Robot Wars, a smash hit TV show that delighted millions from 1998 through 2004. Since its comeback in 2016, the beat has gone through a thrilling renaissance. The show not only entertained viewers but turned robots like Sergeant Bash, Shunt, and Sir Killalot into household names. As evidenced by the committed community of makers behind it, the spirit of Robot Wars lives on in full force all over the UK.
Becky Dowson is a determined roboteer based in Nottingham. She has taken her fantastic inventions on the show circuit throughout the country, including her killer bots Parallelogram and Thwack Sabbath. Dowson is a frequent visitor to a UK Robot Wars club, which meets in a former farm building outside York. More than thirty people make up this dedicated, vibrant group.
With multiple competitions to choose from, the club provides the option for participants to compete in sportsman-focused events as well as full-combat competitions. Dowson wants you to know about the important camaraderie and excitement built into these events, so he adds,
“It’s not so much about winning, it’s just about having a good fight.” – Becky Dowson
Colin Scott, an experienced contestant who featured in four seasons of the original series, feels the same way. His unique style of robot-building is characterized by the use of common materials. Scott explains,
“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
Scott also notes the importance of reliability as foundational in robot design. It doesn’t matter how ruinous a robot is, if the robot isn’t operable then it won’t succeed. He states,
“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 reminisce at how life-changing their formative experiences with Robot Wars were. Dowson remembers her childhood excitement about the show, saying,
“I was obsessed, I’d get all the toys and everything for Christmas.” – Becky Dowson
Andrew Davies, chair of Robodojo Andrew Davies credits the show with a massive change in his life. That’s the thing, when I first watched Robot Wars, I was only about three or four. In hindsight, that early exposure is what ignited his lifelong obsession with robotics. His role with Robodojo is part of the extension of that innocent young love.
The community that exists around Robot Wars isn’t just about the combat, but the connections made through shared experiences and friendships. Dowson is filled with happiness from the exhilaration of war, writing,
“I find the most satisfying part is just smashing into things really hard. I find it very therapeutic.” – Becky Dowson
The spirit of Robot Wars continues on, in part, by competitions held by the club around York. These events are what ignite the passion in new generations. Passionate roboteers Colin Scott and Becky Dowson got the machines stomping on Robot Wars Colossal Crashes. Their enthusiasm drives the energy and innovation of the competition, making it vibrant and healthy.