Mauler

Mauler
Participation Information
UK Series	3
US 1994-1997 Events	1994 (middleweight) 1995-1997 (heavyweight)
US Season	American Robot Wars 2000
Other Names	The Mauler Mauler! South Bay Mauler (1994, 1996) Mauler 95 (1995) Mauler 2000 (2000)
Team Information
Team	South Bay RoboWarriors
Team Members	"Supreme Commander" Charles Tilford "General" Morgan Tilford "General" Henry Tilford Alan Vermette "General" Larry Bradley (1994) "General" Nolan Bushnell (1994)
From	Portola Valley, California
Robot Statistics
Weight	95.3kg
Power	Electric motors
Weapons	Spinning Flails and Chisels
Statistics correct as of its most recent show/competition appearance, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

Mauler was the name given to a series of robots entered by South Bay RoboWarriors into the original 1994-1997 US Robot Wars competitions, plus international events filmed in connection to the UK Robot Wars television series. Each was notable for being among the first equipped with overhead spinning flails and blades, with the weapons of later incarnations effectively functioning as full-body spinners.

The original 1994 iteration, South Bay Mauler, was one of the first two middleweight robots to compete, but lost the inaugural Face-Off title in that class to The X-1. It also fought in and won a Melee event open to robots from all eligible weight classes, outlasting heavyweights including champion Ramfire 100 in the process.

From 1995 onwards, future versions of Mauler would compete in the heavyweight class. Competing as Mauler 95 (alternatively formatted Mauler95), the second iteration reached the second round of the Heavyweight Face-Off that year, only to be eliminated by eventual class co-champion The Master at that stage.

For 1996, the heavyweight Mauler reverted to its South Bay Mauler identity, initially benefiting from a first-round bye in the Face-Off. It would, again, be eliminated in the second round, this time by La Machine. Though successfully qualifying for the 1996 Heavyweight Melee final, South Bay Mauler would also lose the latter overall to Greg Munson and Trey Roski's entry. A selection of South Bay Mauler's 1996 fights would be highlighted in the American Robot Wars 1996 and American Robot Wars Final 1996 VHS releases; its defeat against La Machine was also briefly highlighted in Heat D of The First Wars.

A redesigned Mauler (alternatively referred to as The Mauler or formatted as Mauler!) enjoyed much greater success in 1997, reaching the Semi-Finals of that year's Heavyweight Face-Off championship. However, the robot's tall cylindrical design prevented its flails from being able to damage defending champion BioHazard, resulting in Mauler being turned over against the side wall and eliminated quickly.

In 1999, a fifth incarnation (simply referred to on battleboards as The Mauler) was entered into The First World Championship as one of two USA representatives, the event filmed in the UK as part of The Third Wars. Despite appearing virtually similar to its 1997 form, it was disqualified before the first round, as the production team for the televised Series 3 deemed its weapon 'too unsafe' for the arena to fully contain.

Following a comprehensive arena redesign ahead of Series 4, Mauler subsequently took part in the American Robot Wars 2000 pilot under its sixth incarnation (also referred to as Mauler 2000), defeating Spike and frenZy to win the US Championship. However, its victory would not be televised, as MTV declined to air the pilot or pick up its own domestic Robot Wars series.

Versions of Mauler

South Bay Mauler (middleweight, 1994)

Weighing 59lbs, the middleweight South Bay Mauler was a two-wheel drive robot with a cylindrical shell - repurposed from a galvanized steel washtub - and an overhead horizontal spinner with chain flails. Unlike subsequent versions, each of the flails - fitted with spiked maces - was attached to one end of a narrow beam, rotating horizontally through the use of a gearmotor. A pair of lead acid batteries powered the whole machine.

South Bay Mauler's chassis and 'running gear' were repurposed from a Topo commercial robot, resulting in both wheels unusually being cambered inwards at a high angle. The Topo base was provided to Charles Tilford by Androbot founder Nolan Bushnell, the company itself having gone defunct by the time the 1994 competition took place. Large batteries and a low power consumption also contributed to the robot's endurance in the multi-class Melee, belying its compact size and use of a relatively potent weapon for the time.

Mauler 95/South Bay Mauler (heavyweight, 1995-1996)

Mauler 95, the first heavyweight incarnation, introduced a custom cylindrical design with a 'roll-formed aluminum plate', plus a larger and more powerful overhead spinner. The spinner comprised of a top-mounted horizontal disc with four triangular blade-like extensions, from which spiked maces were suspended by chains. The maces would again provide the robot with a 360-degree attack range, striking opponents veering close enough to it. Two Grainger drill motors formed the basis of Mauler 95's drive system.

An unusual feature of Mauler 95's design was the incorporation of 'vacuum-formed Gratuitous Detail Panels' around its sides. South Bay RoboWarriors purposefully designed these to be sacrificial, allowing them to be torn off by opponents without compromising its mostly aluminum construction. The panels incorporated square-shaped decals bearing the robot's name and sponsors, along with custom 'Team Mauler' decals created by Morgan and Henry Tilford.

Contemporary accounts of the 1996 incarnation (reverting to the South Bay Mauler name) indicate that the robot's spinner incorporated an aluminum disc for the spinner, as well as 'thick rubber' shock mounts for its external armor.

The Mauler (heavyweight, 1997 & Series 3)

Described by Team Spike's Andrew Lindsey as 'dangerous and nearly unkillable', the 1997 Mauler underwent a significant internal and external redesign. Steel was used for both the shell and welded chassis, the former being mounted on 'rubber bumpers' for shock absorption. The Mauler's drive system incorporated a Vantec speed controller, with the aluminum disc portion of the overhead spinner controlled by a 'mechanical switching system'.

Externally, the robot mostly adopted a black and aluminum silver finish, with the 'disc' featuring a multicolored pattern highlighted by a yellow spiral. The front surface featured a menacing laughing face, with red accents for the eyes and 'bloodstained' teeth and nose, which would become one of Mauler's main artistic features in subsequent events. According to the South Bay RoboWarriors website, the face had originally been created out of masking tape by team member "General" Henry Tilford. One side of The Mauler featured its name - formatted as Mauler! - in yellow or lime green text. The phrase "WOOPASS!!" was applied to the baseplate in green, blue and red.

The Mauler's 1999 form appeared to be based on the updated version originally seen at BattleBots Long Beach, still bearing battle scars from prior events. A noticeable difference was the use of only two spiked maces instead of four. At Long Beach, the remaining two maces had been replaced with panel-type blades by this time, though this configuration was evidently not used in its UK Robot Wars appearance. The Mauler's disc, maces and name were highlighted in lime green for The First World Championship, with the panels attaching the maces to the disc being painted bright red. Due to its disqualification, the robot as a whole would never get the chance to compete in this form.

Mauler 2000 (heavyweight, American Robot Wars 2000)

Mauler in The Pits for American Robot Wars 2000

Originally debuting in Season 1.0 of Comedy Central's BattleBots, Mauler 2000 (also simply referred to as Mauler) was a significantly updated version bearing 'five times the weapon power' of Mauler 95. For the first time, its newer Robot Wars weapon configuration would be similar to that in contemporary BattleBots events, incorporating two mace flails and two chisels (referred to by the team as the "Chisels of the Apocalypse") attached to the main disc. Cosmetic updates included a new red, black and yellow "Psychic Void" spiral pattern on the weapon disc, applied by Henry Tilford using masking tape and 'magic marker' pens. A photo of Mauler in the Series 4 Pits complex, however, suggests that an alternative red and yellow pattern with a full black base was used for American Robot Wars 2000.

Robot History

Series 3

"...although we've got problems, I hear... err, with Mauler, in The Pits. And Mauler has had to go out into the testing zone... for a final trial. And the problem... is the weaponry and the safety of that flailing weapon. Does that look under control to you? One final test to see if the team from California can stay in the competition. Is that safe? That's the major concern."

— Jonathan Pearce

The Mauler in the testing area during the First World Championship

The South Bay RoboWarriors are disqualified

The Mauler, representing the USA, appeared exclusively in The First World Championship, where it was due to fight Cyprus representatives and UK Series competitor Cerberus in the first round. However, concerns emerged surrounding the safety of its flail weapons, forcing it to undergo a 'final trial' to evaluate whether it could be safely operated in the arena as intended.

While The Mauler appeared to function normally in the outdoor 'testing zone', a risk assessment by the Robot Wars production staff deemed the spinning weapon too powerful to be contained safely in the main arena. Producer Bill Hobbins and Health & Safety officer David Deane addressed the South Bay RoboWarriors onscreen, confirming their assessment that the robot was 'too unsafe' to compete. A lack of suitable certification and measures for welding was also cited, possibly suggesting that The Mauler's own welding was also deemed inadequate. As a direct consequence, The Mauler was disqualified from The First World Championship, allowing Cerberus to progress to the Quarter Finals by default.

"Fine. I've asked my questions, and you've answered them, and I don't see any way around it... que sera sera [whatever will be, will be], back to San Francisco!"

— Charles Tilford graciously accepts The Mauler's disqualification

American Robot Wars 2000

Mauler also competed in the unaired MTV pilot American Robot Wars 2000, as one of the eight robots selected to compete. When the number of competing teams was reduced to four due to one team withdrawing, Mauler passed its audition thanks to Morgan Tilford's giant foam cowboy hat and "manic energy".

In its first-round battle, Mauler fought Spike. At some point during the battle, Mauler got up to speed and collided with Spike, causing sparks to fly. It managed to rip off the doll head attached to Spike, causing it to fly across the arena. It was unknown whether the battle ended in a knockout or judges' decision, but Mauler was declared the winner.

Mauler qualified for the final, where it fought frenZy. During the battle, Mauler's top was attacked by frenZy, but the nature of Mauler's spinner managed to tear away frenZy's spiked blade. Mauler was then able to attack frenZy with its spinner and ultimately emerge victorious, winning American Robot Wars 2000 outright.

1996 US Championship

Mauler, entitled South Bay Mauler, was featured in the American Robot Wars 1996, although it was not given any special highlight.

South Bay Mauler is bulldozed by La Machine

In its only championship battle, South Bay Mauler faced La Machine. South Bay Mauler started the fight by attempting to spin up to speed but was quickly bashed into by La Machine. La Machine then back into space before charging in a second time - propping South Bay Mauler up and an angle. South Bay Mauler was continually pressured by La Machine's ramming attacks and was slammed against the arena wall. As the fight progressed, South Bay Mauler's movement started to lessen, and La Machine progressed on through.

"South Bay Mauler was easily over powered by La Machine"

— Paul Vallis

South Bay Mauler (middle left) is thwacked by The Master as DooMore, Punjar and Merrimac slam right into it

South Bay Mauler attacks Marvin

South Bay Mauler later appeared in the second Heavyweight Melee rumble against The Master, La Machine, DooMore, Tazz, Punjar, Nemesis, Killbborg, Red Scorpion, Merrimac, Namreko 3000, Gutrip and Marvin. Before the battle began, South Bay Mauler spun up to speed. Immediately, South Bay Mauler was charged into by The Master, which prised underneath but failed to topple South Bay Mauler. Soon after, a pile up occured in the centre of the arena as The Master continued to hammer down blows on South Bay Mauler, while DooMore, Punjar and Merrimac followed up with slams of their own on South Bay Mauler. South Bay Mauler was eventually freed and hit Marvin with its flail, only for the weapon to halt upon each impact. Afterwards, South Bay Mauler joined in on the group attack on La Machine only to be attacked itself by Nemesis. Later on in the fight, Merrimac attempted to flip South Bay Mauler before it was attacked by La Machine which slammed it out of the way. La Machine then turned its attention to South Bay Mauler ramming it against a side wall multiple times. Although South Bay Mauler's weapon was still spinning, it had lost mobility - which allowed Punjar to use its flail against South Bay Mauler. South Bay Mauler remained immobile with its weapon spinning, hitting any opponent that went too near it. Eventually, it came down to an audience cheer for the remaining mobile machines, with La Machine getting the victory.

Results

Wins/Losses

South Bay Mauler (Middleweight) in The Pits during the First World Championship

• 1994-1997 Wins (Middleweight): 1
• 1994-1997 Losses (Middleweight): 1
• 1994-1997 Wins (Heavyweight): 5
• 1994-1997 Losses (Heavyweight): 4
• TV Wins: 2
• TV Losses: 0
• Total Wins: 8
• Total Losses: 5

NOTE: South Bay Mauler's bye in the 1996 Heavyweight Face-Off is omitted from the Wins tally. The Mauler's disqualification against Cerberus in The First World Championship is not considered to be a loss.

Series Record

1994-1997 US Competitions

Events	Mauler Event Record
1994	Middleweight Runner-up (Face-Off) as South Bay Mauler Melee Champion (multi-class) as South Bay Mauler
1995	Heavyweight Face-Off, Round 2 as Mauler 95
1996	Heavyweight Face-Off, Round 2 as South Bay Mauler Heavyweight Melee, Round 1 as South Bay Mauler
1997	Heavyweight Face-Off, Semi-Final as The Mauler

UK Series

Series	Mauler Series Record
The First Wars	Did not enter
The Second Wars	Did not enter
The Third Wars	Disqualified before First World Championship, Round 1
The Fourth Wars	Did not enter
The Fifth Wars	Did not enter
The Sixth Wars	Did not enter
The Seventh Wars	Did not enter
Series 8	Did not enter
Series 9	Did not enter
Series 10	Did not enter

Mauler also won the American Robot Wars 2000 pilot outright.

Outside Robot Wars

Mauler originally competed at the very first US Robot Wars in 1994 as South Bay Mauler, taking on and losing to The X-1 for the single-battle Middleweight title but it did win the all-weight-class Open Melee. Mauler was updated and renamed Mauler 95 for Robot Wars 1995, competing in the Heavyweight category from now on, where it won its first battle when The Mulcher was disqualified then lost to the eventual co-champion The Master. It went by its original name in Robot Wars 1996 where it received a bye then lost to eventual Runner-Up La Machine. It competed as The Mauler in Robot Wars 1997 where it won three battles before once again losing to the eventual Champion, this time to BioHazard.

Mauler 2000 in BattleBots Season 1.0

Mauler 51-50 in BattleBots Season 3.0

South Bay Mauler battles The X-1

Mauler competing in a melee during the 2nd annual American Robot Wars

Mauler competing in a melee during the 2nd annual American Robot Wars

Mauler as Hellfire 666, before it retired.

Mauler 51-50 in Battlebots Season 5.0

Mauler as M2K02

Mauler without its lid

Mauler fighting frenZy in 1999

For the Long Beach 1999 BattleBots event, Mauler retained its Robot Wars 1997 name, but did not win a battle, losing to frenZy and Punjar in the main heavyweight division, and to Razer in the end of season Gigabot Rumble.

The version due to compete in the First World Championship, Mauler 2000, later fought in Season 1.0 of BattleBots. It did well in this season, beating Nightmare before losing to Killerhurtz in its second battle after breaking down, despite tearing its opponent's axe off. It also took part in the end of season Heavyweight Royal Rumble, but lost to BioHazard after getting turned over by its lifting arm.

For Season 2.0, a new version of Mauler, known as Mauler 51-50 was built, which competed in the rest of the BattleBots heavyweight championships. However, this version proved to be very unstable, as it overturned itself on two occasions after being put off balance, (including its first ever battle against Bigger Brother, which it lost). Within the fighting robot community, any act of instability thereafter was informally referred to as "doing a Mauler". Mauler 51-50 also entered one of the end of season Heavyweight Rumbles, but was flipped over, ironically, by Bigger Brother. Mauler 51-50 returned for Season 3.0, beating Dreadbot before losing to Canadian robot Incoming and being flipped by Little Sister, essentially a repainted Series 5 Bigger Brother, in the Heavyweight Rumble. It lost its first battle in Season 4.0 to Jabberwock, but won four battles in Season 5.0 (including a knock-out against SlamJob) to reach the round of 16, before losing to MechaVore.

For Season 5.0, Mauler 2000 was converted into super heavyweight competitor M2K02, and fitted with only two flails. However, it lost its only fight to Steel Reign.

After BattleBots ended, Mauler 51-50 was renamed Hellfire 666 but retired after only three fights including a fight against Shrederator. M2K02 was also renamed Mauler 2003 following its only BattleBots appearance.

Mauler's Morgan Tilford applied for the 2021 season of BattleBots as part of Spinning Mayhem, but was not selected to compete.

Trivia

• Despite not competing in The First World Championship, Mauler lost to two UK Series competitors throughout its career in BattleBots: Killerhurtz in Season 1.0 & Bigger Brother in Season 2.0.
• Had The Mauler not been disqualified from The First World Championship, it would have become one of four robots to have competed in both the original 1994-1997 US Robot Wars competitions and the televised UK Series in some form. The three machines to have done so are WYSIWYG, frenZy and the American Prometheus.
• In 2003, Mauler was inducted into The Combat Robot Hall of Fame as an inaugural member, in recognition of its innovative full-body spinner design, entertainment value and for coining the term 'doing a Mauler' in reference to its stability issues.

See Also

• Mauler (BattleBots)

External Links

• South Bay RoboWarriors/Team Mauler website (archived)
• Mauler 95 ("Mauler95") on the official US Robot Wars website (archived May 2 1997)