Partner: MakerspaceCT
Project: Maker Battle 2025 (Combat Robotics Competition)
Industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, STEM Education
SendCutSend Services: Laser Cutting, CNC Routing, Metal Fabrication
At SendCutSend, we’re here to support turning bold ideas into real-world results. We know that innovation doesn’t just happen in labs. It’s built one part at a time, with grit, creativity, and the right tools.
That’s why we launched our STEM Sponsorship Program: to equip students, makers, and educators. With professional-grade resources, they can create, iterate, and learn by doing.
One of this year’s standout scholarship recipients is MakerspaceCT, host of the Maker Battle 2025. Maker Battle is New England’s only small-bot combat competition. And it’s more than a robotics challenge, it’s a launchpad for future engineers, fabricators, machinists, and problem-solvers.
What Is Maker Battle 2025?
Battling robots? Check. CAD modeling and mechanical engineering? Double check.
Maker Battle 2025 invites participants to design and build one-pound combat robots from scratch. They learn about engineering fundamentals, 3D printing, precision electronics, and digital fabrication along the way.
From first-time builders to returning teams, students gain hands-on experience solving real-world engineering problems in a high-energy, high-impact format.
“This competition is not just about battling robots—it’s about engineering bridges to opportunity,” said David Weinholtz of MakerspaceCT.
Stronger Bots, Smarter Designs, Real-World Tools
With access to laser-cut aluminum chassis, CNC-routed panels, and precision-cut armor plates, students aren’t just competing. They’re engineering with tools typically reserved for the pros.
This access has transformed the way teams approach design and fabrication. It enables faster prototyping and more advanced engineering. They gain a deeper understanding of real-world manufacturing workflows.
“SendCutSend’s precision fabrication lets students stretch their creativity and quickly refine their builds. We know the parts will be precise, affordable, and on time,” said Weinholtz.
From modular armor and custom weapon arms to swappable drive components, teams are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They experiment, iterate, and improve with each round.
“The durability and customization options have inspired more advanced engineering approaches and sparked greater excitement,” added the MakerspaceCT team.
Expanding Access with a Portable Arena and a Powerful Partnership
Makerspace CT is taking it mobile! Thanks to SendCutSend’s support, MakerspaceCT was able to design and build a fully portable combat robotics arena. It was ready just in time for the April 2025 Maker Battle.
This mobile setup allows them to bring hands-on robotics experiences directly to schools and community centers across Connecticut. They’re eliminating transportation barriers and making STEM education more accessible than ever. In doing so, they ensure that every student, no matter their background, has access to the mentors and opportunities they need to thrive from classroom to industry.
“We’ve expanded our mobile STEM programming to new off-site locations—significantly increasing student engagement across multiple schools,” said the MakerspaceCT team.
This isn’t just a traveling arena, it’s a traveling classroom. A recruitment pipeline. A spark for students who’ve never touched a CAD program or a fabrication tool before.
The Power of Precision in Education
But what happens after the robots stop spinning? For many students, the lessons stick and so does the spark.
Following the April 2025 event, and with new connections in their toolbelts, students reported a growing interest in mechatronics, CAD modeling, and careers in advanced manufacturing. The momentum doesn’t stop there.
Thanks to this year’s sponsorship, MakerspaceCT is also supporting a recurring training and recruitment platform for Connecticut’s future workforce.
“SendCutSend is helping us scale our Engineering Fundamentals Course and other workforce training programs,” shared Weinholtz.
In upcoming programs, middle school sumo bots and high school combat teams will learn vector graphics. They will model their own armor panels, manufactured with help from SendCutSend.
“We’re creating momentum, especially in underserved communities,” said the team at MakerspaceCT. “With the right partner—like SendCutSend—we’re able to give students real tools, real materials, and a real sense of what’s possible.”
Ready to Build the Future
With more events approaching fast, new and returning teams are hard at work bringing their designs to life. Many are using SendCutSend’s materials to prototype smarter, lighter, and more precise robots.
Want to check out the action? Visit MakerspaceCT and follow them on social to catch the latest updates on Maker Battle 2025.
We’re honored to play a part in their journey. For us, it’s not just about fabrication. It’s about fostering opportunity, access, and inspiration for the next generation of makers and engineers.
If you’re working on a project that pushes the limits of STEM education, we want to hear from you. Our STEM Sponsorship Program has three application opportunities per year: August 1- October 10, January 1 – March 10, and June 1 – July 10. We’re looking for teams and organizations who are ready to make something incredible.
