Builder Interview: Juan Restrepo
Combat robotics is built on curiosity, learning by doing, and the occasional pile of tangled wires. In this builder interview, Juan walks us through his journey into the sport, the evolution of his robot, and what keeps him excited to keep building and competing.
What is Your Name
Juan Restrepo
What is Your Robot(s) Name(s)?
Mustard sea pickles
How did you first discover combat robotics, and what made you decide to actually start building?
I discovered combat robotics off of battlebots, and then later found nhrl since I live like 5 minutes away from it and realized that I could also attempt to build a small enough 3lb bot to live out my dream of competing with my own combat robot.
What was the first bot you ever built, and what do you remember most about that experience?
My first bot ever was a viper wedge kit, and I remember the fact that the wires would tangle up every time I would drive cuz I messed up the face mounting of the motors.
Who were the early influences or people who helped you learn the ropes when you were just starting out?
My good friend seshan who is very experienced at building combat robots, as well as a variety of people across a bunch of discord servers.
How has your current bot evolved from your first version or first idea?
My current bot is a modified pbk, and it has evolved by going from a standard pbk, to one with pu forks and new weapon blades.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before building your first bot?
Don't be afraid to ask questions, no question is stupid and nobody's gonna call you out for anything as everyone starts somewhere.
Do you prefer building, driving, or strategy — and why?
For me, driving and building are nearly equally matched, as I enjoy both a ton. Strategy is definitely the lowest since the strategy is always spin weapon, hit opponent.
What was your favorite fight you’ve ever had and why?
My favorite fight so far was against power surge with a different bot, (2wd beater bar) and its my favorite fight to date because it was just an all out slug fest packed with drama.
What keeps you excited about the sport?
The so ever-changing meta and my desire to keep on learning.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about building their first bot?
Definitely start off with a kit, learn basic electrical components and what they do. And as stated before, join combat robot discord and ask questions.
What are your goals for your next event?
My goals for my next event are to see how well my new weapon blades perform.
Are there any events you hope to compete in the future?
I do eventually want to go to an event somewhere in Pennsylvania with an antweight.
Where do you see your bot, or yourself as a builder, a year from now?
In a year from now, I can see myself doing more work with my own custom fully 3d printed bots, as well as having more variety in terms of archetypes of bots and weight classes.
Mustard Sea Pickles: https://havocrundown.com/en/bot/mustard-sea-pickles-3lb
