Robot wars are a combat sport played out by robots which have been competitively constructed by teams of hobbyists, non-professionals and technological teams. There are many different versions and levels of ‘robot war’, and the sport itself has evolved from a television based phenomenon to a touring stadium-based event which welcomes all manner of entrants and challengers. Although the fundamental aim of the game is to build a strong, durable and aggressive robot which can eliminate its competitors, the various different types of robot wars and games have introduced further facets to the competition and there have been many types of tournaments and awards which concentrate on particular features of the robot design itself.
Originally the concept of robot wars was derived from some experiments carried out by LucasFilm designer Marc Thorpe. In the early 1990s he began developing the concept of modified robot-like remote-control contraptions which could be put through a number of tests and challenges which would eventually determine the most crafty and well-executed design. In 1994 Thorpe held the first Robot Wars competition at the Fort Mason Centre in San Francisco. Several similar competitions followed until interest began to be shown by TV production companies both in the U.S. and U.K. Eventually a production company began creating a Robot Wars television series which was shown on BBC 2 and was hosted in its first season by Jeremy Clarkson. Several seasons and spin-offs followed both in the US and UK until the programme was discontinued in 2002-2003.
Since the demise of the television program and spin-off series, robot wars have evolved into community based challenges and tournaments which are held regionally and nationally every year. Very much alive and well, the robot wars phenomenon looks to be here to stay.
Originally the concept of robot wars was derived from some experiments carried out by LucasFilm designer Marc Thorpe. In the early 1990s he began developing the concept of modified robot-like remote-control contraptions which could be put through a number of tests and challenges which would eventually determine the most crafty and well-executed design. In 1994 Thorpe held the first Robot Wars competition at the Fort Mason Centre in San Francisco. Several similar competitions followed until interest began to be shown by TV production companies both in the U.S. and U.K. Eventually a production company began creating a Robot Wars television series which was shown on BBC 2 and was hosted in its first season by Jeremy Clarkson. Several seasons and spin-offs followed both in the US and UK until the programme was discontinued in 2002-2003.
Since the demise of the television program and spin-off series, robot wars have evolved into community based challenges and tournaments which are held regionally and nationally every year. Very much alive and well, the robot wars phenomenon looks to be here to stay.