- "Thousands of fans turned up for Robot Mayhem, the first ever RW live event - but what did they see?"
- — Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, on Robot Mayhem[2]
Robot Mayhem was an official Robot Wars live event which ran between 24 July and 3 August 2000. Taking place at Park Street Studios in St Albans, the filming venue for Robot Wars: The Fourth Wars, the first-of-its-kind daily event acted primarily as the official qualifiers for the then-upcoming series.
Hosted by Andy Collins, Robot Mayhem is notable for marking the official public debut of Refbot, as well as being one of the first UK Robot Wars events to use the redesigned Series 4 arena. Alongside the qualifier battles, demonstrations by all House Robots and a number of seeded competitors (Razer, Chaos 2 and Hypno-Disc) took place as part of the main shows. Exhibition areas featuring other teams, House Robot replicas and a 'museum' were also available for audience members to visit throughout the event's run.[2][3][4]
General Description[]
According to various issues of the Robot Wars Magazine, three shows took place per day, each featuring up to six qualifier battles along with demonstrations. A contemporary Watford Observer news article elaborates that the individual shows ran between 10am and 12:30pm; 1pm and 3:30pm; and 4pm and 6:30pm respectively, each forming morning, afternoon and early evening sessions. These are substantiated by booking forms sent to Robot Wars Club members, which list all three start times. Tickets were sold directly through the official Robot Wars website or by contacting the dedicated event hotline. Alternatively, they could be obtained by completing and posting the aforementioned booking form to the Robot Wars Club mail address.[5][6]
A booking form from the Robot Wars Club for audience tickets.
The battles themselves - consisting entirely of head-to-heads - formed a Qualifying Tournament intended to determine 64 of the 96 places for The Fourth Wars.[7] Previous series had used an auditioning process involving scrutineering, driving tests and an obstacle course, but the introduction of qualifier battles reflected a significant upturn in interest among potential applicants.[8] A 2000 Northern Echo article reveals that over 1,000 robots applied for The Fourth Wars in total.[1]
- "For the first series of RW it was almost a case of "Got a robot? You're in!" These days though, it's so popular that most robots have to win several qualifying battles to earn their place."
- — Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, on the switch to qualifier battles for the Series 4 auditioning process[8]
The other 32 places in the main competition were taken up by seeded robots, which had already been provisionally determined by The Steering Committee.[9]
As per the televised series, battles would be usually won by knockout or determined by a Judges' decision. The latter outcome allowed the possibility of draws being declared, in case the Judges were unable to decide on a winner. Audience votes would also be cast to gauge spectators' overall impressions of the competing robots, taking place before the Judges' decisions were announced. The competitor with the greater or loudest applause would receive the audience decision, regardless of whether they won, lost or drew their battles. In contrast to later examples aired in the televised series, audience votes appeared to hold more weight throughout Robot Mayhem over Judges' decisions, significantly increasing qualification prospects for robots receiving them.
An official invitation form suggests that competing robots would only be required to fight on one of the scheduled days, though some are documented to have made appearances on multiple dates (e.g. Evolution). Upon passing technical checks, each applicant was guaranteed at least one battle to take part in. Winning robots could potentially fight as many as two or three battles during their allocated session. It was estimated, according to the invitation form, that three wins were required to secure a place in the televised Fourth Wars, such was the high level of competition expected.[7] However, not every robot which won a qualifier match would be guaranteed a place in the televised series.
A total of 320 robots were accepted to compete in Robot Mayhem, out of the over 1,000 which applied for the televised Fourth Wars.[1]
Arena[]
- Main article: Robot Wars Arena/Series 4
Robot Mayhem was the third event to use the Series 4 arena, after the unaired American Robot Wars 2000 pilot and the first two battles of the Series 4 War of Independence special. Designed by Julian Fullalove, the remodelled set included a military-inspired backdrop, along with the more durable polycarbonate inner side walls and outer enclosure introduced to enhance crew and audience safety.
Photographs published in the Robot Wars Magazine indicate that a different lighting package was used compared to the televised series, with blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, green and white light patterns, along with a generally darker and more mysterious aura similar to The Third Wars. Robots and their opponents/obstacles were generally highlighted in bright white spotlights, further adding to this atmosphere.
Hazards known to have been used included the Corner Patrol Zones (CPZs), Flame Pit, side-mounted flamethrowers located in front of the façade, and the newly-introduced wall grinders,[10][11] along with the redesigned Pit of Oblivion. In some accounts - such as a contemporary Watford Observer news article on the event - it was suggested that the pit lowered automatically in response to crowd chants and 'orders' from Andy Collins.[5]
House Robots[]
All of the core Series 4 House Robots - Shunt, Matilda, Dead Metal, Sergeant Bash and Sir Killalot - were present for battles and arena demonstrations, along with the newly-introduced Refbot. Non-functioning replicas of the former five would also be present as static displays in the 'exhibition hall' accessible to audience members.[2]
Exhibition Hall[]
Behemoth and Shadow of Napalm (background) on display
As part of the admission fee, visitors were allowed access to one show ('competition session') per ticket, along with unlimited 'all-day' access to the exhibition hall and an internet café (referred to in the Watford Observer as the 'cybercaf'). The exhibition hall included the aforementioned House Robot replicas, plus displays from 'some of the most famous teams' to have competed on the show up to this point. Among the competitors known to have appeared as a display only include Aggrobot 2, Behemoth, robots from the International Wreck Crew, Shadow of Napalm, the direct successor to Napalm, Steg 2, successor to previous Grand Finalist Steg-O-Saw-Us, Panic Attack, King B3 and 101.[2][5][12][13][14] Skeletron, Team Centurion's humanoid competitor from the sister show Techno Games, made guest appearances as well, demonstrating its unique rope-climbing action.[13]
Prototype for Refbot, on display alongside a piece of Sergeant Bash's Series 1-2 armour
Robot Mayhem was the first event known to incorporate a Robot Wars Museum, showcasing memorabilia, behind-the-scenes materials, and various props and set pieces used throughout the early history of Robot Wars. Exhibits included the original Judges' table - reused from a Harrier jump jet wing - rubber moulds and armour plating for various House Robots; retired stock robot Eubank the Mouse; a poster for the original 1994 US competition; and the original prototype for Refbot. BBC 2 Ident - a promotional robot built by Team Make Robotics under commission from the BBC - was also publicly displayed in this section.[2]
Filming[]
8645T in The Pits; note the TV monitor displaying footage likely to be from Robot Mayhem (right)
A clip from Sergeant Bash's introduction in Series 4, Heat A; note the different arena lighting and a spherical object in the background
Though a live event at its core, an official application form for the Fourth Wars qualifiers suggests that certain battles from Robot Mayhem were intended to be televised at one point.[15] Further suggestions that parts of Robot Mayhem were recorded live exist in a photograph of applicant 8645T in The Pits, which shows a TV monitor displaying footage of an arena battle or demo from the event.
It is also possible that some House Robot introduction clips shown during The Fourth Wars - particularly those of Matilda and Sergeant Bash - originated from Robot Mayhem, though this is yet to be confirmed.
During the 1 August shows, a BBC Newsround film crew were also present to document the event for a possible bulletin. This was confirmed by Team Tornado, whose machine was briefly featured on camera before being called in for pre-battle briefings.[12]
Rehearsals[]
In a similar practice to that of Series 2-3, official rehearsals took place at Park Street Studios on 22 July, two days before the first event. According to Team Dominator, this allowed the opportunity for roboteers to test their robots in the main arena, as well as receive feedback on potential design improvements from Mentorn. It was through this process in which Dominator 2 was modified to exchange its original keyswitch for a removable link prior to qualification.[16][17]
Competition[]
To coincide with the event, a BBC Ceefax competition was run, giving away four tickets to Robot Mayhem along with other unspecified Robot Wars prizes. Very limited information is available on the competition itself, which was briefly mentioned by Adam Clark in a Tinweb discussion board on the event.[10]
Qualifiers[]
24 July[]
According to Liverdyne Robotics' Andrew Norton, no cameras were present on this day, likely suggesting that filming and live broadcasting in The Pits did not take place at this stage of the event.[10]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| A-Kill[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Buckinghamshire | ||
| Team Members: Chris Delph, Ryan Delph & Andy Brasted | ||
| Evolution[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Ockwell Park | ||
| Team Members: Alistair Hare & Katie Hare | ||
| Griffon1 [18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Hard Cheese[10][19] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Liverpool, Merseyside | ||
| Team Members: Nigel Kerr & Andrew Norton | ||
| Hefty2 [18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: West Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: Stuart Reynolds, Bernard Mosley & Darren Brown | ||
| Killertron[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Maidstone, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Richard Broad, Abdul Degia & Ian Degia | ||
| Major Tom[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Isle of Sheppey, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Henry Ryan, Gerald Morris & Arthur Robinson | ||
| Scorpion[18] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Nutley, East Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Geoff Smith & John Bell | ||
| Spike the Impaler[5] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| VIPER 013 [10][19] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Liverpool, Merseyside | ||
| Team Members: Nigel Kerr & Andrew Norton | ||
1 No relation to the Series 2-3 competitor of the same name.
2 Entered the arena, but did not compete for unknown reasons.
3 Withdrew due to technical issues; Hard Cheese fought VIPER 01's qualifiers in its place.
A-Kill vs Griffon[]
Reported to be the 'very first' battle to take place, the battle ended with A-Kill being pushed into the pit by Shunt, the House Robot also driving himself in in the process. Despite Griffon inheriting the win, neither robot would qualify.[18][20]
Winner: Griffon
Evolution vs Unidentified opponent[]
Very limited information is available, though Evolution's turret was reported to turn 'super slowly' according to audience member accounts.[18]
Winner: Unknown
Hard Cheese vs Unidentified opponent[]
Very limited information is available, though the middleweight Hard Cheese defeated its larger opponent to take its first victory of the event.[19]
Winner: Hard Cheese
Hard Cheese vs Ming 2[]
Before the fight, Ming 2 received a new pneumatics system for its front-hinged flipper after the original mechanism had 'blown'. Both competitors were reported to put on an even fight for at least two minutes, after which a driving error from Hard Cheese allowed Ming 2 to throw the Series 2 Middleweight Champion over. Ming 2 was declared the winner and would go on to qualify for the televised Fourth Wars.[19]
Winner: Ming 2
Hard Cheese vs Spike the Impaler[]
Hard Cheese initially took damage from Spike the Impaler's 'mechanical claw', but responded by pushing Spike the Impaler against the top side wall and flamethrowers. This was enough to 'toast' Spike the Impaler, which was reportedly attacked further before being turned over.[5]
Hard Cheese finished the battle by pitting Spike the Impaler, though it would not qualify in spite of its two known victories.[5]
- "I just don't know what happened. With our mechanical claw, wheelchair motors and axe, we thought we had made an invincible fighting machine. But we'll be back next year."
- — Spike the Impaler's builder on his robot's defeat[5]
Winner: Hard Cheese
Killertron vs Major Tom[]
Following a tentative start, Killertron swung its pickaxe multiple times, but initially struggled to line up a direct hit on Major Tom. Eventually, the axe cleaved through Major Tom's water barrel top, causing both robots to stick together. Killertron, capitalising on this, dragged Major Tom into the pit to secure a unanimously-backed victory.[18]
The force of Killertron's attack caused the axe head to stay lodged in Major Tom, even as both robots were transported back to The Pits. Upon arrival, crowbars were used by the showrunners to separate both machines.[18][20]
Winner: Killertron (both robots qualified)
Scorpion vs Unidentified opponent[]
The partially-painted Scorpion was outpaced and rammed multiple times by its opponent, referred to in some audience accounts as potentially an earlier incarnation of Cedric Slammer. Scorpion ended the battle completely immobilised, but unlike its opponent, received a discretionary place in the televised series.[18][21]
Winner: Unidentified opponent (Scorpion qualified)
25 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Milly-Ann Bug4 [10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Leeds | ||
| Team Members: Geoff Warren, Gerry Warren & Liz Warren | ||
| Psycho5 [22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Paul Brown & Peter Wilson | ||
| Typhoon[10][23] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unspecified | ||
| Team Members: Dave Jones & Francis Smith | ||
4 Qualified automatically following its prior appearances in Series 2-3.[24]
5 Unfinished; could not compete due to technical issues. Later competed in the 30 July shows.
Typhoon vs Unidentified opponent[]
No information is available for this battle, other than that Typhoon rammed its opponent hard enough for the two competitors to get stuck together. After the match concluded, five crewmembers were required to separate both robots with crowbars. Typhoon did not qualify in spite of this, with speed controller issues also affecting its overall performance throughout the event.[23]
Winner: Unknown
27 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Agent Orange[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Huddersfield | ||
| Team Members: Peter Duncanson & Phil Duncanson | ||
| Anthrax6 [25][26] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cranbrook, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Martin Gutkowski, Joe Gibson & Richard Johnstone | ||
| Atomic | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Worcester | ||
| Team Members: Stephen Bebb, David Bebb & Paul Francis | ||
| Banana-R Armour[25][11] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carlton, Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: John Findlay | ||
| Mazakari[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Darlington, County Durham | ||
| Team Members: Phill Sievers, Phil Neely & Richard Neely | ||
| NataPataBot | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Gosport, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Nathaniel Poate & Pat | ||
| Reactor7 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Birstall, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: Russell Orton, Daniel Orton & Martin Crouch | ||
| Robochicken | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Tiverton, Devon | ||
| Team Members: Jason Snow, Alec Dick & Farren White | ||
| Terrorpin7 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Oxfordshire | ||
| Team Members: Keith Jones, Rob Field & Brian Snelling | ||
| The Morgue[27] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Swansea, Wales | ||
| Team Members: Dorian Caudy, Mark Hooper & Huw White | ||
| The Necromancer7 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cambridge | ||
| Team Members: Gary Ewer, David Anterton, Ed Cooper, Jim Patterson & Richard Hammond | ||
| UFO8 [10][25] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Sheffield, South Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: Richard Thompson, Chris Aylott & Margaret Thompson | ||
| VenoM[27] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Newington, London | ||
| Team Members: Jamie Henderson & Mike Duke | ||
6 Was intended to fight UFO, but did not compete due to technical issues. Rescheduled to appear at the 29 July and later 3 August shows.
7 Photographed with Agent Orange in The Pits; it is assumed that Atomic, NataPataBot and Robochicken were also present on this day.
8 Was intended to fight Banana-R Armour, but did not compete due to multiple technical issues.[25]
Agent Orange vs Unidentified fur-covered robot[]
- "We had a great fight, many of the crew came up afterwards and said it was a real good one (one even said it was the best so far). We did fry our speed controller though which in turn took all our wiring with it sending huge clouds of white smoke out the top. Looked great. And all because the producers asked us to get our fur covered opponent on to the flame pit."
- — Peter Duncanson on Agent Orange's qualifier[28]
As mentioned in a Robotwars101 interview, the fight involved Agent Orange attempting to cut through the CO2 canister inside its unidentified opponent, but without success. Agent Orange - at the insistence of the producers - then attempted to push its opponent onto the Flame Pit, but in doing so blew its own speed controller and became immobilised. Though the battle was praised by members of the technical crew, neither robot would qualify, in spite of Agent Orange's problem being easily fixable.[28]
- "I assume that although it was a great fight (our best yet) we showed a weakness and that was all the excuse they needed to strike us off the list. Worst bit was we got her home, changed 2 wires and she ran straight away."
- — Peter Duncanson[28]
Winner: Unidentified fur-covered robot
Atomic vs Reactor[]
- "They kept self righting. Great design. The fight went down to the last few seconds and we eventually got them out."
- — David Bebb discussing the Atomic-Reactor fight in 2021[29]
In the debut fight for both machines, Atomic dominated by flipping Reactor over multiple times, though Reactor's rollover design enabled it to self-right on each occasion. Atomic succeeded in throwing Reactor out of the arena during the closing seconds; this, along with a summary of the whole battle, was even listed as its 'Best Moment' in Robot Wars: The Ultimate Guide.[29][30] Reactor would still qualify for The Fourth Wars regardless.
Winner: Atomic (both robots qualified)
Atomic vs NataPataBot[]
Atomic suffered from radio interference issues throughout, compromising its mobility and the power behind its flipper. NataPataBot capitalised on these problems by spearing through Atomic's side armour with its spike, and emerged the winner after the latter fell into the pit. However, while Atomic's earlier performance helped it secure a place in the televised series, NataPataBot would not qualify.[29][31]
Winner: NataPataBot (Atomic qualified)
Banana-R Armour vs Unidentified spike-wielding robot[]
According to Team Roaming Robots, the spike-wielding robot initiated the duel by puncturing part of Banana-R Armour's bodyshell. Banana-R Armour responded by tearing through a corner of the aluminium-armoured machine, causing severe chassis damage in the process. The spike-wielding robot then ended up driving into a CPZ, allowing Shunt to close in.[11]
Banana-R Armour proceeded to attack Shunt itself, but was overpowered and had one of its disc chisels break off in the process. As it entered the same CPZ its opponent was stranded in, Banana-R Armour's failsafe activated, suddenly immobilising the robot entirely. The spike-wielding robot therefore received the win by knockout.[11]
Initially suspecting radio interference to be the cause, Team Roaming Robots later found that Banana-R Armour's aerial was not mounted high up enough, and its disc mount bearing had shattered at some point.[11]
Winner: Unidentified spike-wielding robot
Mazakari vs Unidentified 'centrifugal force' opponent[]
During this 2:30pm fight,[10] Mazakari's opponent - costing £1,000 and armed with a 'centrifugal force weapon' - suffered major mobility issues claimed to be caused by radio interference. From the outset, this enabled the Darlington machine to slice through the latter's armour and 'buckle' one of its sides inwards. More flywheel attacks resulted in Mazakari tearing off its opponent's switch cover, immobilising it, before Shunt pushed the unidentified machine over the Flame Pit. Mazakari thus qualified in a highly destructive fashion, though a battery swap meant that it could not repeat this performance during its televised Heat.[1][32]
Winner: Mazakari
Robochicken vs The Necromancer[]
The Necromancer entered the arena without a working lifting arm, the belt of which snapped during last-minute preparations and could not be replaced in time. The Cambridge-based machine also suffered from multiple control issues during the battle caused by radio interference, resulting in it ramming and damaging its front end against the side walls.[33]
Even with these setbacks, The Necromancer performed strongly, easily getting underneath Robochicken and pushing it across the arena multiple times. Towards the end, however, the 3mm steel feeder wedge of The Necromancer bent downwards, causing it to catch and pin the robot on the wooden arena floor. Shunt was used to free The Necromancer so that it could return to The Pits with minimal delays to the show schedule.[33]
The Necromancer, with its buckled lifter and damaged wedge
As both competitors lasted the full duration, the battle initially went to an audience vote, which ruled in Robochicken's favour on the basis of its more entertaining design and weaponry. The subsequent Judges' decision, however, declared the match a draw, though Robochicken would still be the only machine of the two to qualify.[2][33]
- "Robochicken was hilarous [sic] with its 'evil pecking action' and 'demon tail flipper'. The crowd made it clear they felt like chicken that night!"
- — Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6[2]
Winner: Robochicken (audience vote; draw declared by the Judges)
The Morgue vs VenoM[]
In the first battle of the 1pm show, The Morgue - driven by Mark Hooper - received 'a huge roar of support' from the crowd, among them pupils from Morriston Comprehensive School. Both robots collided upon 'Activate', prompting VenoM to fire its flipper and startle Hooper in the process. The Morgue responded by breaching VenoM's ground clearance, only to have its entire lifter break apart when VenoM drove and activated its flipper underneath it.[27]
- "The Morgue was controlled well, and got underneath Venom, and then Venom took a step back came in and fired its flipper underneath The Morgue's weapon, shearing the fixing bolts and one of the spikes. The weapon on the Morgue fell. Now it was at a ground level, one spike gone."
- — Dorian Caudy, explaining the damage sustained by The Morgue's lifter[27]
Nevertheless, the Welsh machine rammed VenoM, immobilising it, before puncturing one of its wheelchair-sourced tyres.[27]
Once the pit descended, The Morgue gradually pushed VenoM towards it, only for Shunt to intervene and push VenoM in himself. Though timing constraints precluded a second fight for the Morriston Comprehensive competitor, its victory proved enough to secure qualification for The Fourth Wars.[27]
- "The Morgue was victorious and the team screamed with delight. The crowd from Swansea cheered with delight, Wales had come to England and won. The presenter asked the questions and all was well, until Huw claimed we wanted to fight 'Sir Killalot', thankfully there was no time to take the challenge."
- — Dorian Caudy, following The Morgue's qualifier victory[27]
Winner: The Morgue
28 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Splinter[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Norwich | ||
| Team Members: Stuart Weightman & Craig Weightman | ||
29 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Anthrax9 [26] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cranbrook, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Martin Gutkowski, Joe Gibson & Richard Johnstone | ||
| Dominator 2[17] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Huntingdon | ||
| Team Members: Peter Halloway, Chris Hall & Paul Tolliday | ||
| Evolution[34] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Ockwell Park | ||
| Team Members: Alistair Hare & Katie Hare | ||
| Rattus Rattus[17] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Guernsey | ||
| Team Members: Gary Pike & Richard Ozanne | ||
9 Pulled out due to technical issues; later fought in the 3 August shows.
Dominator 2 vs Rattus Rattus[]
Originally intended to fight in the 10am show, Dominator 2 was forced to pull out of its initial qualifier due to a last-minute solenoid issue affecting its pneumatics system. Thus, it was rescheduled to appear in the 1pm show, its axe nevertheless being highlighted by Andy Collins during its introduction for this battle.[17]
After manoeuvring across the arena, Dominator 2 twice axed Rattus Rattus, almost striking the latter's aerial in the first attack. Dominator 2 proceeded to try and drag Rattus Rattus towards the pit, at which point it lost mobility after its removable link 'jumped out'. Rattus Rattus thus inherited the win in combat. However, the audience resoundingly voted in support of Dominator 2, enabling both robots to progress to the next round of battles.[17]
Winner: Rattus Rattus (Dominator 2 received audience vote and qualified)
Dominator 2 vs Evolution[]
Dominator 2's axe head, covered in Evolution's green paint
Due to a 'shortage' of available robots for the 4pm show, Dominator 2 was brought in as a reserve to fight the tank-shaped machine. Similarly to its first qualifier, the Huntingdon entry was suggested to have axed and drawn green paint from the MDF-armoured Evolution, in what Team Dominator described as 'a one sided bout'. Dominator 2, however, became immobilised after the recoil from its axe caused its removable link to detach a second time.[34]
Though Evolution won, it and Rattus Rattus would not qualify for The Fourth Wars. Dominator 2, meanwhile, received the audience decision once again, and was confirmed to qualify after receiving modifications to improve its reliability.[34][35]
Winner: Evolution (Dominator 2 received audience vote and qualified)
30 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Arnold, Arnold Terminegger[36] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire | ||
| Team Members: Ian Inglis, Holly Inglis & William Inglis | ||
| Bolt from the Blue[37] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Kendal, Lake District | ||
| Team Members: James Procter, Lucien Procter & Chris Elleray | ||
| Destruct-A-Bubble[36] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Chelmsford, Essex | ||
| Team Members: Bill Cozens, Lawrence Cozens & Malcolm Burrells | ||
| Draco[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Eric[38] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Framfield, East Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Mike Hammerton, Ian Nicholson & Bruce Nicholson | ||
| Hammer & Tong[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Market Rasen, Lincolnshire | ||
| Team Members: Stewart Smith, Oliver Smith & Paul Schmidt | ||
| Iron-Awe[37] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Low Ham, Somerset | ||
| Team Members: Gilbert Grimm & Rob Grimm | ||
| Judge Mech[36] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Norwich | ||
| Team Members: Jon Witte & Pete Birch | ||
| Kater Killer[37] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Addlestone, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Keith Williams, Julie-Ann Williams & Georje Reed | ||
| Killer Carrot[38] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Turners Hill, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Rob Englebright | ||
| Kronic the Wedgehog | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Seaton, Devon | ||
| Team Members: Dave Lang, John Lang & Mike Gardner | ||
| Max Damage[13][39] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: London | ||
| Team Members: Darren Cunningham, Daniel Cunningham & Charlotte Cunningham | ||
| Miss Struts[36] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire | ||
| Team Members: Ian Inglis, Holly Inglis & William Inglis | ||
| Panzer Wraith[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Eattington, Gloucester | ||
| Team Members: Simon Jones, Andy Jones & Hayley Jones | ||
| Psycho[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire | ||
| Team Members: Paul Brown & Peter Wilson | ||
| Rotraktor[39][40] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Horsham, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Simon Rafferty, Christopher Watts & Guy Radford | ||
| Shear Khan[13][41] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Portishead, Bristol | ||
| Team Members: Richard Radford & Chris Martin | ||
| Small Torque[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Edinburgh, Scotland | ||
| Team Members: Martin Sloss, Richie McBride & Alex McBride | ||
| S.M.I.D.S.Y.[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Maidstone, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Mik Reed, Robin Bennett & Andy Pugh | ||
| The Steel Avenger[39][40] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Colchester, Essex | ||
| Team Members: John Willoughby, Tony Bates & Kevin Cockerill | ||
| Vector[22] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: Alan Wilson, Philip Wilson & Susannah Wilson | ||
| Wheelosaurus[13] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Guildford, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Peter Gibson | ||
Arnold, Arnold Terminegger vs Judge Mech[]
Prior to this early afternoon[13] battle starting, Team EyeEye found that Arnold, Arnold Terminegger had lost reverse drive in one wheel, but decided to fight on anyway.[36]
Judge Mech also encountered problems with a non-functioning drum spinner, enabling Arnold, Arnold Terminegger to ram and lift it without hesitation. Now propped up at a 45-degree angle, Judge Mech kept driving forwards, its tracks succeeding in removing the decorative sunglasses off of Arnold, Arnold Terminegger. Arnold, Arnold Terminegger attempted to keep pushing it back, but was forced to release Judge Mech as the latter's back end caught the arena floor.[36]
The two competitors kept pushing each other for some time; Arnold, Arnold Terminegger was restricted to only turning anti-clockwise as a result of its drive issues. Judge Mech eventually drove to the other side of the arena and became immobilised, allowing Arnold, Arnold Terminegger to lift it one more time. Arnold, Arnold Terminegger was declared the winner and would qualify for The Fourth Wars.[36]
Winner: Arnold, Arnold Terminegger
Destruct-A-Bubble vs Miss Struts[]
Miss Struts and Destruct-A-Bubble initially met in the centre of the arena, though Team EyeEye's walker could not get its lifter to breach the latter's ground clearance. Destruct-A-Bubble also struggled to push Miss Struts in return, with Miss Struts leaning into it as a defensive countermeasure. At this point an unspecified House Robot intervened and forced both competitors into each other.[36]
Miss Struts, still leaning, resisted this combined attack for some time. However, it eventually leaned too far in the opposite direction, resulting in Miss Struts being pushed into the pit 'head first'. The victorious Destruct-A-Bubble would go on to be selected for the televised competition.[36]
Winner: Destruct-A-Bubble
Eric vs Killer Carrot[]
The largely untested Killer Carrot suffered from control and steering issues throughout, allowing Eric to overturn it several times, and go on to win via a Judges' decision. While Eric qualified for The Fourth Wars, Killer Carrot was later selected to become one of the series reserves, but went unused.[38]
Winner: Eric (Killer Carrot selected as reserve)
Iron-Awe vs Bolt from the Blue[]
Iron-Awe initially experienced inverted left and right turns when starting the battle, and found itself missing its target. This setback would not deter the Somerset machine as it eventually immobilised Bolt from the Blue by axing its 'kill switch'. The knockout win was enough for Iron-Awe to automatically qualify, though its team had anticipated a second battle. Bolt from the Blue would also qualify for the series in spite of this loss.[42]
Winner: Iron-Awe (both robots qualified)
Kater Killer vs Unidentified opponent[]
According to Keith Williams, Kater Killer won the battle by turning its opponent over with its lifting arm.[37]
Winner: Kater Killer
Psycho vs Vector[]
Prior to this 4:30pm fight, Team Psycho Bot tested their machine's self-righting capabilities, only for the required cable to snap due to a lack of 'auto park' function within the arm. Psycho suffered further issues upon entering the arena, its low ground clearance requiring it to be assisted by Mat Irvine.[22]
Following the initial countdown, Psycho rammed Vector at high speed, and lined itself up to axe the returning Series 3 competitor. However, one of the collisions dislodged a servo arm used to power the weapon, resulting in the axe not firing at all. Psycho thus resorted to pushing and ramming Vector until it became immobilised, seemingly taking a knockout win.[22]
However, following a victory spin, Psycho did not stop moving upon 'Cease' being called. It also failed to stop moving when Team Psycho Bot switched off its transmitter, suggesting that the robot's failsafe systems had potentially malfunctioned. Shunt was thus used to pin and axe Psycho against the side wall, until Matt Irvine was able to remove its keyswitch. Team Psycho Bot learnt later on that the transmitter, already programmed with failsafes, had mysteriously switched mid-fight to a setting which did not include failsafe functionality.[22]
Psycho's axe malfunction ultimately proved to be its downfall. Despite winning the fight, it was considered 'dull' as a result of the weapon not working, and was not chosen to compete.[22]
Winner: Psycho
Rotraktor vs The Steel Avenger[]
- "We originally entered series 4 with Rotractor [sic]. We had to Audition... by way of a battle with the steel avenger. There was no clear winner and it went to a 'clapometer' style audience vote. Steel Avenger were well known at the time. Huge audience response compared to about 2 people clapping us!"
- — Simon Rafferty recollects the qualifier involving Rotraktor[43]
Max Damage was originally intended to be The Steel Avenger's opponent for this 1pm fight, but was replaced by Rotraktor following possible technical issues.[39]
Following an accidental jump start - prompting John Willoughby to hold back until 'Activate' was called - The Steel Avenger rammed and axed Rotraktor multiple times, while also occasionally forcing it into the CPZs. In doing so, it pierced through its opponent's 'stainless' armour plating, while also bending its 3.25mm titanium front scoop. The Steel Avenger was not without its issues, however, as a suspected frozen regulator caused its axe to lose power even while running on a 'full bottle'.[39][44]
According to Team Rotraktor's Simon Rafferty, 'no clear winner' was determined, suggesting that both competitors were evenly matched. Prior to this fight, Rotraktor's steering was badly affected by its wide tracks during practice, and so the robot alternatively ran on the track's rollers. Along with this modification and different armour, Rotraktor displayed its fair share of attacking, with a combination of shunting and spearing. Both machines also cancelled each other's attacks from being pitted, and then reaching a stalemate when 'Cease' was finally called. Nevertheless, The Steel Avenger received a unanimously stronger audience response and won the fight on this basis.[39][40][43][44]
- "Anyway, we did enough to put on a good show, and the compere, Andy Collins, and the crowd, loved it!"
- — John Willoughby on The Steel Avenger's Series 4 qualifier[39]
While The Steel Avenger qualified for The Fourth Wars, receiving praise from Bill Hobbins over its 'much improved' design,[39] Rotraktor did not. Indeed, an exchange involving an unnamed producer - who allegedly deemed Rotraktor to be 'boring' - spurred Team Rotraktor to devise more 'visually interesting' robots, including their successful Series 5-7 applicant Barber-Ous.[43][45]
Winner: The Steel Avenger
Shear Khan vs Hammer & Tong[]
In this early afternoon battle, Hammer & Tong moved around sluggishly, missing with its axe weapon several times, and striking Shear Khan once who was able to outpush and prod its much bigger opponent. Shunt entered the fray shortly before the pit was lowered. Hammer & Tong managed to hold its ground during Shear Khan's vain attempt at pitting it as the battle drew to a close, with both robots still mobile at the end. Shear Khan was declared the winner via an audience vote, however, this was not enough for it to qualify. Meanwhile, Hammer & Tong received a discretionary place and gained entry into the televised Fourth Wars as a result.[13]
Winner: Shear Khan (Hammer & Tong qualified)
Small Torque vs Panzer Wraith[]
Another fight from the early afternoon show, the brand-new Team Torque machine proved to be more controllable and aggressive with its spinning disc weapon, causing superficial damage. Meanwhile, the former Series 3 Heat Finalist struggled to make a decent attack with its slower speed, and mainly rode its tracks up the sides of Small Torque. Shunt soon joined the action, pushing a failing Panzer Wraith onto the Flame Pit, where it was ultimately burnt out and immobilised, giving the win to Small Torque.[13]
Winner: Small Torque
S.M.I.D.S.Y. vs Draco[]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. arrived at the venue in a timely fashion, initially being allocated to fight during the 4pm show. However, it was quickly called up as a reserve for the 1pm show, taking the place of Draco's original opponent when it withdrew due to technical issues.[46]
- "The call comes across, 'Let the wars begin!' And Robin is shooting SMIDSY forward, Draco, caught out by the jump start also begins moving as in our speaker the count of 3... 2... 1... Activate! comes across."
- — Mik Reed of Team Ixion[46]
During pre-battle announcements, S.M.I.D.S.Y. accidentally moved forward under the controls of captain Robin Bennett, prompting Draco to also move before 'Activate' was called. S.M.I.D.S.Y. immediately rammed underneath Draco's scoop upon the battle's proper start, the collision shearing a join connecting the weapon to its actuator. This was followed up by further attacks from the Team Ixion machine, damaging Draco's sides and causing the scoop to 'flatten' further. Draco tried to respond by axing S.M.I.D.S.Y., but missed, the axe itself stopping short of the latter's top panel by 'over two inches'.[46]
S.M.I.D.S.Y. attacked Draco again - this time with its now-partially bent rear spikes - which had the result of leaving Draco immobile on one side by the time the battle concluded. While Team Ixion anticipated a certain victory, a 'Yellow Card' was issued to S.M.I.D.S.Y. by the Judges over its 'jump start', which was factored into the audience decision conducted by Andy Collins. Despite this, the audience unanimously booed Draco and applauded S.M.I.D.S.Y. awarding the latter the win. Collins interviewed Team Ixion, who claimed that the 'jump start' was down to Robin Bennett's 'over eager' disposition in the moment.[46]
Winner: S.M.I.D.S.Y.
S.M.I.D.S.Y. vs Kronic the Wedgehog[]
Described as 'another slugging match' by Team Ixion's Mik Reed, this 4:40pm battle began with both competitors charging at each other, Kronic the Wedgehog turning out to be equally as fast and manoeuvrable as S.M.I.D.S.Y. In a moment where S.M.I.D.S.Y. tried to push Kronic the Wedgehog from the front, the blue machine jostled and turned it over with three consecutive attacks from its flipper. S.M.I.D.S.Y. responded by slamming into Kronic the Wedgehog a few times before Kronic the Wedgehog flipped it back upright. This pattern continued for some time, with Kronic the Wedgehog even suggested to have nearly 'carried' S.M.I.D.S.Y. out of the arena at one point.[46]
At the end of the full five minutes - considered to have the 'best crowd reactions' of the entire day - an audience vote was cast, which gave Kronic the Wedgehog the more favourable response. A Judges' decision was also made in support of Kronic the Wedgehog, confirming its second victory of the day and helping its eventual qualification for The Fourth Wars. This had no effect on S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s chances of selection, however, as it too would qualify.[46][47]
Winner: Kronic the Wedgehog (both robots qualified)
31 July[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| PC Plod[48] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Kent and Essex | ||
| Team Members: Ken Ginn, Clive Rainbird, Mick Lake & Tony Hodgeson | ||
| Small Torque | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Edinburgh | ||
| Team Members: Martin Sloss, Richie McBride & Alex McBride | ||
| The Executioner[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Stanground | ||
| Team Members: Mark Nenadic, Ian Sanford & David Sanford | ||
PC Plod vs Small Torque[]
According to PC Plod's team captain Ken Ginn, Small Torque's speed controllers overheated during the final moments, causing it to lose mobility. However, the Team Torque entry was still deemed the winner, and would maintain the Scottish team's run of successfully entering the televised show.[49][50]
Winner: Small Torque
PC Plod vs The Executioner[]
The Executioner grapples with PC Plod
As a result of timing issues, The Executioner was confirmed by Team No Mercy to sport temporary armour and weigh 12.6kg over the heavyweight limit throughout this event. Regardless, the first collision between both competitors caused PC Plod's sawblade to 'shatter',[51] with The Executioner proceeding to grip and lift PC Plod onto one side in its attempt to pierce it. PC Plod survived this attack, however; its solid aluminium motor mount in particular proved too tough for The Executioner to crush. This, in turn, caused the claw itself to bend under its own force.[48][49][50][52]
PC Plod was eventually declared the winner, but neither robot qualified. Ironically, PC Plod was considered 'too strong in construction' for it to appear in the televised series.[49][50]
Winner: PC Plod
1 August[]
According to the Team Tornado website, a capacity crowd of 'at least' 1,000 spectators was present for the 1pm show.[12]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Aeolus[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Buckinghamshire | ||
| Team Members: Peter Waller | ||
| Alligator 2[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Angel of Death10 [12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Burnley | ||
| Team Members: Dan McGrath & Nathan Green | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bulldog Breed 2[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Walsall | ||
| Team Members: Tony Somerfield, Robert Somerfield & Toni Bond | ||
  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cannibal[53] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Clayton Le Moors, Lancashire | ||
| Team Members: Kevin Shirtcliffe, John Robinson & Philip Robinson | ||
| Eco Warrior[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carlton, Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: Paul Gibbs, John Simmons & Lloyd Walters | ||
| F-One[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Inverterbrat[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Woking, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Peter Bignell & Les Wall | ||
| Iron Daisy[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Knightmare[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Leicester | ||
| Team Members: Nigel Paget, Malcolm Summers & Lee Summers | ||
| Little Fly[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Dover | ||
| Team Members: Andy Hosking, John Woodward & Richard Woodward | ||
| Millennium Bug[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Norwich | ||
| Team Members: Rory Williams, Thomas Williams & Andrew Walker | ||
| Oblivion 2[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: London | ||
| Team Members: Suren Balendran, Thuvaaragan Balendran & Suppiah Balendran | ||
| Purple Avenger[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| T2 R Special[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Worthing, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Rupert Weeks & Chris Weeks | ||
| The Bat[53] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Tornado[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Huntington | ||
| Team Members: Andrew Marchant, David Gamble & Bryan Moss | ||
| Twister Metal[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Wauxford Destroyer[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Weeliwako 2[12] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Brighton | ||
| Team Members: John Whyatt, Lorne Baker & Raymond Taylor | ||
10 Unable to compete due to failsafe issues.
Aeolus vs Weeliwako 2[]
Team Tornado's build diaries suggest that the improved Weeliwako 2 'expired', thus leaving Aeolus to push and roll the veteran into the pit, giving itself a knockout win. However, neither robot would qualify for the series.[12][54]
Winner: Aeolus
Alligator 2 vs Unidentified opponent[]
According to Team Tornado, Alligator 2 only hit its opponent once before the latter 'kept running away'. The outcome remains unknown, though neither robot would qualify.[12]
Winner: Unknown
Bulldog Breed 2 vs Cannibal[]
The existence of this battle was confirmed on the Bulldog Breed website, which mentions that Cannibal was one of two opponents Bulldog Breed 2 'trashed' to secure its series qualification.[53]
Winner: Bulldog Breed 2
Bulldog Breed 2 vs The Bat[]
Like Cannibal, The Bat was 'trashed' by Bulldog Breed 2, though further details on both of the latter's qualifiers are currently unavailable.[53]
Winner: Bulldog Breed 2
F-One vs Unidentified axe-wielding opponent[]
F-One and its opponent are attacked by Shunt
F-One - weighing 88kg - was confirmed to lose this qualifier, with a Robot Wars Magazine photo suggesting that both competitors were attacked by Shunt at one point. Neither robot would qualify, with F-One's weight - over 8-9kg over the then-standard heavyweight limit - also prompting criticism from Team Tornado relating to the scrutineering process.[12][2]
Winner: Unidentified axe-wielding opponent
Inverterbrat vs Knightmare[]
- "Both teams tried everything in the book to win. The crowd liked them so much, they both qualified!"
- — Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6
The Robot Wars Magazine briefly suggests that this was an even head-to-head, ultimately ending in an audience decision. Such was the crowd's response - in support of both competitors - that Inverterbrat and Knightmare qualified together.[2] Nigel Paget would briefly mention that Knightmare performed 'quite well' in the qualifier during Team Knightmare's first pre-battle interview in their televised Fourth Wars heat.
Winner: Draw declared (both robots qualified)
Little Fly vs Millennium Bug[]
Little Fly battles Millennium Bug
At various points during the battle, Little Fly removed one of the armour covers protecting Millennium Bug's legs, and was even suggested in the Robot Wars Magazine to have ripped one leg off entirely. Despite this, Millennium Bug lasted the whole duration, qualifying alongside its opponent.[2]
Winner: Unknown (both robots qualified)
Tornado vs T2 R Special[]
Upon 'Activate' being called, Tornado immediately charged into T2 R Special, bending the latter's front bar and 'cracking' part of its welding on impact. The Huntingdon machine proceeded to ram and push T2 R Special multiple times across the arena, before T2 R Special was turned over by Shunt. Tornado re-righted T2 R Special in the process of resuming its initial onslaught. At one point, T2 R Special fired its axe, but this malfunctioned, ironically denting part of its own bodyshell.[12]
After a minute elapsed, the battle was stopped, with Tornado presumed to have emerged as the winner. Andy Collins interviewed Team Tornado on their robot's speed, which was in turn praised by Technical Consultant Mat Irvine. Later on, it was revealed that not only did Tornado puncture T2 R Special in several places with its pneumatic and static spikes, but also immobilise it on one side and leave its radio gear 'floating around loose inside'.[12]
Tornado was ready to fight again as a reserve, but ultimately not required to do so by the time the 4pm show was underway. Following this performance, it would comfortably qualify for the televised Fourth Wars two days later.[12]
Winner: Tornado
3 August[]
List of Known Competitors[]
NOTE: The images displayed below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Anthrax[10][26] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cranbrook, Kent | ||
| Team Members: Martin Gutkowski, Joe Gibson & Richard Johnstone | ||
| Big Pants[10][55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Burgess Hill, West Sussex | ||
| Team Members: Pete Collier | ||
| Edge Hog[10][55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Macclesfield, Cheshire | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Judge Shred 2[55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Coalville, Leicestershire | ||
| Team Members: Alan Blakeman, Paul Blakeman & Dave Cluley | ||
| Oblivion 2[10] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: London | ||
| Team Members: Suren Balendran, Thuvaaragan Balendran & Suppiah Balendran | ||
| Raizer Blade[55] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Cambridge | ||
| Team Members: Paul Hart, Howard Andrews & Steve Scotcher | ||
| Slicer[56] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carmarthen, South Wales | ||
| Team Members: Alan James, Tom James & Haydn James | ||
| Terminal Ferocity11 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: John Ryland & Fiona Ryland | ||
| The General[57] | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Carmarthen, South Wales | ||
| Team Members: Alan James, Tom James & Haydn James | ||
11 Fought Raizer Blade in qualifier matches; is presumed to have attended on this date as the Raizer Blade team assisted Team Panda backstage.[55]
Raizer Blade vs Terminal Ferocity[]
Raizer Blade survives, as Terminal Ferocity lies inverted
In this qualifier between both Third Wars returnees, the redesigned Terminal Ferocity immobilised Raizer Blade, only to drive up and stop moving on the latter's lifting arm. Raizer Blade turned Terminal Ferocity over to secure the win and eventual qualification for the televised series.[58][59]
Winner: Raizer Blade
Slicer vs The General[]
Both machines were built by and competing under the Welsh Team General, the draw forming the second battle of the 10am show. Slicer encountered driving issues almost immediately, flipping itself over upon catching an entry/exit door on its way into the arena. This required it to be freed by Mat Irvine using a crowbar, after which it was cleared away so that the door could be shut.[56]
Described by Tom James as 'frantic', the match itself involved The General colliding with and turning Slicer over multiple times, at one point onto the Flame Pit. These attacks were enough to shatter a gearbox inside Slicer, immobilising it within the first minute. The General then attempted to push its companion machine down the pit, but could not succeed before the battle drew to a close.[56][57]
Though having won by knockout, The General would not be given a second battle. Later that afternoon, series producer Bill Hobbins informed Team General that neither of their robots had qualified. The team would not attempt to enter Robot Wars again until 2016, when a redesigned version of the Third Wars Robotic Soccer finalist would appear in Series 8.[57]
Winner: The General
Anthrax vs Oblivion 2[]
Despite being able to drive into the arena, Anthrax failed to move at all upon 'Activate' being called due to a suspected radio issue. The six-wheel drive crusher - which would later be renamed Draven - would proceed to have its 5mm titanium top panel pierced by Shunt's axe, with Suren Balendran also claiming that it caught fire once the battle started. Meanwhile, Oblivion 2 reportedly impressed the Judges with its own axe weapon, ultimately qualifying for the televised series.[10][26]
Winner: Oblivion 2
Big Pants vs Edge Hog[]
Edge Hog with the damage inflicted by Big Pants
Big Pants outmanoeuvred Edge Hog in the opening moments, but missed with its first axe blow. Team Panda's machine fired its axe again a second time, successfully piercing the side armour protecting Edge Hog's right wheel. Edge Hog suffered mobility issues as a direct result of this attack, with Big Pants swinging its axe a few more times in an attempt to cause further damage. At some point, however, a faulty weld caused Big Pants' pneumatic ram to spear its own baseplate, thus preventing the weapon itself from retracting.[55]
After a certain amount of time, the pit was opened, and both competitors were pushed in by the House Robots - one of those being Shunt. Shunt also axed the back of Big Pants at some point, which was discovered by Team Panda when they examined their machine in The Pits. Though the showrunners wanted Big Pants to fight again, it would not do so, nor would either robot qualify for the series despite Big Pants emerging as the winner. Chris Reynolds and Bill Hobbins both praised Big Pants and its axe weapon, recommending that it return with improved reliability and a more durable pneumatic mechanism. Edge Hog would be redesigned and successfully qualify for The Sixth Wars, along with a substantially-rebuilt version of Big Pants named Hot Pants.[55]
Winner: Big Pants
Unspecified Dates[]
Agvart vs Henry 2[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Agvart | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Henry 2 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Woodbridge, Suffolk | ||
| Team Members: Tom Moye, Leon Moye & Melanie Moye | ||
Though the events of this battle remain unknown, Henry 2 won over Agvart, enabling it to qualify and make its second appearance on the televised show.[60]
Winner: Henry 2
Charybdis vs Velocirippa[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Charybdis | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: London | ||
| Team Members: Peter Holroyd, Peter Johnson & Richard Johnson | ||
| Velocirippa | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Nottingham | ||
| Team Members: Trevor Wright, Matthew Wright & Anthony Hillier | ||
Upon first hitting Velocirippa, the disc on Charybdis - the precursor to Fluffy - broke apart, rendering the University College London entry weaponless. Though the winner of this battle currently remains unknown, Velocirippa went on to qualify for the televised Fourth Wars. Charybdis, later modified with a bar spinner, was chosen as a reserve which went unused.[61]
Winner: Unknown (Velocirippa qualified; Charybdis selected as reserve)
Dantomkia vs Anorakaphobia[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Dantomkia | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Chertsey, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Michael Lambert | ||
| Anorakaphobia | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Oxon | ||
| Team Members: David Kingsbury, Jonathan Metcalf & Miles Kingsbury | ||
- "At that time Dantomkia was just a dual-wedged ram bot. It had no active weapons."
- — Michael Lambert[62]
In its first-ever appearance at a Robot Wars event, Dantomkia won a reportedly 'boring' battle against the Third Wars returnee.[62]
Winner: Dantomkia
Dantomkia vs Last Rights[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Dantomkia | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Chertsey, Surrey | ||
| Team Members: Michael Lambert | ||
| Last Rights | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Considered a 'very good and hard fight' by Michael Lambert, Dantomkia won comfortably despite Last Rights' spinning weapon reportedly being described as 'very powerful'. Though Dantomkia failed to qualify, a redesigned version with a flipper would eventually make its televised debut in The Sixth Wars.[62]
Winner: Dantomkia
Deathwish vs Scrapman[]
| Deathwish | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
| Scrapman | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Richard Stevenson | ||
Though mentioned by Scrapman's Richard Stevenson, no information is currently available on the battle or its outcome. Needless to say, neither Scrapman nor Deathwish would qualify.[63]
Winner: Unknown
Demolisher vs Firestarter[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Demolisher | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: London | ||
| Team Members: Sam Rudgard | ||
| Firestarter | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Likely to be an exhibition match involving the Series 2 Featherweight Champion, the Robot Wars Magazine notes that Demolisher sped around and rammed Firestarter multiple times to earn victory by an audience vote. This is generally considered to be Demolisher's final appearance as a competitor, having originally debuted in The First Wars.[2]
Winner: Demolisher
Devastator vs Unidentified opponent[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Devastator | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Mirfield, West Yorkshire | ||
| Team Members: Stuart Bunting, Bill Hoare & Andy Mann | ||
| Unidentified opponent | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
According to Stuart Bunting, Devastator fought in a qualifier battle at one of the shows, though its opponent is unidentified. It is unknown which robot won the battle, but Devastator was unsuccessful in qualifying for The Fourth Wars.[64] Meanwhile, the qualifying circumstances of its opponent are unknown.
Winner: Unknown
Excalibur II vs Unidentified hydraulic crusher[]
| Excalibur II | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Wales | ||
| Team Members: Anthony Lockwood | ||
| Unidentified hydraulic crusher | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
In a Watford Observer article detailing this match, the crusher-wielding robot was erroneously referred to as Ming, possibly out of misidentification with Ming 2.[5]
Both competitors drove around each other in the opening moments, only for the crusher-wielding robot to grab and pierce through Excalibur II's aluminium plating. The crusher-wielding robot proceeded to ram Excalibur II into the back wall - placing it near one of the flamethrowers - before tearing into the latter's back end with its secondary 'side blades'. Excalibur II was ultimately pitted, before being pushed back to the arena entry/exit gates by Shunt following the battle's conclusion. Even with the dominant showing by the crusher-wielding robot, neither competitor would qualify.[5]
Winner: Unidentified hydraulic crusher
Indefatigable vs The Mole[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Indefatigable | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: St. George's, Shropshire | ||
| Team Members: Brian Oliver, Richard Pitman & Daniel Lloyd | ||
| The Mole | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
The Mole, armed with 'spiky teeth and a circular saw' according to the Watford Observer, was suggested to heavily damage Indefatigable on its way to winning the battle. Despite being eligible to fight a second match, however, it would not qualify. Indefatigable - colourfully described as being 'left mangled and crumpled in a heap' - would be repaired and ultimately compete in the first Heat of the televised series.[5]
Winner: The Mole (Indefatigable qualified)
Knuckles vs Fat Boy Tin[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Knuckles | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Essex | ||
| Team Members: David Smith | ||
| Fat Boy Tin | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire | ||
| Team Members: John Lewis & Richard Lewis | ||
While entering the arena, Knuckles accidentally bent one of the entry/exit doorposts, which was immediately notified by Mat Irvine. Regardless, it performed well during the qualifier itself, leaving several holes in Fat Boy Tin with its rotating spike weaponry. Knuckles' dominance would be short-lived, however, when most of the BUZ 100 transistors in its speed controllers burnt out. Fat Boy Tin was thus given the win and qualified.[65]
Winner: Fat Boy Tin
Mincer vs Unidentified opponent[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Mincer | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Totton, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Jackie Cooper, Paul Cooper & Paul McQuaid | ||
| Unidentified opponent | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Mincer suffered an early setback when its drum cutter was unable to spin up at all. Regardless, it would emerge victorious, but would not be chosen to compete, after which it was succeeded by M2.[66]
Winner: Mincer
MouseTrap vs War Weary[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| MouseTrap | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Oxford and Bristol | ||
| Team Members: Jason Launchbury & Stan Launchbury | ||
| War Weary | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
A brief mention of this fight was made on the Team MouseTrap website, summarising that MouseTrap won after using its pneumatic trap weapon to grasp War Weary. This enabled MouseTrap to compete in a second battle - though with less success due to a weapon malfunction - and ultimately qualify for The Fourth Wars.[67]
Winner: MouseTrap
Rohog vs Tiny[]
| Rohog | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Didcot, Oxfordshire | ||
| Team Members: David Smith, Andy Burgess & Adam Burgess | ||
| Tiny | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Francis Smith | ||
An altered photo of this battle was published in the original Robot Wars Magazine, depicting Tiny and Rohog together with the arena environment edited out.[8] Very limited information is available, though it was confirmed in a Tinweb thread that Tiny emerged victorious according to its team.[10] However, neither robot would qualify for the series.
Winner: Tiny
Schumey 2K vs Unidentified opponents[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Schumey 2K | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Lancashire | ||
| Team Members: John Pocock & John Turnbull | ||
| Unidentified opponents | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
According to John Pocock, Schumey 2K, a rebuild of Schumey Too, fought in a total of six qualifier battles at one of the Robot Mayhem sessions after originally being scheduled to only fight in two. The four additional battles came as a result of two other robots dropping out at the last minute, with Schumey 2K being drafted in to fill their places.
Though all of the six opponents and details of the battles are unknown, Schumey 2K was victorious in all of them. However, despite its impressive showings, Schumey 2K would not qualify for The Fourth Wars after the producers stated that it was 'too tough'.[68]
Winner: Schumey 2K
Sharky vs Unidentified opponent[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Sharky | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Shaun Wilson, Paul Kitchener & Darren Kimber | ||
| Unidentified opponent | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
According to the archived Tiger Shark website, both competitors fought for the whole duration, with Sharky winning the audience vote. However, neither robot would qualify, with high entry numbers being cited as the particular reason Sharky was turned down.[69]
Winner: Sharky
Spikasaurus vs Hit Man[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Spikasaurus | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Manchester | ||
| Team Members: Stuart Pearson, Andrea Whittle & Lee Ainscough | ||
| Hit Man | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Bournemouth | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Though limited information is available, Spikasaurus is known to have won, damaging one of Hit Man's wheelguards in the process.[70]
Winner: Spikasaurus
Spikasaurus vs Octospike[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Spikasaurus | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Manchester | ||
| Team Members: Stuart Pearson, Andrea Whittle & Lee Ainscough | ||
| Octospike | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Spikasaurus emerged victorious once again against Octospike, securing its qualification for the televised Fourth Wars as a result.[70]
Winner: Spikasaurus
Sumpthing vs Banshee[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sumpthing | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Leicester | ||
| Team Members: Richard Dig, Jon Lort & Geoff Germainey | ||
| Banshee | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Huddersfield | ||
| Team Members: Alan Marchington, Graham Walker & Richard Jackson | ||
- "[The axe] was exactly the right height for his head! We were just like spearing it in the head relentlessly in the qualifiers... Quite macabre actually!"
- — Richard "Mr Dig" Dignall, on Sumpthing's qualifier against Banshee, RoboNerd 2022
During his appearance at the 2022 RoboNerd event, Richard Dignall recalled that Sumpthing's axe pierced Banshee's decorative head multiple times, helping it secure a convincing victory. Both robots would nevertheless end up appearing in the televised Fourth Wars, with Banshee taking similarly 'macabre' damage during its run in Heat L.[71]
Winner: Sumpthing (both robots qualified)
Thermidor 2 vs Generation X[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| Thermidor 2 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Norwich | ||
| Team Members: David Harding, Ian Harvey & Eli Kirkpatrick | ||
| Generation X | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
Taking place during a 4pm show on one of the July dates, this battle would become Thermidor 2's only Series 4 qualifier after it suffered an earlier issue with a broken pneumatic seal. As both competitors prepared to enter the arena, Generation X was briefly delayed by technical issues of its own.[72]
Thermidor 2 quickly drove underneath and threw Generation X a reported three feet into the air. Upon landing, the invertible Generation X was thrown over a second time, before Thermidor 2 launched a series of extra flips which immobilised it. Thermidor 2 would soundly qualify for The Fourth Wars as a result.[72]
Team Lobster - who praised Generation X's engineering quality prior to the fight - later chatted to their opponent's team. It was during the exchange where it was learnt that Thermidor 2's flips were enough to break Generation X's battery loose from its mountings. In turn, the battery 'snapped' a servo head inside Generation X, directly causing its immobilisation.[72]
Winner: Thermidor 2
V-Max vs 5 of 7[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| V-Max | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Romsey, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Mick Pearce & Richard Drayson | ||
| 5 of 7 | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Unknown | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
According to its team, V-Max 'convincingly' won over 5 of 7 by repeatedly slamming it into the arena walls.[73]
Winner: V-Max
V-Max vs Bravehard[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| V-Max | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Romsey, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Mick Pearce & Richard Drayson | ||
| Bravehard | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Scotland | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
The second qualifier involving V-Max mainly consisted of a 'power tussle' against the Scottish entry Bravehard. Bravehard would ultimately win the fight when V-Max suffered blown fuses and became immobilised.[73]
Winner: Bravehard
V-Max vs Unidentified Southampton robot[]
NOTE: The stats images below may not represent the exact appearances of certain robots during their qualifier battles.
| V-Max | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Romsey, Hampshire | ||
| Team Members: Mick Pearce & Richard Drayson | ||
| Unidentified Southampton robot | ||
| Statistics not displayed | ||
| From: Southampton | ||
| Team Members: Unknown | ||
V-Max - standing in for two unspecified robots - was flipped over by the Southampton entry and unable to self-right, exposing initial flaws with its flipping arm. While neither it nor its opponents qualified, V-Max was selected as a Fourth Wars reserve, and was chosen by Team Onslaught to take their robot's place when it withdrew from Heat P.[73]
Winner: Unidentified Southampton robot (V-Max selected as reserve)
Demonstrations[]
Chaos 2[]
An audience member account of the 24 July shows suggests that Chaos 2's demonstrations involved it throwing barrels across the arena. Some of these barrels were reported to be tossed into the arena ceiling or over the side walls, soundly demonstrating the power of the then-reigning champion's flipper.[18]
Hypno-Disc[]
Hypno-Disc during one of its Robot Mayhem demos
A photo of one of these demonstrations was published in a Robot Wars Magazine article on the event. Very limited information is available, though the presence of dented barrels suggests that Hypno-Disc was to damage them and/or various other objects in some capacity.[2]
Matilda[]
Matilda slices a log in her intro for Series 4, Heat A; similar demos would also be performed at Robot Mayhem
According to the Watford Observer, Matilda's demonstrations involved her cutting a specially-placed log in half with her chainsaw.[5]
A similar demo was also televised in Series 4, Heat A as part of Matilda's introduction. Though unconfirmed, the arena lighting and lack of red markings for the nearby CO2 vent suggest that this may have been one of the demonstrations held during Robot Mayhem.
Refbot[]
Refbot extinguishes a flaming ball
Marking his public Robot Wars debut, Refbot's demonstrations involved him driving across the arena, and using his fire extinguisher to put out a flaming ball. In reference to his football-inspired design, the theme tune for Match of the Day played throughout.[2][5][74]
Shunt[]
Shunt attacks a stack of barrels during one of his demos
Shunt's demonstrations are known to have involved him axing a stack of barrels, along with throwing other objects across the arena with his lifting scoop.[2][5]
Sir Killalot[]
- "The biggest highlight was the appearance of Sir Killalot, who always ended the show by totally trashing a challenger going by the very scary name of 'Teddybot'."
- — Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6[2]
Sir Killalot duels with Teddybot
Acting as the finale to each show, Sir Killalot's demonstrations consisted of an informal exhibition match against a sacrificial robot - Teddybot - built by Derek Foxwell.
Somewhat predictably, these battles usually resulted in Sir Killalot 'totally trashing' Teddybot, implying that the latter took serious damage in the process. George Francis and Ian Lewis were known to have assisted in building and repairing Teddybot in between each show.[2][12]
Successor[]
- "I want to take it to Paris and Bonn - this live event is just a warm up... It was all an experiment, but it's been fantastic, and the audience reaction has been overwhelming."
- — Bill Rudgard, Robot Wars Magazine[2]
In the original Robot Wars Magazine, then Series Producer Bill Rudgard stated that Robot Mayhem also served as an 'experiment' to gauge audience interest in an official UK Robot Wars live event. This, he hoped, would evolve into larger-scale tours of the United Kingdom and Europe, using a specially-built 'mobile arena' based on those developed for the contemporary TV series.[2]
A second event of the same name was initially proposed for 2001, with similar competitor numbers and further appearances by the House Robots.[75] This would eventually take place that summer as the nationwide Robot Wars Live Event tour, promoting and serving as qualifiers for The Fifth Wars. The model of integrating exhibition areas and behind-the-scenes views of The Pits into filming sessions was also adopted for later UK and international series. Examples of this - often billed as the Robot Wars Experience - occurred in Extreme Warriors Season 2,[76][77] The Sixth Wars[78][79] and Extreme Series 2.[80]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 'Steely Mazakari to lose weight and win a war', The Northern Echo, 13 October 2000
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 'Live and Flipping!', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, pp.20-21
- ↑ 'Robot Report', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, p.2
- ↑ 'Hypno-Disc at Robot Mayhem', Hypno-Disc website
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 'Metal monsters battle for survival', Watford Observer, 28 July 2000
- ↑ 'Robot Wars Club', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 5, p.12
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Robot Wars invitation letter for the Robot Mayhem 'Qualifying Tournament', dated 6 July 2000 (page 1)
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 'Robot Wars Club', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, p.12
- ↑ 'The Seeds of Doom!', Robot Wars Magazine Robot Wars Magazine/Issue 5, pp.24-25
- ↑ 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 'Robot Wars Discussion Board', Tinweb discussion forum on Robot Mayhem (archived)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 'Roaming Robots - Banana-R-Armour', Team Roaming Robots website (archived)
- ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 12.12 12.13 12.14 12.15 12.16 12.17 12.18 12.19 12.20 12.21 12.22 12.23 12.24 12.25 12.26 'Tornado - Robot Diary - Series 4', Team Tornado website
- ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 13.10 13.11 13.12 Audience member accounts of the 30 July shows from User:Shuntarunt
- ↑ 'Newsletter Mayhem at the Live Event' - Volume 1 Issue 3
- ↑ 'Qualifying Rounds' application form, Robot Wars Series 4 (archived)
- ↑ 'page542', Dominator 2 website (archived)
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 'page558', Dominator 2 website (archived)
- ↑ 18.00 18.01 18.02 18.03 18.04 18.05 18.06 18.07 18.08 18.09 18.10 18.11 18.12 Audience member account of the 24 July event
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Contribution by Liverdyne Robotics member Andrew Norton, 31 May 2012
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Audience member account of the 24 July event
- ↑ Audience member account of the 24 July 2000 event
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 'July 2000', Team Psycho Bot website (archived)
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 'T Y P H O O N', Team Natural Disasters website (archived)
- ↑ Facebook comment by Martin Dawson, 5 June 2019
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 'UFO at Robot Mayhem', Team MadScientists website (archived)
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 'Diary', Anthrax (Draven) website (archived)
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 'Morriston Comprehensive School', The Morgue website (archived)
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 'The future is bright, the future is...', Robotwars101 interview with Peter Duncanson (archived)
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 Private correspondence between RobotManiac and David Bebb in March 2021
- ↑ Kay Barnham (2002), Robot Wars: The Ultimate Guide, p.27
- ↑ Private correspondence between ToastUltimatum and Nathaniel Poate of the Short Circuit team in 2019
- ↑ 'conquests', Team Mazakari website (archived)
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 'Robotwars: The Necromancer vs Robochicken', The Necromancer website
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 'page559', Dominator 2 website (archived)
- ↑ 'page560', Dominator 2 website (archived)
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 36.7 36.8 'EyeEye - Robots - "Arnold, Arnold Terminegger" - Construction Dairy 2 - Robot Wars Robot Mayhem The Trials', Team EyeEye website (archived)
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 Private correspondence between RobotManiac and Keith Williams, 23 January 2023
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 'Killer Carrot's Dangerous Vegetable Patch' Dangerous Vegetables website (archived)
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 'Robot Wars Series IV', The Steel Avenger website (archived)
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 'Rotraktor Main', Team Rotraktor website (archived)
- ↑ 'Series 4 - Robots Without Pictures', Tectonic Robot Wars website (archived)
- ↑ 'History - TEAM IRON-AWE', Team Iron-Awe website
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 Correspondence between User:SpaceManiac888 and Simon Rafferty, February 2019
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 Audience member accounts by User:Shuntarunt, 16 February and 11 March 2023
- ↑ Correspondence between User:Toon Ganondorf and Simon Rafferty, April 2012
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 46.3 46.4 46.5 'Qualifying for Robot Wars 2000', SMIDSY/Team Ixion website (archived)
- ↑ 'The path to RW 2000', SMIDSY/Team Ixion website (archived)
- ↑ 48.0 48.1 'Diary2001', The Executioner website (archived)
- ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 Contribution by original PC Plod team captain Ken Ginn, 16 December 2017
- ↑ 50.0 50.1 50.2 Contribution by original PC Plod team captain Ken Ginn, 16 December 2017
- ↑ 2016 Facebook comment by The Scrappers, current owners of PC Plod
- ↑ Contribution from The Scrappers team member Callum, as originally recalled by Ken Ginn, 28 December 2016
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 'About Bulldog Breed II', Bulldog Breed website (archived)
- ↑ Audience member account of the 1 August shows from User:Shuntarunt
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 55.3 55.4 55.5 55.6 'Big PAnts' Team Panda build diary on Big Pants' Robot Mayhem appearance (archived)
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 56.2 'SLICER', Team General website (archived)
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 57.2 'Latest News', Team General website (archived)
- ↑ Edit by John and Fiona Ryland (Terminal Ferocity), 1 April 2010
- ↑ Edit by John and Fiona Ryland (Terminal Ferocity), 1 April 2010
- ↑ Private correspondence between RobotManiac and Tom Moye, December 2020
- ↑ 'New Page 2', Team Fluffy website (archived)
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 'Wedged Wonder', Robot Wars: The Official Magazine, Issue 2, pp.46-50 (p.48)
- ↑ Google Groups discussion board mentioning Deathwish vs Scrapman, 17 October 2000
- ↑ Private correspondence between RobotManiac and Stuart Bunting, 2020
- ↑ Google Groups discussion (12-29 August 2001), covering the Series 5 qualifiers and Knuckles' attempts to enter Series 3-5 (archived)
- ↑ 'Mincer News' Team Tristate website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Mayhem (series 4 qualifying)', Team MouseTrap website (archived)
- ↑ Facebook comments from John Pocock in April 2023
- ↑ 'History...', Tiger Shark website (archived)
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 Spikasaurus website (archived)
- ↑ RoboNerd 2022 - Mr Dig Interview, 7 September 2022
- ↑ 72.0 72.1 72.2 'Robot Wars - TEAM LOBSTER - Diary', Team Lobster website (archived)
- ↑ 73.0 73.1 73.2 'Welcome to the Making of VMax The Robot', V-Max team website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Laws', Robot Wars Magazine, Issue 6, pp.8-9 (p.9)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars :: Robot Mayhem', Official Robot Wars 'Robot Mayhem' website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars - Filming in 2002', Robot Wars Discussion Forum (archived)
- ↑ 'Robots Rule - Robot Wars TV Recordings', Robots Rule (archived on fightingrobots.co.uk)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars - Series 3rd - 8th - 18th July', Robot Wars Discussion Forum (archived)
- ↑ 'The Day Ahead...', Robot Wars: The Sixth Wars Souvenir Programme, 2002, p.2
- ↑ 'The Day Ahead', Robot Wars Programme, October 2002 [Extreme 2], p.1
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