Build-N-BASH

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What inspired you to make this project?
This project has followed the engineering process for the past 6 years we aren't counting 2020

What are some of the challenges you have encountered and how did you address them?
The Evolution of Fold‑N‑Fight: From Paper Battles to Build‑N‑Bash

What began as a fun, hands-on challenge involving folded paper and simple wheeled chassis has grown into something far more innovative, immersive, and educational. Over the years, this project has evolved through multiple phases, each shaped by lessons in creativity, sustainability, and engineering. Today, we're proud to introduce the latest evolution in our journey—Build‑N‑Bash—the ultimate maker combat experience that builds on everything we’ve learned and brings it to life in the most exciting way yet.

Phase One: Fold‑N‑Fight

The original concept—Fold‑N‑Fight—was a charming, low-tech introduction to combat robotics for makers of all ages. Participants folded paper into imaginative bot shapes, mounted them onto small motorized chassis, and faced off in lively battles. It was fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly competitive. The simplicity of the format made it accessible to schools, maker faires, and families across the country.

As popular as it was, we began noticing the downside: waste. Paper bots were often destroyed after each battle, and over time, the disposable nature of the materials created sustainability concerns. This prompted us to pause and rethink.

Phase Two: Doodle‑N‑Duel

After a 2–3 year hiatus, we returned with a creative twist—Doodle‑N‑Duel. This second phase let makers draw their own designs onto reusable surfaces. It was meant to introduce a more artistic and personal touch, but ultimately, it lacked the mechanical depth and replayability that defined the original. It was a necessary experiment, but not the long-term solution.

During this time, we saw a wave of imitators—projects that borrowed elements from Fold‑N‑Fight but lacked the process, scalability, or engineering depth to truly evolve the idea. Some recreated the format with minimal changes, relying on gimmicks rather than growth. Others attempted to simplify the idea even further, but lost the excitement and engagement that made Fold‑N‑Fight so memorable. It became clear: it wasn’t just about putting paper on wheels. The real value came from empowering makers to imagine, build, test, and improve.

Phase Three: Build‑N‑Bash

That insight led us to Build‑N‑Bash, the third and most ambitious phase of our project.

No more paper. No more shortcuts. This is the real deal.

Build‑N‑Bash uses real 3-pound BattleBot-style chassis as the foundation. These are not toys—they're motorized platforms with serious drive systems, engineered for performance. Participants are challenged to create their own weapons using Technic LEGOs and mount them to these battle-ready bases. The weapons can be flippers, lifters, spinners, or pushers—limited only by creativity and understanding of mechanics.

The result? A dynamic, modular, and fully customizable combat experience where every maker gets to be an engineer, designer, and competitor. And because the weapons are built from reusable LEGO components and the chassis are built to last, Build‑N‑Bash is sustainable by design—no throwaway materials, no post-event landfill.

What Sets Build‑N‑Bash Apart

In a world full of maker events and DIY demos, Build‑N‑Bash stands apart by embracing real engineering principles while staying accessible and fun.

Authentic hardware: We use 3-lb competition-grade chassis, not cardboard or fragile platforms. That brings weight classes, torque, and real-world engineering into play.

Creative control: Unlike rigid templates or overly simplified builds, our system puts design choices in the hands of the maker. Want a hammer arm? A double-spinner? You can build it.

Sustainable approach: Gone are the days of one-and-done builds. All components are modular and reusable, minimizing waste and maximizing learning potential.

Educational focus: Build‑N‑Bash doesn’t just entertain—it teaches. Makers follow a full engineering cycle: design, test, iterate, and improve. It’s a process grounded in problem-solving, not just play.

Beyond Replication—Real Innovation

We've seen many projects attempt to replicate the success of earlier maker battles, but often what’s missing is the intentional growth—the design iteration that turns a fun idea into a robust, scalable experience. Build‑N‑Bash isn’t a shortcut or rebrand. It’s the product of years of testing, community feedback, and hands-on experience across dozens of events.

Where others may mimic the surface—folded bots, quick builds, easy-to-run demos—Build‑N‑Bash goes deeper. It invites participants into the heart of what makes engineering exciting: problem-solving, trial and error, and the thrill of watching your custom machine come to life in the arena.

Looking Forward

Build‑N‑Bash is already gaining traction with schools, maker camps, and STEM events. Its mix of creativity, competition, and real-world engineering makes it an ideal platform for both fun and education. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a returning Fold‑N‑Fight veteran, there’s something new to learn and build.

As we continue to grow, our mission stays the same: empower makers of all ages to design, build, and battle with purpose—and to learn by doing. With Build‑N‑Bash, the evolution of the maker combat experience is finally where it belongs: in the hands of the makers themselves.