Following the conclusion of the 1997 US Robot Wars competition, a fifth US event of this kind was originally planned to take place in San Francisco on August 14-16 1998. Due to a legal dispute between founder Marc Thorpe and event partner Profile Records - the original co-owners of the Robot Wars Inc. joint venture - the event ultimately did not materialize. The ramifications of the dispute also lead to a televised replacement event, to have been produced by Mentorn and the BBC, being canceled during the planning stages.
Marc Thorpe proposal[]
The original event proposed by Thorpe, commonly titled Robot Wars 1998 or Robot Wars '98[1], was to provisionally take place at the Fort Mason Center, the venue which hosted every US event from 1994 to 1997. Depending on entry numbers, it was possible that the competition would have occupied a 'larger' space within the center than in prior years, allowing for a bigger pit complex and increased seating capacity.[2][3]
Rule Changes[]
In a letter sent to potential applicants by Thorpe on April 17, a number of rule changes were proposed over the 1997 regulations. Technical, scrutineering and entry process changes were set to include:
- Increased maximum limits for heavyweights (180lbs) and heavyweight walkers (350lbs).[2]
- The introduction of pre-match weigh ins.[2]
- A rule stating that robots 'will be weighed "wet" with fuel' and other consumable liquids/gases (e.g. CO2).[2]
- A rule stating that onboard cameras were 'not exempt' from the maximum weight limits.[2]
- Bans on firearms, ammunition and gas as weapon types.[2]
- A power limit for 'rotary weapon' types, 'not to exceed that of any past robot entries'.[2]
- Universal entry fees of $100 (unsponsored) or $200 (sponsored) across all weight classes.[2]
In battles, it was planned for a 30-second countdown clock to be initiated if robots became stuck in 'any part' of the main arena. Unlike the 1997 event, which saw multiple instances of robots being unstuck during these situations, the affected robot would be eliminated and deemed to have 'forfeited' if they did not become free within the timer. Additionally, the points-based judging system, used in 1997, would be discarded, though the criteria used for this event would remain. In the event that two or more robots survived the full duration, an audience vote would decide the winner, as in 1994, 1995 and 1996.[2][3]
Planned Competitors[]
According to an August 1998 Wired article, a total of around 100 robots were expected to compete in Robot Wars '98 had it gone ahead.[4] Below is a partial list of robots known to have been designed/built for, or intended to compete in the event at some point:
Heavyweight[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Agrippa[5] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Lifting scoop[5] | |
| Defence | Carbon-fiber/aluminum/ magnesium armor; welded square tube steel chassis[6] | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Dan Danknick, Fred Dorado & Chris Adams[7] | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Boris1[8] | ||
| Weight | ~300lbs[8] | |
| Weapons | Arm-mounted[8] | |
| Defence | Square steel tubing (legs & body); 'hand-forged titanium sheet' & 'chainmail' (armor)[8] | |
| From | Eugene, Oregon[9] | |
| Team: Edwin Wise[10] | ||
| Sponsors: Simulated Reality Systems[10] | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Little Slice of Hell1[11] | ||
| Weight | 330lbs[11] | |
| Weapons | Electric sawblades & 'tillers'[11] | |
| Defence | Unknown | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Christian Carlberg[11] | ||
| Sponsors: C2 Robotics[11] | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rhino2[12] | ||
| Weight | 171lbs[13] | |
| Weapons | Spiked ramming 'points'[13] | |
| Defence | Kevlar, carbon & aluminum[13][14] | |
| From | San Francisco, California[15] | |
| Team: Alex Rose | ||
1Walker. 2Stated by Team Rhino to be in the process of being modified for an assumed entry.[12]
Middleweight[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vicious-13[1] | ||
| Weight | 98.4lbs[16] | |
| Weapons | Spinning "spiked hammer arm" & twin milling saws[16] | |
| Defence | Welded tube steel chassis; stainless steel armor[16][17] | |
| From | Redondo Beach, California[18] | |
| Team: Mike Regan[19] | ||
3Received 'minimal' changes ahead of an assumed entry. Mike Regan also began work on a "secret project" to compete in an unspecified weight class.[1]
Lightweight[]
  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carnivore[20] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Lifter & drill[20] | |
| Defence | Tubular steel chassis & aluminum plate armor[20] | |
| From | Unknown | |
| Team: Ilya Polyakov & Mike Mass[21] | ||
  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gator[22][23] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Unknown | |
| Defence | Unknown | |
| From | Unknown | |
| Team: Dennis Millard[22][23] | ||
  | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Missing Link[24] | ||
| Weight | ~50lbs[24] | |
| Weapons | Modular (chainsaw/circular saw/tethered spear guns/spikes/ 'hinged shovel scoop'/ 'whacking stick')[24] | |
| Defence | Titanium; Kevlar/carbon-fiber composite[24] | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Jason Bardis[24] | ||
| Sponsors: UCSB Mechanical & Environmental Engineering, Mouser Electronics, Carlyle-Johnson Machine Company, Worldmachine Technologies[24] | ||
Featherweight[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Armadillo[25] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Lifting tail | |
| Defence | All-aluminum shell[26] | |
| From | Romford, England, UK | |
| Team: Adam Clark & David Dempster | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Inferno[27] | ||
| Weight | ~25lbs[27] | |
| Weapons | Arm-mounted power drills; aluminum 'scoops'[27] | |
| Defence | Tomy Omnibot plastic toy shell; carbon-fiber composite base[27] | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Jason Bardis[27] | ||
| Sponsors: UCSB Mechanical & Environmental Engineering, Mouser Electronics, Carlberg Creations[27] | ||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Gorange 2[28] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Unknown | |
| Defence | Aluminum & plastic[29][30][31] | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Grayson DuRaine | ||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Mr Smashy[32] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | "Smashy" tail (thwackbot)[33] | |
| Defence | Carbon fiber & Kevlar armor; welded aluminum frame[34][35] | |
| From | Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada[34] | |
| Team: Derek Young,[36] Fredrick, Ed, Ben, Bryce & Mike[37] | ||
| Sponsors: Relic Entertainment, Delta Dynamics Inc., Simon Fraser University School of Engineering Science, OnlineMetals.com, Dave Brown Products, Svend Robinson, NTN Bearings[38] | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wedge of Doom4[39] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Ramming scoop[40] | |
| Defence | Unknown | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Tony Buchignani | ||
  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ziggo[41] | ||
| Weight | 25lbs[42] | |
| Weapons | Full-body spinner[42] | |
| Defence | Steel wok shell[42] | |
| From | California | |
| Team: Jonathan Ridder | ||
4Also suggested to be potentially upgraded for the Lightweight class depending on time and cost limitations.[39]
Unspecified[]
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Badd Karma[43] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Circular saw on overhead arm[43] | |
| Defence | '12 gauge galvanized steel'[43] | |
| From | Unknown | |
| Team: David Martelli[44] | ||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Mercury[45] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Lifting 'ramp'[45] | |
| Defence | Stainless steel[45] | |
| From | Unknown | |
| Team: Shawn Frayne[46] & Quang Tran[45] | ||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Team Conquistador entry[47] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Unknown | |
| Defence | Unknown | |
| From | Unknown | |
| Team: Timothy Davis[48] | ||
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Team Rhino entry[12] | ||
| Weight | Unknown | |
| Weapons | Unknown | |
| Defence | Unknown | |
| From | San Francisco, California[15] | |
| Team: Alex Rose | ||
Profile Records dispute[]
Thorpe's plans for Robot Wars '98 were continuously delayed by a dispute involving him and Profile Records. An injunction was placed by Profile on February 25 1998, preventing Thorpe from hosting the event without their involvement. Despite this, Thorpe's efforts to seek their approval - and obtain a temporary licence in a similar arrangement to the 1997 event - were continuously rejected, as Profile were reluctant to approve the event within the timeframes given. Thorpe, himself unwilling to agree with the terms outlined in a December 1997 agreement between both parties, acknowledged that prolonged disagreements and delays would result in Robot Wars '98 being canceled altogether.[49]
- "We are still trying to come to an agreement, but Profile has refused to allow me to move forward with the event unless the final documents are signed. That arrangement continues to be unacceptable to me due to the number of unresolved issues and the time required to resolve them . . . if they can be resolved. And, besides, no one benefits by the cancellation of the event in any case. I have worked far too hard and too long and at far to [sic] much personal sacrifice to be bullied into submission by a wealthy businessman and his clever attorneys. Also, I am not one to succumb to tactics of coercion and intimidation. Thankfully, few have suggested that I do. And, fortunately a few individuals have helped me in ways that simple gratitude cannot address."
- — Marc Thorpe, addressing builders of the proposed Robot Wars 1998 event while explaining his legal struggle with Profile Records, 20 March 1998[50]
Despite efforts by Thorpe to continue planning Robot Wars '98, as well as updating potential applicants on rule changes and the Profile struggle, the event would end up not taking place. In anticipation of the event being canceled, Gary Cline attempted to stage Robotica, a replacement invitation-only event to take place on the same weekend. While drawing support from roboteers frustrated by Profile's actions during the dispute, this too would end up being canceled under legal pressure from Profile themselves.[51]
Mentorn proposal[]
- "ROBOT WARS NEEDS YOU!
The producers of the hit British television series Robot Wars in association with the BBC are hoping to host and record an official Robot Wars competition - under license - at the Fort Mason Centre in San Francisco on the weekend of the 14-16 August.
This official Robot Wars event would be held to determine the American champions of 1998 and may subsequently be broadcast on British TV as an episode in the forthcoming second series. Champions and other robot warriors who feature in this event may then be invited to come to London to take part in a future international recorded competition!" - — Robot Wars Forum message by Mentorn Group, July 3 1998, announcing a proposed stand-in event for Robot Wars '98[52]
As part of preparations for Robot Wars: The Second Wars, UK Series production company Mentorn originally planned to film Robot Wars '98 for a proposed episode of the then-forthcoming series. When it became increasingly unlikely that Robot Wars '98 would go ahead as intended, various options were considered. As a 'good faith' resolution to the problem, it was decided to produce a replacement event at the same San Francisco venue and August dates, with the potential to be televised in the UK and Europe as the planned Series 2 episode.[53]
On July 3 1998, Mentorn released their proposal for the 1998 US event, with support from the BBC, in a public post on the roboteer-led Robot Wars Forum. The event was to have taken place at the Fort Mason Center, effectively standing in as the official 1998 US championships. In contrast to the first two UK Series, it was planned to maintain the 'competitive structure' and regulations of the original 1994-1997 competitions, with the potential of cash prizes for winning entries. Though further details on the proposed show format are unavailable, it is likely that multiple weight classes would have been represented as in previous years.[52]
While the event was mainly focused on US competitors, it was hinted that a selection of 'Britain's best robots' - likely including competitors from the UK Series - would be invited to take part as well. In turn, a selection of American competitors, including championship winners, would also be potentially invited to take part in a later 'international' event to be hosted and filmed in the UK.[52]
Reception[]
- "Our TV series was a huge hit. 4 million watched every week in a very difficult time period (against TFI Friday, a cult youth show which we beat 3 to 1)… 35,000 rang us to get more info about robots after the show and 3,500 have joined a Robot Wars supporters club. 400 people in the UK are now building robots for the second series - which we're shooting in August - and the possibility of future events. We thought it would be good to do a US show - you have been building far longer than us and watching robots such as La Machine, The Master and Biohazard in action would be really inspirational for builders in the UK. Additionally, a show recorded in San Francisco would have given us all the opportunity to see American and British robots in combat together. We've had plenty of positive replies about the proposed August shoot in San Francisco but we certainly aren't going ahead unless enough US robots wish to compete. We've got plenty of good UK robots this year and people are starting to build in other parts of Europe as well."
- — Tom Gutteridge, addressing US builders' hostility towards Mentorn and their proposed US event, July 10 1998[53]
Though claimed by Tom Gutteridge to have received a positive initial response, Mentorn's event proposals were met with hostility from US builders the moment they were revealed. This was a direct consequence of the existing Thorpe-Profile dispute, with some (e.g. Derek Young) believing that Mentorn's position as a Robot Wars licence holder, and the BBC's as a broadcaster, were indicative of their assumed roles in the saga. To clear up misconceptions, Gutteridge confirmed on July 10 that he and Mentorn had no 'shareholding or stake' in Profile Records or Robot Wars Inc.; and wished to remain distant from the dispute altogether.[53][54]
- "We are in no way involved in the dispute between Marc [Thorpe] and Steve [Plotnicki]. We don't want to take sides. We just want to help make Robot Wars a worldwide success.
I don't want to get involved in the politics of this: there's a huge following for Robot Wars in the UK and if the US implodes it won't make a bit of difference to the sport over here or in the rest of Europe. It will be tragic though for all the people who have spent so long building machines in the US. Robot Wars could become a really big sport, which is surely what everyone wants, but it won't if the participants aren't united or without TV coverage. Mentorn has invested a huge amount in the development of Robot Wars and we've done it because we share your enthusiasm for the idea and commitment to the sport.
Our offer to produce and televise an American Robot Wars competition was made in good faith and with the best of intentions. Our filming schedule has been set in stone for months and we had always planned to cover the live American event - which had been scheduled for the weekend of 14-16 August - as part of our next series. We were as disappointed as you to hear that the fate of the annual San Francisco event was looking uncertain and so began to consider other options. Our recent announcement - which was intended to generate interest in a dedicated American TV show for broadcast here in Europe - was received negatively by many of you and I can only assume that this is because you were unaware of all the facts. We'll post our decision about whether we're going ahead shortly. Meanwhile, our next TV series is being recorded in London from August 14th to 28th. Everyone is welcome." - — Tom Gutteridge, clarifying his and Mentorn's stance on the Thorpe-Profile dispute, July 10 1998[53]
Ultimately, a lack of builder interest resulted in Mentorn shelving their proposal by July 27, to be replaced by a potential 'international' competition to be filmed in London. This 'international' event, tentatively planned for August 27, also did not take place. In any case, overlapping filming dates for The Second Wars would have likely precluded any UK teams from being able to take part in the San Francisco event on an invitational basis.[55]
It would not be until 1999 when Mentorn and the BBC began hosting, recording and releasing similar events featuring US teams, as part of filming for The Third Wars. The 1998 San Francisco proposal would also be Mentorn's only attempt at a US-centric event, until the commissioning of the unaired American Robot Wars 2000 pilot for MTV.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 'Vicious-1 New Stuff', Team Vicious website (archived February 19 1999)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Letter by Marc Thorpe to Robot Wars 1998 applicants, 17 April 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Letter from Marc Thorpe, 10 June 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
- ↑ Charles Platt (1 August 1998), 'Die, Robot', WIRED
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 'The Agrippa: November 1997 Status', Team Delta website
- ↑ 'The Agrippa', Team Delta website
- ↑ 'Team Delta 1998', Team Delta website
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 'ProjectBoris', Simulated Reality Systems website (archived February 6 1998)
- ↑ 'Simulated Reality Systems -- Company Philosophy', Simulated Reality Systems website (archived May 21 1998)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 'Simulated Reality Systems', Simulated Reality Systems website (archived May 21 1998)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 'Carlberg Creations' [Little Slice of Hell page], Carlberg Creations website (archived October 17 2000)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 'Team Rhino: contact us...', Team Rhino website (archived)
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 'Team Rhino: about our robot', Team Rhino website (archived)
- ↑ 'RHINO', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 'Contestants: Heavyweight Class', 4th Annual Robot Wars (1997) souvenir programme, p.4
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 'VICIOUS-1', Team Vicious website (archived)
- ↑ 'MATCH: VICIOUS 1 VS THE BISHOP', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 'Contestants: Middleweight Class', 4th Annual Robot Wars (1997) souvenir programme, p.3
- ↑ 'MIDDLEWEIGHT INDEX', Team Spike website (archived)
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 'p.s.t.' [Carnivore page], Team Carnivore website (archived)
- ↑ 'The faces behind Team Carnivore', Team Carnivore website (archived)
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 'Test Page', Dennis Millard/Gator website (archived)
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 'RobotWars 98 Future Plans', Dennis Millard/Gator website (archived)
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 'Infernolab:Missing Link', InfernoLab website (archived)
- ↑ 'Building Status', Dangerous Machines (Tinweb) website (archived)
- ↑ 'RobotWars, Robot Wars and Dangerous Machines - Armoury and our Robots', Dangerous Machines/Tinweb website (archived March 8 2000)
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 'Infernolab:Dr. Inferno', InfernoLab website (archived)
- ↑ 'April', Grayson's Robot Site (archived)
- ↑ 'February', Grayson's Robot Site (archived)
- ↑ 'May', Grayson's Robot Site (archived)
- ↑ 'June', Grayson's Robot Site (archived)
- ↑ 'Mr Smashy's Homepage', Mr Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 'Pictures of Mr Smashy's "Smashy" Tail', Team Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 'Mr Smashy's Progress Report', Mr Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 'Pictures of Mr Smashy's Finished Frame', Mr Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 'Fighting Robots by Derek Young', Derek Bruce Young website
- ↑ 'Meet the Team', Mr Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 'Mr Smashy's Sponsors', Mr Smashy website (Derek Bruce Young)
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 'Robot Wars 1998', Wedge of Doom/Nolex website (archived February 6 1998)
- ↑ 'The 1997 Wedge of Doom's Design', Wedge of Doom/Nolex website (archived)
- ↑ 'Team Ziggy - Ziggo', Team Ziggo website (archived)
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 'Team Ziggy - Ziggo History', Team Ziggy website (archived)
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 'Badd Karma', Team Nitros website (archived)
- ↑ 'Untitled', Team Nitros website (archived)
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 'Robot Wars Dungeon' [Mercury page], Shawn Frayne/Mercury website (archived)
- ↑ 'Robot Wars Dungeon' [Home page], Shawn Frayne/Mercury website (archived)
- ↑ 'Team Conquistador: Built to Conquer Robot Wars', Timothy Davis/Team Conquistador website (archived)
- ↑ 'So you wanna know about me?', Timothy Davis/Team Conquistador website (archived)
- ↑ Brad Stone (2003), Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, pp.119-120
- ↑ Letter from Marc Thorpe to Robot Wars builders, explaining the issues with Profile Records and the delay in updates for Robot Wars 1998, 20 March 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
- ↑ Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, pp.121-122, p.129
- ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 Letter from The Mentorn Group concerning their proposed 1998 Robot Wars US event, dated 3 July 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 Official Mentorn letter written by Tom Gutteridge, concerning a proposed 1998 Robot Wars US event to be filmed for UK audiences, 10 July 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
- ↑ Gearheads: The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports, p.129
- ↑ Letter from The Mentorn Group confirming the cancellation of their proposed 1998 Robot Wars US event, dated 27 July 1998, reproduced on RobotCombat.com
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