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RICHMOND AREA BOT INSTIGATED DESTRUCTION

SANDSTON, Virginia

At RABID (Richmond Area Bot Instigated Destruction), our mission is to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through the exhilarating world of combat robotics. We are a non-profit organization based in Richmond, dedicated to building a vibrant community of innovators, tinkerers, and dreamers who come together to design, construct, and battle insect-weight robots—tiny machines with big potential, like antweight (1 lb), beetleweight (3 lb), and fairyweight (150 g) classes. Our work is about more than just smashing robots; it’s about smashing barriers to education and opportunity. We believe that hands-on learning is the key to unlocking creativity and problem-solving skills in people of all ages, especially young minds eager to explore the possibilities of technology. Through our workshops, tournaments, and community events, we provide a space where participants can dive into the nuts and bolts of robotics—literally. From mastering CAD design in tools like Fusion 360 to experimenting with 3D printing and fabrication, RABID equips individuals with the practical skills and confidence to turn their ideas into reality. Our robot arenas become classrooms, where every clang of metal and whir of motors teaches lessons in engineering, teamwork, and resilience. But we can’t do this alone. As a donor, you are the fuel that keeps our mission running. Your support directly funds the materials, tools, and spaces we need to host competitions, offer free educational workshops, and provide resources to aspiring roboticists who might otherwise lack access. Every dollar you contribute helps us purchase motors, batteries, and printing filament, or cover the costs of renting venues for our electrifying events. It’s an investment in education, innovation, and the future—an opportunity to empower the next generation of inventors who might one day design the technologies that change the world. RABID is more than a non-profit; it’s a movement. We’re building a community where enthusiasts, educators, and students come together to celebrate the thrill of creation and competition. Our tournaments—like local melees and regional showdowns—draw crowds and inspire participants to push the limits of what’s possible with a few pounds of metal and a lot of ingenuity. For donors, this means your contribution doesn’t just fund a project; it amplifies a ripple effect of curiosity, skill-building, and excitement that spreads far beyond our arena. We invite you to join us in this mission. Your generosity can help us expand our outreach, bringing STEM opportunities to underserved schools and neighborhoods. It can sponsor a young builder’s first robot or support a volunteer-led class on robot design. Together, we can make RABID a beacon for technological discovery and a launchpad for future leaders. Donate today, and let’s build something extraordinary—one robot, one lesson, one inspired mind at a time.

Who We Are

RABID is a Richmond-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and fostering a thriving community through the dynamic and exciting world of combat robotics. Founded on the belief that learning should be hands-on, creative, and fun, we bring together enthusiasts, students, educators, and innovators to design, build, and battle lightweight robots in a safe, supportive, and electrifying environment. Our ... Read More

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