That legacy is still alive and well as fans from around the UK come to battle it out at Robodojo combat club, always near York. The legendary series went on to air from 1998 to 2004. It captivated audiences with massive, mechanical monster mashups and the innovative designs of hometown roboteers. Its return in 2016 re-introduced a whole new generation to familiar faces like Sergeant Bash, Shunt and the terrifying Sir Killalot.
Becky Dowson, a fiery young roboteer from Nottingham, travels great distances across the country. She races with her loyal automatons, usually nicknamed bots, in competitions and exhibition matches against other robot builders. She is the only girl among the approximately 30 roboteers who regularly attend the Robodojo club. There, they participate in traditional sportsman and full-combat competitions.
Andrew Davies, chair of the Robodojo club, grew up watching the original Robot Wars that inspired the club today. He remembers having watched the series at a mere three or four years of age and how it sparked his love for robotics. Commonplace in the club are competitors working hard to help keep the spirit of Robot Wars Thunderbirds Are Go!
Colin Scott, a long time veteran of the robotic combat underground, first appeared on Robot Wars in 1998. He even entered his debut robot, ‘Piece De Resistance’, into competition. Throughout that time Scott has built 25 robots and competed in four seasons of the show. His adventures serve as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that is the collective spirit of roboteering.
“I build mine out of bits and pieces I can find; microwave oven, dodgem car, old dustbins. I’ve had old dustbins on Robot Wars.” – Colin Scott
For Scott, reliability is the most important thing in robotic combat. He reminds us that effectiveness needs to take precedence over mere capacity to destroy.
“Reliability – you can make it as destructive as you like but if it doesn’t move, you’ve got nothing.” – Colin Scott
Both Dowson and Scott can’t help but express a similar hope. For Dowson, the experience of competition is more than winning — it’s the excitement of the fight that matters.
“It’s not so much about winning, it’s just about having a good fight.” – Becky Dowson
Scott reflects this philosophy even further in the way he runs competitions. He would much rather win by out-driving his opponent than overpowering them and he has the skill for it.
“I don’t enjoy smashing them, I like beating them fairly with good driving, good skill and technique.” – Colin Scott
Robodojo is already hard at work fostering this exciting new breed of colorful roboteers. Indeed, the event reflects just how abiding the blistering, whirring excitement of Robot Wars continues to be. The club’s home—an old farm building outside of York—provides an inspiring setting for its members. Here, aspiring engineers and military veterans can develop their skills — all while bonding over their shared love of robotics.