Craig Croucher and his gang of metallurgic misfits from the Bot Builders turned out some serious hardware recently at the UK Championships for autonomous death-machines. The venue for the event was the St Michael’s Centre in Stoke Gifford, Bristol. Almost 300 spectators packed in to this hot, hair-raising action. It featured nearly 50 entrants, each fighting to the death with a robot no heavier than 1.5 kilograms.
The vibe was electric as BattleBots fans and robot aficionados of all stripes came out to see the carnage. Rivals fought tooth and nail, with spinning discs being the weapon of destruction to destroy all other robots. These discs are even more intense—their speeds can reach up to 250 mph (402 kph). When they do hit their targets, they unleash catastrophic kinetic energy. Croucher highlighted the effectiveness of these weapons, stating, “They can really throw them around and cut them up.”
Croucher called the robot-building community a “lovely community,” focusing on how unique the participants have been. “The competitors are normal people from all walks of life,” he noted, revealing that many use this unique form of competition as an opportunity to learn more about science and technology.
Innovation was the name of this year’s game, with competitors exceeding the limits of what robotic technology is capable of. One of those entries included an autonomous robot that had the whiz-bang factor of the event. Widget not in any sidebars. “We’ve even got an autonomous robot here today,” Croucher remarked, showcasing the advancements being made in the field.
What made the tournament so exhilarating was not just the fight — it was the friendly competitive environment. Croucher explained, “The best way to win is to disable your opponent, however that might be.” The suspense and excitement of watching these robots smash each other apart was so fun for the crowd that built an amazing atmosphere to the event.
Looking back on how the badger-fence-off went down, Croucher added, “It’s always super inspiring. The objectives of the event centered on fostering an inclusive learning environment that broadens participation to more effectively engage the diverse community within and around Pittsburgh. He continued, stressing, “We really want to make it very simple.” This keeps robotic combat fun and welcoming for new competitors while providing a challenge to seasoned builders.
Continuing a four-year trend, this year’s championships were an unequivocal success. They prove that robot fighting’s long-lasting attraction as a thrilling sport and effective educational tool. The spectacle amazed audiences in the US with heartbreaking, heart-stopping artistry. It connected participants with each other, developing a deep camaraderie exemplified in Bristol’s colorful community of robotic tinkerers.