When a simple connector failure threatened to end their matches, Team Bloodsport needed a solution as tough as their 250-pound robot. They needed a connector that would be maintain power through the most extreme shock and vibration - we knew that they needed Kona Power Connectors.

For Team Bloodsport, every three-minute match in the BattleBots arena is a brutal test of engineering. Their 250-pound robot is built to inflict and withstand immense punishment. Yet, one of its greatest vulnerability wasn't a piece of armour or a weapon, but a component often taken for granted: the electrical connector.

As team captain Justin Marple explains, common problems with connectors in combat robotics include that they are usually bulky, heat up under high power loads, and — most critically — can unplug themselves due to the violent impacts.

In previous configurations, Bloodsport incorporated simple friction-fit connectors into its powerful drive motor system. The team relied on simple friction-fit connectors that would inevitably shake loose during the violent collisions of combat, instantly severing power to a drive motor. This loss of mobility in the arena could result in a “TKO” for the robot.

So what kind of forces are these components up against? The environment inside the BattleBox tells the whole story. Bloodsport's primary weapon is a 60-pound bar of AR600 steel that spins horizontally at speeds of up to 250 mph.

The robot intentionally smashes this blade into another 250-pound machine, generating incredible levels of shock and vibration that ripple through every component. On top of this, the robot must weather attacks from opponents, including flamethrowers that test the heat resistance of every part. A simple friction-fit connector was never designed to hold together under these forces.

Seeking a solution, the team identified Harwin's Kona connectors as a potential upgrade. Justin's initial assessment highlighted their robust design, intended for harsh military and automotive applications. The key features that addressed Bloodsport's specific failure points were:

As Justin Marple succinctly put it, "Harwin solves all of these combat problems by creating a small connector that has a screw lock with excellent contacts"

Team Bloodsport implemented the Kona connectors for their drive system at the most recent BattleBots tournament at Caesars Entertainment Studios in Las Vegas. The results were immediate and decisive.

"The matches went really well, the new connectors worked flawlessly. That’s really all I can say because the results of our tournament are still under NDA," Justin reported with a smirk.

The secure locking mechanism completely eliminated the issue of the connectors unplugging. This newfound reliability had a direct impact on performance, giving the team "much more confidence with the robot."

Knowing the drive system's electrical connections were no longer a weak point allowed for more aggressive manoeuvres and a greater focus on strategy, rather than worrying about component failure. The Kona connectors proved to be a perfect fit, surviving the brutal environment and providing the reliable performance the team critically needed.