Robot Battle – January 30, 2005

The Robot Battle segment on NTV’s “World Records” program yesterday was even more interesting than the previous week’s competition. Here’s a few highlights:

The engineers/designers were all extremely ‘hands-on’, and almost always hold their robot in one hand while they program routines on the computer to drive it.

This particular competitor is a motor specialist. He designed and constructed special heavy-duty motors for his robot. One of his test routines is to have the robot punch a large metal chest across the floor.

The competitors usually have a good sense of humor. This robot did a great imitation of a sumo wrestler’s routine.

Of course if your robot is going to compete, what better way to show off its power than to have it break a stack of bricks?

One quick, strong, and true blow was all it took.

The other competitor was also very hands-on.

His robot, Omni-striker, featured a long shaft connected to one hand that could be rapidly extended. . .

while the other hand came equipped with a mini-robot sized samurai sword.

This weeks battle was extremely hot and hectic. Lots of pushing, shoving, and a fair share of blows being landed right on target.

One very unusual, but totally within the rules, strategy is to stand on your head as the robot on the left is doing.

Pushing, pushing, and more pushing. . .

And sooner or later one of the robots goes flying out of the ring.