BattleBots builders use AI simulation to design fighters

BattleBots engineers are using AI-powered simulations to test weapon designs and materials before robots enter the arena. CoreWeave has been named the official AI cloud partner of BattleBots. Senior engineer Rob Bahr says builders simulate weapon types such as bars, circles, and single-tooth designs to determine optimal offense and defense strategies. Rapidly changing materials like 3D-printed plastics and rubbers are also being tested through simulation. Bahr expects AI to drive both simulation and eventual robot autonomy, creating a leapfrog effect that pushes the sport forward.