Robot Wars: Series 8

Robot Wars (2016 series) is the upcoming series of Robot Wars. It was announced online via a BBC News article on the 13th January 2016 that the BBC, along with Mentorn Scotland, would be shooting 6 episodes in a new, purpose-built, bullet-proof arena in Glasgow.

The series will be presented by Dara Ó Briain, with Angela Scanlon as pit reporter, and Jonathan Pearce returning as commentator. Professor Noel Sharkey returns as a judge, alongside new judges Professor Sethu Vijayakumar and Lucy Rogers. Shooting of the televised episodes begins on March 4th, ending on March 14th, with a private pilot filming session taking place on February 29th, and a pilot with a live studio audience being filmed on March 1st. Construction for the new arena began on February 18th.

Representing the House Robots, Matilda, Dead Metal, Shunt and Sir Killalot are set to make a return, having been rebuilt with major upgrades, having appeared in their own promotional teaser trailers. Interestingly, these teasers used the versions of the house robots that appeared in Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars, rather than their upgraded versions. Refbot, Sgt. Bash, Mr. Psycho, Growler, and Cassius Chrome were confirmed by the BBC not to return.

The weight allowance for standard heavyweights has been increased to 110kg, while the weight limit for walkers has been reduced to 135kg, with the series only containing heavyweights. The arena floor will be covered with 6mm steel this time around, instead of the typical wooden boards. The arena will be set at a warehouse in Renfrew.

"Expect to see more robots, more battles and a bullet proof arena. You're welcome. #RobotWars"

- BBC Two's Twitter

"Day 1 and we've already had an incredible army of robot applications. This is shaping up to be an incredible series. Watch this space for some amazing teasers about what's to come ‪#‎robotwars‬"

- UK Robot Wars Facebook page

Format
The series will consist of six episodes, but the format of each episode has not yet been released.

Pilot Episode
Before filming of the main series took place, a pilot episode was recorded on March 1st to test the camera equipment, which would go unaired as part of the main series.

Robots Competing: Basher, Ka-Pow!, Merlin, Monty, Reaper, Tanto, Turbulence, Wraith

Other robots in attendance: Beta

Round 1
 * Basher vs Ka-Pow! vs Tanto vs Turbulence: Ka-Pow! & Turbulence qualified
 * Merlin vs Monty vs Reaper vs Wraith: Merlin & Reaper qualified

Note: Wraith had technical problems and was forced to withdraw at the last minute.

Head-to-Head battles
 * Turbulence vs Reaper: Turbulence won
 * Turbulence vs Merlin: Turbulence won
 * Ka-Pow! vs Merlin: Merlin won

Heat Final
 * Ka-Pow! vs Turbulence: Turbulence won

''NOTE: Ka-Pow! was put through to this stage due to time constraints''