- "This is BioHazard. It's got a lifting arm that can pretty much turn over anything."
- — Carlo Bertocchini in the American Robot Wars 1996 VHS
BioHazard was a combat robot built by Carlo Bertocchini which debuted at the 1996 US Robot Wars competition. Bearing revolutionary weaponry and design features for its time - including a four-bar lifting arm - it prevailed as that year's Heavyweight Face-Off champion. Similarly dominant performances in 1997 allowed an upgraded BioHazard to defend its Face-Off title and win an audience vote in the Heavyweight Melee Finals; it would be officially declared the co-champion of both tournaments alongside Blendo. Additional accolades for BioHazard included the 'Best Design' and 'Best Engineering' awards for 1996.[4][5][6]
BioHazard's 1996 performances were documented heavily and the robot itself received significant focus in the American Robot Wars 1996 VHS release. Brief highlights of its Face-Off and Melee runs from that year were also featured as part of a segment in Heat D of Robot Wars: The First Wars, marking its only appearance in the original UK television series.
Design[]
- "This is BioHazard, it has a couple of electric actuators here, that raise this arm up and try to flip over one of the robots. It's got four big batteries back here, about fifty pounds of battery and thirty pound of motors here, think it's about three horse power in total, on the drive and on the arm. And I got spring loaded anti intrusion devices to stop other robots, other wedges from getting underneath me. And my scoop here is also spring loaded so I can get underneath any other robot, it can pick up a piece of paper off the ground."
- — Carlo Bertocchini, describing his robot in an interview from the American Robot Wars 1996 VHS
For its 1996 debut, BioHazard was a four-wheel drive robot with a low, rectangular-shaped profile and a silver color scheme with a red biohazard logo on top. The robot's name was labelled in yellow, red and black on the rear panel.
At just 4.33 inches (11cm) tall,[1] it was among the lowest competitors of the 1994-1997 era, and one of the lowest heavyweights ever built. BioHazard's distinctive appearance was made possible through the extensive use of machined aluminum in its chassis construction.[7] Carlo Bertocchini explained that the low height not only provided a low center of gravity - making BioHazard difficult to 'tip' over - but also allowed it to be out of reach for most chainsaws and other spinning weapons of that period.[2]
BioHazard's weapon was a four-bar lifting arm operated by two electrically-powered linear actuators,[1] with a tall reach and two spring-loaded front plates resembling forks. This made it one of the most effective robots in the competition, using its arm to hoist and turn opponents over - many of which lacked a self-righting mechanism. Indeed, the arm itself proved to have self-righting capabilities mid-tournament, making BioHazard one of the first fighting robots believed to have done so at any combat event.
Though this incarnation did not have the anti-wedge skirts added in later competitions, spring-loaded anti-intrusion devices were fitted underneath BioHazard's chassis to prevent other competitors from breaching its own ground clearance. As stated by Carlo Bertocchini in American Robot Wars 1996, a total of 50lbs was allocated for its four 'big' batteries, and 30lbs for motors. These provided a total output of 3hp for both the drive and weapon systems.
For the 1997 event, BioHazard's external design was updated with titanium side skirts - referred to as 'fenders' by Carlo Bertocchini - replacing the earlier anti-intrusion devices. These skirts, attached to 'military-spec' aluminum hinges, brought the robot closer to its later BattleBots appearance, though the lifter retained its twin spring-loaded front plates. The four-wheel drive system was upgraded to a six-wheeled configuration, utilizing two-stage speed reduction and bicycle-type chains. BioHazard's construction comprised of a mix of aluminum, titanium, magnesium and steel. While the new skirts served their purpose in limiting opportunities for opponents to breach its ground clearance, the rear skirt eliminated the robot's capability to self-right. Bertocchini stated that it took four months to upgrade BioHazard from its 1996 incarnation.[2][3]
Robot History[]
1996 US Championship[]
- "I've attended the two previous Robot Wars and I thought I'd give it a shot this year. "
- — Carlo Bertocchini
In its debut Robot Wars event, BioHazard initially competed in the 1996 Heavyweight Face-Off. The first round saw it drawn against fellow newcomer Robert Redford Jr., entered by William Bakleinikoff.
BioHazard lifts Robert Redford Jnr onto its back
BioHazard approached the slow-moving Robert Redford Jr. in the opening moments, where it nudged and gave its opponent a sideways flick. Reversing, it proceeded to shove Robert Redford Jr. past an arena flipper, before pinning and turning it over against the side wall - a moment televised in The First Wars. BioHazard was quickly declared to have secured its first-ever win.
- "Robert Redford Jr.'s weaponry wasn't much help here. The BioHazard's lift arm made sure of that."
- — Paul Vallis
In the second round, BioHazard fought TerMinal frenZy, an axe-wielding machine from Team Minus Zero.
BioHazard lifts TerMinal frenZy over
It quickly sped forward as TerMinal frenZy attempted to position itself for an attack. A head-to-head collision resulted in BioHazard weathering an early axe blow, ultimately blocking the attack with its arm. The exchange had the effect of briefly lifting TerMinal frenZy off the floor, though without flipping it entirely over. Upon retracting its arm, BioHazard proceeded to get underneath and turn TerMinal frenZy completely over.
- "Unfortunately, TerMinal frenZy's hammer just bounced off BioHazard, who made very short work of flipping him over."
- — Paul Vallis
After turning around and performing a victory drive, it closed back in on TerMinal frenZy, whose attempts to self-right were thwarted by a blown motor board.[8] TerMinal frenZy abandoned these attempts and began smoking, rendering BioHazard the winner.
BioHazard advanced to the Quarter-Finals to face Killbborg, a battle which was claimed to be 'keenly anticipated' in American Robot Wars 1996.
- "This was a keenly anticipated battle between a couple of the best engineered robots in the competition, but BioHazard's arm again proved to be a formidable weapon."
- — Paul Vallis
BioHazard throws Killbborg over
The two robots began tentatively as BioHazard awaited for Killbborg to make the first move. As they met in the center, it ultimately lifted Ken Atkinson's machine by its front spears, in turn diverting it into the lower mousetrap. After the trap briefly snared Killbborg, BioHazard rammed and nudged it during successive maneuvers, only to be pushed back under the trap. Though held in place by Killborg's spears, the low height of Carlo Bertocchini's machine meant that it could not be affected by the mousetrap net.[9]
BioHazard responded by trying to lift Killbborg a second time, then succeeded with a third attempt. Following a further series of short pushes and nudges, BioHazard rammed and turned Killbborg over from the left-hand side, completing yet another knockout win.[9]
In the Semi-Finals, BioHazard faced a rival lifter in the form of fellow newcomer Vlad the Impaler.
- "The winner of this match would face La Machine in the finals and the smart money was on BioHazard to win, but Vlad the Impaler wasn't about to make it easy for him."
- — Paul Vallis comments at the beginning of the match
BioHazard is lifted early on by Vlad the Impaler
Both robots tentatively approached each other in the opening moments, until BioHazard was rammed, hooked and lifted off the floor by Gage Cauchois and Gregg Walker's entry. In an attempt to escape, it twice tipped itself forward with its arm, avoiding blows from the upper mousetrap while levering itself free. BioHazard was released and chased across the arena, but succeeded in outdriving Vlad the Impaler for the next few moments. Following a short period were both heavyweights brushed the upper-right flipper, BioHazard attempted to lift Vlad the Impaler from the side, but without success.[10]
While BioHazard would again come into contact with the flipper, Vlad the Impaler drove front-first into the side of a mousetrap, pinning itself in place. BioHazard capitalized on its opponent's mistake, shoving and finally lifting it from the right-rear corner.[10]
- "BioHazard was able to lift the one-hundred-and-sixty-five pound Vlad high enough to stop Vlad's wheels having any traction, and then Vlad got stuck on BioHazard's arm..."
- — Paul Vallis
An attempt to turn Vlad the Impaler onto its side resulted in the former being violently lowered in tandem with BioHazard's arm. BioHazard also got itself stuck against the side of the mousetrap, with its arm catching and lifting the hazard mechanism off the floor. Though Carlo Bertocchini was quickly able to pull BioHazard clear, both competitors were now effectively locked together with minimal signs of movement. In a moment not shown in American Robot Wars 1996, a 30-second pin timer was initiated, but neither robot pulled free, prompting audience members to call for a rematch. As soon as the timer expired, and in an attempt to find an alternative resolution to the deadlock, event host Michael Meehan announced that BioHazard would automatically win if it could back away.[10]
- "If BioHazard can back off, it will win this match. BioHazard, can you move?"
- — Michael Meehan's announcement as BioHazard and Vlad the Impaler become pinned for more than 30 seconds
Vlad the Impaler flips BioHazard, seconds after the latter is declared the winner
BioHazard responded immediately, reversing in a half-circle from the mousetrap with Vlad the Impaler still on top. Finally, it pushed Vlad the Impaler clear with its lifter, and was announced as the official match winner. However, BioHazard found itself being rammed and flipped over by Vlad the Impaler, prompting the crowd to boo at the latter. Several tense seconds passed, with both robots sitting motionless. To the audience's delight, BioHazard thrust upwards and levered itself back upright with its arm, becoming the first machine documented to have self-righted with an active weapon.[10]
- "Vlad the Impaler's frustrated act of revenge came to nothing, as BioHazard righted itself to take the winners bow. And BioHazard had an instant fan club."
- — Paul Vallis after BioHazard's self-righting
BioHazard, upon completing this historic feat, kept chasing and ramming Vlad the Impaler long after the match's conclusion. In footage shown in American Robot Wars 1996, Carlo Bertocchini parked BioHazard by the entrance/exit doors, receiving further applause from the audience as he entered the arena and proceeded to drive his machine back to the pits. Bertocchini later discovered a gouge in BioHazard's right lifting plate, upon inspecting it in preparation for the Heavyweight Face-Off Final.[10]
For the 1996 Heavyweight Face-Off title, BioHazard faced La Machine, an enlarged version of Trey Roski and Greg Munson's successful middleweight from the 1995 competition.
- "The Face-Off Heavyweight Final was expected to be a walkover for La Machine in many people's view."
- — Paul Vallis
La Machine is lifted by BioHazard
Both robots approached each other in the opening seconds. Having been unable to drive into La Machine, BioHazard soon found itself being pushed from the left-hand side. The effectiveness of its 'anti-intrusion devices' was proven, however, as it avoided getting scooped up and quickly broke free from its opponent's stronghold. In doing so, BioHazard tricked La Machine into driving underneath the lower mousetrap. Following a brush from the nearby flipper, Carlo Bertocchini's machine turned and lifted La Machine up from the front, holding it in the air for several seconds.[11][12]
- "Within a minute, BioHazard had La Machine at its mercy, but he made a big mistake and tried to turn La Machine over onto its back. Instead, La Machine escaped and a game of cat and mouse ensued."
- — Paul Vallis
Rather than maintain the pin for a quick knockout, BioHazard pushed La Machine back in an attempt to topple it over. This had the effect of freeing La Machine, before the two heavyweights engaged in a short, but evenly-fought pushing match. For a few moments, both avoided each other and the hazards, until BioHazard was rammed and pushed around from the side by La Machine. Taking advantage of its opponent's continuous spinning, BioHazard backed up, then lifted La Machine upwards from the right-rear corner. La Machine retaliated with another shove, the two robots driving side-by-side across the arena center. Another tentative moment followed, before BioHazard again rammed and got underneath the front lip of La Machine.[11][12]
BioHazard secures the crucial pin, shortly after La Machine becomes immobile
The collision - along with BioHazard's previous attacks - was enough to split La Machine's chassis and battery box open, causing it to get stranded on its own batteries and baseplate fragments.[7][11][12][13]
- "La Machine was dead. And all BioHazard had to do was gently lift him up."
- — Paul Vallis
BioHazard seized the chance to lift and hold La Machine up from the left side. Audience members chanted BioHazard's name as it completed a 30-second pin, and was declared the 1996 Heavyweight Face-Off Champion. An onscreen appearance by Marc Thorpe saw him present the trophy to a jubilant Carlo Bertocchini, who revealed in American Robot Wars 1996 that BioHazard was designed specifically to counter the Impact Media competitor.[11][12]
- "La Machine is a much simpler robot and I just got about it and saw him last year and thought what it would take to beat him and design for that."
- — Carlo Bertocchini in a post-match interview
Following their Face-Off duel, BioHazard would battle La Machine again in the opening rounds of the Heavyweight Melee tournament. There, the duo also squared off against DooMore, The Master and Vlad the Impaler, the latter also seeking to avenge its Semi-Final loss. This Melee provided BioHazard with its second televised appearance in The First Wars, being aired as part of the Heat D highlights segment.
Immediately, BioHazard attempted to intercept La Machine's charge towards DooMore, only for La Machine to push it through a flipper and into one of the mousetraps. While this occurred, it still managed to lift DooMore up while being pushed, though La Machine continued to control it across the arena. BioHazard soon found itself being pushed towards The Master and Vlad the Impaler, themselves engaged in an aggressive scrap. Once The Master lost its circular saw, it teamed up with DooAll to ram Mark Setrakian's machine. BioHazard soon exchanged rams with and briefly lifted DooAll a second time.[14][15]
Four of the five machines converged in the corner. After La Machine propped The Master and Vlad the Impaler against the wall, BioHazard tried to flip the latter from the right-hand side, but missed. In doing so, it blocked Vlad the Impaler from escaping as La Machine approached the stranded competitors again. A second lift attempt almost resulted in BioHazard turning Vlad the Impaler over, but was disrupted by rams from both La Machine and DooMore. While La Machine bulldozed The Master into an arena flipper, BioHazard rammed and tried to lock lifters with Vlad the Impaler, similarly to their Semi-Final match. DooAll proceeded to push it further into the wall, only for both competitors to be shovelled back together by La Machine.[14][15]
BioHazard is toppled as every other opponent gang up on it
At that point, all three machines became entangled in a flipper hazard. BioHazard was then pushed towards the center by La Machine, but backed off the front scoop of Trey Roski and Greg Munson's machine as it careered into a nearby mousetrap. Its respite did not last, however, as La Machine slammed into its side again and pushed it over the forks of Vlad the Impaler. A back-and-forth tussle developed as BioHazard was initially dragged back, before pushing Vlad the Impaler up against La Machine's scoop. The duo became embroiled in a four-robot pile-up, during which BioHazard suddenly stopped moving and began smoking. Damage sustained by La Machine's rams left its arm stuck open. BioHazard was pushed and turned over in the upper-left corner by an opportunistic La Machine, unable to self-right as a consequence.[7][14][15]
- "La Machine grabbed its chance and caught BioHazard and slammed him into a corner, where he was trapped upside down. Now, La Machine was intent on demolishing everyone else..."
- — Paul Vallis
BioHazard is attacked one final time by La Machine
While in this position, BioHazard's baseplate was vulnerable to an attack from DooMore's spike. The Master also drove over the fallen BioHazard as another pile-up developed, before Carlo Bertocchini's machine was left alone in the corner for several moments. This was until La Machine, having attacked and eliminated most of its remaining opponents, flipped it onto the left wall with a violent slam. BioHazard crept off the wall and managed to head back across to the right-hand side of the arena under its own power. It was pushed twice more by La Machine - the second time against the entrance/exit doors - before the Melee reached its official conclusion. Having become immobilized for a substantial portion of the Melee, BioHazard was not chosen to progress to the Heavyweight Melee Final, a match also won by La Machine.[7][14][15]
- "Having got the victory spin out of the way, La Machine gives BioHazard a health check... just to show who's boss!"
- — Paul Vallis
In addition to its Heavyweight Face-Off title, BioHazard also received the 'Best Design' and 'Best Engineering' awards for the 1996 event.[4]
1997 US Championship[]
At the 1997 competition, BioHazard began its Heavyweight Face-Off title defence with an opening duel against Monster, a new heavyweight built by Kevin Knoedler.
- "As soon as the match started, I realized that the monster was quite a fast robot. We danced about each other for a while and came into contact several times without too much damage to either robot. At one point we were on opposite sides of the arena and we each got a running start and collided head-on at full speed in the middle of the floor. I estimate that the combined speed was 25 MPH."
- — Carlo Bertocchini[16]
BioHazard lifts Monster upwards
BioHazard lifts Monster out of the arena as Monster's wheels fall off
Both robots rammed each other in the opening moments, with BioHazard flicking its opponent onto its left wheels through a second ram. It next pressured Monster into an arena flipper, before getting underneath, pinning and lifting it with its arm. The attack appeared to leave Monster still for a few seconds, until it jerked back and forth near the flipper and lost both of its right wheels.[17][18][19]
BioHazard pinned, then turned Monster end-over-end onto the wall bumper in the corner. When Monster got itself stranded while trying to drive off, this cemented a dominant knockout win for Carlo Bertocchini's machine. BioHazard would not emerge unscathed, however, as during the match, Monster's spike managed to crack and push back one of its main chassis bulkheads.[16][17][18][19]
In the second round, BioHazard faced Vlad the Impaler, in a rematch of their 1996 Face-Off Semi-Final. Gage Cauchois' machine had been updated to feature a new a self-righting piston, which would prove especially important against BioHazard's flips.
- "This was probably the most difficult match of the weekend. The contest went on for the full five minutes, and I had to use all my driving skill to keep up with the faster Vlad. Vlad uses some very powerful electric motors. You can actually hear the tires squealing as he accelerates and turns. Even so, BioHazard is no slouch, and I believe it may even have the edge in acceleration, albeit to a lower top speed."
- — Carlo Bertocchini on the rematch against Vlad the Impaler[16]
BioHazard throws Vlad the Impaler upwards
Vlad the Impaler lifts BioHazard from the front
BioHazard approached Vlad the Impaler almost immediately, breaching the latter's ground clearance during the initial skirmish. It next attempted to flip its opponent twice, the second following directly from a sideways push. During a highly tactical phase, BioHazard continued to shove and get underneath Vlad the Impaler multiple times. The effect of its newly-added skirts became clear, as Vlad the Impaler frequently climbed over the top of these while trying to breach its ground clearance.[20][21]
After some time, BioHazard drove Vlad the Impaler against the lower wall, finally managing to turn it over. This forced Vlad the Impaler to self-right immediately, leaving it stuck between the wall and arena doors. BioHazard, taking advantage, hoisted Vlad the Impaler against the left door, but in doing so allowed the latter to complete its self-righting motion. As the audience cheered, both robots rammed and locked lifters. BioHazard was flicked back by Vlad the Impaler, but responded by delivering it into the hazards during another back-and-forth tussle.[20][21]
Later on, BioHazard cornered Vlad the Impaler again, lifting and temporarily holding its opponent against the wall. As the fight entered its final minute, it lowered Vlad the Impaler back onto the floor, before the two competitors resorted to more tactical driving. BioHazard survived more attempts by Vlad the Impaler to exploit its ground clearance, further proving the effectiveness of its skirts and lower ground clearance. It completed its performance by lifting Vlad the Impaler next to the wall once again, and ramming it one last time before the end bell rang. A Judges' decision ruled that, for the second time in as many Face-Off pairings, BioHazard had triumphed over Gage Cauchois' entry by a margin of 15 points to 10.[20][21][16]
In the Quarter-Finals, BioHazard faced Rhino.
- "Rhino is a low, powerful, robot with an interesting secret weapon: It shoots Halon gas that kills any gasoline engines.
Unfortunately for Rhino, BioHazard uses only electric power. The Halon has no effect on electric motors." - — Carlo Bertocchini, commenting on Rhino's design and 'Halon gas' weapon[16]
BioHazard lifts Rhino into the arena spike mechanism
Weathering an early brush from the Inertia Labs machine, it quickly scooped Rhino up and pushed it into the 'curb' beside the lower spike trap, almost turning it over onto its side. When Rhino speared itself into the wall while trying to escape, BioHazard lifted it a second time, only to be pushed back as Rhino careered into a flipper on the opposite side. Another meeting between both robots followed. BioHazard pinned, then turned Rhino over against the upper spike trap 'curb'. With Rhino stranded, another knockout win was secured for Carlo Bertocchini and his machine.[22][23]
With another Face-Off Final on the horizon, BioHazard met the latest incarnation of The Mauler in its Semi-Final clash.
- "Mauler is a cylinder about three feet in diameter and about 16 inches tall. It has a flat plate on top that spins at high speed. Attached to the plate with chains are four heavy spiked maces. This robot could probably put up a good fight against a car!
The Mauler, even though one of the most dangerous robots at the competition, did not present a particularly great threat to BioHazard. Mauler's spinning maces were simply to [sic] high to touch the low-riding BioHazard. This was a quick, but exciting contest." - — Carlo Bertocchini on the Semi-Final against The Mauler[16]
BioHazard throws Mauler onto its side
Both robots sized each other up in the center of the arena. The height of BioHazard proved an instant advantage, as it was too low to be hit by The Mauler's flails. BioHazard pushed and pinned The Mauler between the 'curb' and the upper-right flipper. A few seconds later, it turned the Tilfords' machine over onto the 'curb' and against the side wall, where the latter was left stranded on its side. According to Carlo Bertocchini, BioHazard's knockout attack was forceful enough to 'flex' the wall itself, forcing nearby spectators to retreat.[24][25][16]
Following this decisively quick knockout, BioHazard reached the Heavyweight Face-Off Final - a rematch against La Machine.
BioHazard throws La Machine over
Immediately, it charged at La Machine, which dodged and bumped into the wall near the upper spike trap. BioHazard, attacking from behind, got underneath, pushed and turned La Machine onto its side, within only eight seconds of combat. Off the back of this quick victory, it was declared the 1997 Heavyweight Face-Off Co-Champion, the first time a heavyweight successfully defended its Robot Wars Face-Off title.[26][27]
BioHazard, as in the previous year, also competed in the Heavyweight Melee tournament. In the first round, it was initially scheduled to face five unidentified opponents, though the match would end up being canceled as all of the other robots withdrew due to pre-existing damage.[16]
Thus, BioHazard joined the competition during the Finals, competing in a four-way scrap against DooAll, Hercules and La Machine. This marked the fourth time in which it faced Trey Roski and Greg Munson's entry.
BioHazard lifts Hercules onto the arena side
BioHazard throws La Machine over a second time in the year's events
In the opening moments, BioHazard shot forwards across the center, as La Machine sped over its side skirts and flat chassis. This gave it the chance to slip underneath, pin and turn La Machine over against the wall. However, an early knockout flip was denied when BioHazard reversed and dragged the Impact Media heavyweight back onto its wheels. As this occurred, DooAll rode over the top of BioHazard, which continued to spar with Scott LaValley and Trey Roski's machines for some time.[28][29]
Following brief pressure from Hercules, BioHazard continued tussling with DooAll and La Machine, being shoved into the wall by Scott LaValley's machine. The lower ground clearance of BioHazard, however, allowed it to scoop up and carry DooAll backwards, before it drove into the side of Hercules. Moments later, it pushed La Machine close to both of the spike traps, then lifted it again, setting up a further chase. An attempt by DooAll to interrupt the pursuit resulted in BioHazard lifting DooAll up.[28][29]
BioHazard next pushed Hercules into the upper-right flipper, with La Machine proceeding to shove the latter into the wall bumper. Approaching a struggling DooAll, it dodged a charge from La Machine, along with the latter's attempt to push it into the upper-left flipper. La Machine's movements resulted in it driving over the top of BioHazard's rear skirt. BioHazard backed La Machine towards the spike trap before both robots separated; it next turned DooAll over the lower-left flipper, where the latter lay immobile.[28][29]
More rams were exchanged between BioHazard, La Machine and Hercules, though BioHazard found itself being pushed around in circles by the Impact Media entry. Both of the Face-Off rivals jointly attacked Jim Smentowski's machine, BioHazard by lifting and carrying it into the upper wall. A few seconds later, BioHazard drove under the front of La Machine, again pushing, lifting and carrying it to and from the corner. This was followed by a sideways push, finally allowing it to turn La Machine over opposite the arena doors.[28][29]
- "This battle against La Machine was more difficult than the earlier one. At one point, he managed to get the tip of his wedge under my anti-wedge fenders. I tried to back away but he kept the forward power on while his wedge was inching deeper into Bio's underbelly. I finally managed to break free, and after a few more maneuvers I got Bio's arm under him and flipped him over."
- — Carlo Bertocchini, on securing Melee redemption against La Machine[16]
Having avenged its 1996 Melee defeat, BioHazard proceeded to lift and push Hercules into the corners, ultimately turning the latter over onto the lower-left 'curb'. After Hercules managed to self-right using its arm, BioHazard pushed and toppled it a second time, against the upper wall. Though Hercules again self-righted, BioHazard lifted it a third time against the lower wall, where it could not escape. BioHazard was soon declared the winner by knockout.[28][29]
Originally, it was planned for BioHazard to compete in a head-to-head final between the other winning robot from the Melee Finals - Vlad the Impaler. This rematch - the third head-to-head between these two heavyweights - did not take place due to time constraints, with an audience vote being cast instead. Receiving the majority of the crowd's support, BioHazard was declared the 1997 Heavyweight Melee Co-Champion, bringing its Robot Wars career to a triumphant close.[16][29][30][31]
Results[]
| BIOHAZARD - RESULTS | ||
| 1996 US Championship | ||
| Heavyweight Face-Off Champion | ||
| Round 1 | vs. Robert Redford Jr. | Won |
| Round 2 | vs. TerMinal frenZy | Won |
| Quarter-Final | vs. Killbborg | Won |
| Semi-Final | vs. Vlad the Impaler | Won |
| Final | vs. La Machine | Won |
| Heavyweight Melee Round 1 | ||
| Melee | vs. La Machine, The Master, DooMore, Vlad the Impaler | Lost |
| 1997 US Championship | ||
| Heavyweight Face-Off Co-Champion | ||
| Round 1 | vs. Monster | Won |
| Round 2 | vs. Vlad the Impaler | Won |
| Quarter-Final | vs. Rhino | Won |
| Semi-Final | vs. The Mauler | Won |
| Final | vs. La Machine | Won |
| Heavyweight Melee Co-Champion | ||
| Melee | vs. No opponents | Match canceled |
| NOTE: BioHazard progressed automatically as all of its planned first-round opponents withdrew. | ||
| Melee Final | vs. DooAll, Hercules, La Machine | Won |
| NOTE: BioHazard was declared the overall co-champion following an audience vote, over fellow Final victor Vlad the Impaler. | ||
Wins/Losses[]
- Wins: 11
- Losses: 1
NOTE: BioHazard's canceled 1997 Melee is omitted.
Series Record[]
| Events | BioHazard Event Record |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Did not enter |
| 1995 | Did not enter |
| 1996 | Heavyweight Champion (Face-Off) Heavyweight Melee, Round 1 |
| 1997 | Heavyweight Co-Champion (Face-Off & Melee) |
Outside Robot Wars[]
BioHazard as it appeared in Comedy Central's BattleBots
Following its US Robot Wars run, BioHazard later became a staple competitor at BattleBots events between 1999 and 2002. Changes to the machine over this time included a solid scoop blade for the lifter in place of the spring-loaded plates, a twin actuator weapon system running at 24V, along with additional sponsor decals on the titanium skirts. BioHazard's lifter upgrades enabled it to hoist and turn 220lb heavyweights over with ease in later appearances, with a force of 1,400lbs per actuator. The robot's weight was also increased to take advantage of the higher weight limits offered by BattleBots build rules, to the maximum 220lbs by the time of its Season 4.0 run.[32][33]
Competing in all seven of the original heavyweight/Gigabot divisions, BioHazard won outright on four occasions (Long Beach 1999, Season 2.0 (2000), Season 4.0 (2001) and Season 5.0 (2002)), while also finishing runner-up to Son of Whyachi in Season 3.0 (2001). Additional results include two quarter-final finishes at Las Vegas 1999 and Season 1.0 (2000), along with heavyweight Rumble victories during the same competitions. These accomplishments made BioHazard the most successful BattleBots competitor in terms of championship results, supported by a 27-3 match record. Along with its design and earlier US Robot Wars record, this ensured its unanimous selection as an inaugural member of The Combat Robot Hall of Fame in 2003.[34]
BioHazard continued to appear in combat events until the November 2005 Combots Cup, where it suffered two extremely destructive losses at the hands of more powerful horizontal spinners. Despite a strong performance against RoboGames and future King of Bots competitor Megabyte in the preliminary round, where it deflected and at one point lifted the shell spinner up against the corner, BioHazard was eventually immobilized while also suffering significant damage to its lifter and skirts.[35] Against Brutality in the losers' bracket, BioHazard suffered even more severe damage to its chassis, forcing it into retirement from robot combat.[36][37]
BioHazard was first designed entirely on a computer before a single part had even been purchased; it is likely to be the heavyweight robot with the second-shortest height at just 4 inches, or 10 cm, high. Carlo Bertocchini said that designing BioHazard's low-profile chassis was one of his greatest engineering accomplishments. At some point, Bertocchini was also in the process of building a superheavyweight robot for later BattleBots events, but it was never completed.Citation?
Alongside various replicas of more modern BattleBots competitors, a LEGO version of BioHazard appeared at the 2019 BrickCan exhibition, fighting in multiple battles.[38]
Honours[]
| Honour | ||
| First robot to self-right with a powered weapon | ||
See Also[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 'Winning Warriors From The U.S.A', Robot Wars Club Newsletter, Issue 1 (1998), p.7
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 'Robot Wars 1997 Interview: Carlo Bertocchini with Biohazard', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded April 26 2021
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 ‘BIOHAZARD’, Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 'ROBOT WARS ® 1996 WINNERS', US Robot Wars website (archived 2 May 1997)
- ↑ 'Prizes', Fourth Annual Robot Wars (1997) souvenir programme, p.8
- ↑ 'Robot Wars 1997 Winners', US Robot Wars website (archived December 5 1998)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 'Biohazard', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Team Minus Zero 96', Team Minus Zero website (archived)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 'Robot Wars 1996: Biohazard versus Killbborg (Heavyweight)', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 'Robot Wars 1996: Biohazard versus Vlad the Impaler (Heavyweight Semifinals)', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded January 8 2019
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 'Robot Wars 1996: Biohazard versus La Machine (Heavyweight Final)', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded January 9 2019
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 'Robot Wars 1996 - La Machine vs Biohazard', diabolicalmachine (YouTube), July 19 2008
- ↑ Brad Stone (2003), Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, p.83
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 'Robot Wars 1996 - Heavyweight Melee 4', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded January 15 2019
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 'Robot Wars 1996 - Heavyweight Melee 4', diabolicalmachine (YouTube), uploaded October 28 2008
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 16.9 'Robot Battles', Robotbooks/BioHazard website (archived March 31 2001)
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 'MATCH: BIOHAZARD VS MONSTER', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 'Robot Wars 1997 - Biohazard vs Monster', diabolicalmachine (YouTube), uploaded April 27 2009
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 'Robot Wars 1997 Heavyweight match: Monster versus Biohazard', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded April 18 2021
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 'Robot Wars 1997 Heavyweight match: Vlad the Impaler versus Biohazard', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded April 21 2021
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 'MATCH: BIOHAZARD VS VLAD THE IMPALER', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars 1997 Heavyweight match: Biohazard versus The Rhino', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded May 7 2021
- ↑ 'MATCH: BIOHAZARD VS RHINO', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars 1997 Heavyweight match: The South Bay Mauler versus Biohazard', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded May 9 2021
- ↑ 'MATCH: BIOHAZARD VS THE MAULER', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars 1997 Heavyweight finals: Biohazard versus La Machine', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded May 10 2021
- ↑ 'MATCH: BIOHAZARD VS LA MACHINE', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 'Robot Wars 1997 Final Heavyweight Melee 1 of 2', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded May 11 2021
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 'HEAVYWEIGHT MELEE ROUND 5', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars 1997 Final Heavyweight Melee 2 of 2', Andrew Lindsey (YouTube), uploaded May 11 2021
- ↑ 'HEAVYWEIGHT MELEE ROUND 6', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Mechanical Tips', BioHazard website
- ↑ 'Robot Materials', BioHazard website
- ↑ The Combat Robot Hall of Fame ®, Team Run Amok website
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGNazHhoV3A
- ↑ Combots Cup I Heavyweight Bracket, Builders Database (archived)
- ↑ 2016 Reddit post by Brutality's builder Paul Ventimiglia, concerning BioHazard's final battle
- ↑ https://youtu.be/VbmjJCk-eDg?t=230
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