Assemble a team to build the NXT battlebot. Advertise a "Robotics Club" by placing fliers around the school. Get recommendations from faculty advisers and hold Q&A sessions at other clubs based on technology. Use a video from the Lego MINDSTORMS website to give students an idea of what the finished project may look like and do.
Brainstorm the best elements of a robot that the group can be proud of. Put together a plan for the major systems of the Battlebot. This includes a motion system, weapons system and body type. Plan for the robot programming to adequately control each of these systems. Gather ideas for systems by reviewing other projects on the NXT website.
Build the robot foundation, establishing the core of the NXT Battlebot. Use instruction sets from Battlebots that are similar in function and design to your robot plan. Use schematics to get a sense of complex parts of the construction. Next, add mechanical components to the foundation, including moving parts, weapons and sensors. Work in groups of two or three, each constructing a component to add to the whole. Place the micro controller in the desired position and ensure that sensors are connected to sensor ports and motors are connected to motor ports.
Pick a computer to use for the Battlebot project and ensure all team members have access to it. Install the micro controller programming application on the computer. Give each team member time to play with the programming tool to understand how it operates. Use the NXT Software video to learn how the programming software is used to control robots.
Build the program your micro controller. Start by creating a list of commands --- write out each command --- and then construct the logic using the NXT programming application. Connect the NXT micro controller to the supplied USB cable and insert the other end of the cable into your computer to program the micro controller.
Test your Battlebot's functions. Place it in an obstacle course to check the motor and sensor functions. Place it in battle with another robot to test offense and defense systems. Challenge the robot's core features. For example, if the robot is designed to flip other robots, put obstacles in front of it to see how it performs at this task. Reprogram the Battlebot as necessary so that the timing and motor skills are optimal.