Bad Monkey

Bad Monkey
Participation Information
US 1994-1997 Events	1997
Team Information
Team Members	Gary Cline Lauren Cline
Sponsors	Cline Works
From	Novato, California
Other Entries	Spunkey Munkey (1996)
Robot Statistics
Drive	2x Sullivan starter motors
Weapons	Interchangeable saw/flail/blade
Statistics correct as of its most recent show/competition appearance, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

"He out-runs me, and he definitely outswings me through the trees!"

— Gary Cline on Bad Monkey

Bad Monkey was a featherweight robot which fought exclusively in the 1997 US Robot Wars competition. Competing in the Featherweight Face-Off, it lost both of its fights and ended the event winless.

Design

Official shot of Bad Monkey

The successor to Spunkey Munkey, which fought a year prior, Bad Monkey was a two-wheel drive robot, chain-driven by two starter motors cited as running at "around 6000rpm" according to captain and builder Gary Cline. Bad Monkey sported a box-shaped chassis made from aluminium. In response to the way in which Spunkey Munkey lost previously, Bad Monkey was able to run both ways up thanks to its large exposed wheels, Bad Monkey could be equipped with multitude of interchangeable weapons, including an abrasive saw, chain flail or sharp cutting blade, each of which were powered by an electric motor.

Adorning the front of the robot and sat behind the weapon was a motorised monkey for decoration, described as a "punching monkey" by fellow competitor Andrew Lindsey. Gary Cline cited the monkey's new sunglasses and shirt among upgrades for the 1997 competition. The monkey's legs were made by Gary Cline's wife, Laurie.

Robot History

1997 US Championship

Bad Monkey, facing and wall and immobile

In the first round of the featherweight face-off, Bad Monkey took on C3. For this battle, Bad Monkey was armed with its jagged cutting blade. The battle took place as a dual featherweight match, in tandem with Fuzzy versus Spiny Norman. Early on, C3 rammed into Bad Monkey and chased it around before retreating. Bad Monkey's blade was up to speed, but struggled to cause damage as Gary Cline's robot was turned around and left facing the arena wall. This hit broke one of Bad Monkey's solder joints, instantly disabling the machine.

As the fight between Fuzzy and Spiny Norman continued, C3 left Bad Monkey alone until the fight's end. Bad Monkey took the loss and fell into the loser's bracket.

Bad Monkey and TKO are stuck in an embrace

Bad Monkey was drawn against TKO and was equipped with its grinding blade for this must-win battle. It began by allowing TKO to approach, driving the length of the arena to meet Bad Monkey and slide underneath its weaponry. With Bad Monkey's weapon already out of contention, Gary Cline's machine used its larger size to slowly shove back. TKO's more nimble design meant it was able to reverse and twist away, pulling Bad Monkey with it on occasion. Soon after, both robots were deemed to be in an embrace according to Michael Meehan, and the fight was paused for crew to lift Bad Monkey free of its opponent.

Bad Monkey loses a wheel

The battle resumed and Bad Monkey took the opportunity to drive away from TKO. However, as it turned to face its opponent near the wall bumper hazard, the left wheel of Bad Monkey came loose and then fell off, leading to an audible reaction from the live crowd. Bad Monkey was now only able to drive in tight circles and did just that, waiting for its opponent to engage again. When it did, TKO caused minimal damage, but evaded the damaged weapon of Bad Monkey which was opting for a sit-and-spin approach. TKO bumped into Bad Monkey before charging at its front and becoming caught underneath the weapon assembly of Gary Cline's robot again, this time managing to free itself without intervention from event staff.

As Bad Monkey continued to spin in place, TKO rammed into its compromised left side before being pushed back by the wall bumper. As the fight entered its closing stages, TKO used its ramming blade to encourage Bad Monkey to the middle of the arena again, before getting in underneath and showing late aggression. The fight drew to a close and the judges declared TKO the winner. Bad Monkey's drivetrain had fallen apart in this battle, and after this second loss, Bad Monkey was formally retired.

Results

Wins/Losses

• Wins: 0
• Losses: 2

Series Record

Events	BAD MONKEY Event Record
1994	Did not enter
1995	Did not enter
1996	Did not enter
1997	Featherweight Face-Off, Loser's Bracket, Round 1

Gallery

Gary and Laurie Cline with Bad Monkey at the 1997 Robot Wars US Championship

Outside Robot Wars

Gary Cline was also involved in BattleBots, first as a competitor and later a judge. He fought with Crock in the 1999 Long Beach event before retiring from competition to judge the Las Vegas event held later that year. Following an ill-fated return with heavyweight robot Rage, Cline would return to this role for the third, fourth and fifth seasons of BattleBots on Comedy Central.

He was also a key figure in the development of the proposed Robotica event in 1998. Not to be confused with the TLC series of the same name, this was intended to be a successor to Robot Wars in the United States after Marc Thorpe and his dispute with Profile Records.

In April 2017, it was revealed that Gary Cline had passed away.

See Also

• Gary Cline (BattleBots)