Soldier Ant

Soldier Ant is a robot which competed in the Robot Wars: Battle of the Stars, as part of the 2017 series. It was designed by documentary host Neil Oliver, who was mentored by Team Shock’s Will Thomas throughout the competition process.

The name Soldier Ant is derived from the insect of the same name, as some ants are capable of delivering fatal bites, even to humans.

Design
Soldier Ant is similar in appearance to Tiberius, armed with a steep triangular wedge, and a hydraulic vertical crusher, with 3 tonnes of crushing force. Its armour was also strong, with 8mm of HARDOX steel and 3mm steel providing protection, but Soldier Ant cannot self-right, and has exposed tyres.

Team
Neil Oliver is a television presenter, archaeologist and author. Oliver has hosted a long list of BBC documentaries, including the long-running Coast, and also Vikings, which was referenced by Jonathan Pearce. Coincidentally, Neil Oliver was born in Renfrewshire, where the Robot Wars Arena is found.

Two of Neil Oliver's three children also joined him on the team, 10-year old Teddy, and 8-year old Archie. Teddy drove Soldier Ant in the arena, while Archie operated the crusher.

Will Thomas is the captain of Team Shock, who reached the Grand Final of the 2016 series with Shockwave. Based on this success, Thomas was chosen to mentor the team, and make repairs when necessary.

Battle of the Stars
Soldier Ant competed in Episode 2.

Results

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Wins/Losses

 * Wins: 1
 * Losses: 2

Series Record
NOTE: This series record reflects the performance of mentor Will Thomas

Trivia

 * Soldier Ant was first unofficially revealed online through a tweet from Dara Ó Briain, on December 2nd, 2016.