- "According to Isaac Asimov, there are three laws of robotics. But according to Robot Wars, there are four: Style, Control, Damage, and most importantly, Aggression, because the last robot standing is ultimately the winner. But for the teams of designers and builders, the challenge started months before they locked chainsaws in the arena. Here on Robot Wars Revealed, we go back in time - how did they prepare for these Wars? What did they have to do to keep their robots alive? Let's find out, as six teams get ready to run The Gauntlet."
- — Philippa Forrester's introduction
Episode 5 of Robot Wars Revealed was originally aired on BBC Choice on 4 December 1998. It presented behind-the-scenes footage of Heat E of Robot Wars: The Second Wars, including video diaries of the Technophobic and Killertron teams preparing their robots for the main competition.
Robots Featured[]
Newcomers[]
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|---|---|---|
| ORAC | ||
| Weight | 55.3kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.65 x 0.8 x 0.6m | |
| Speed | 10mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 70mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | 9" circular cutting disc and front chisels | |
| Notes | Took 5 months to build and cost about £400 | |
| From: Bicester in Oxfordshire | ||
| Team Members: Peter Reynolds, Barry Davis & Jason Wright | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pain | ||
| Weight | 80.9kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.45m | |
| Speed | 4mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 0mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | Kinetic stabber driven by oxygen piston | |
| Notes | Materials acquired from uncle's farm and scrapyards | |
| From: Norwich | ||
| Team Members: Jon Witte & Pete Birch | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Schumey | ||
| Weight | 79.3kg | |
| Dimensions | 0.95 x 0.77 x 0.3m | |
| Speed | 30mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 50mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | Spikes | |
| Notes | Named after Michael Schumacher | |
| From: Darwen in Lancashire | ||
| Team Members: Jon Pocock and John Turnbull | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spin Doctor | ||
| Weight | 66.6kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.55 x 1.2 x 0.4m | |
| Speed | 17mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 20mm | |
| Power | 1 x 12V battery | |
| Weapons | 20" chainsaw, front snowplough, maces | |
| Notes | Polypropylene shell covered in zinc | |
| From: Huddersfield | ||
| Team Members: Peter Duncanson, Phillip Duncanson & Martin Griffin | ||
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Technophobic | ||
| Weight | 82.2kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 0.75 x 0.55m | |
| Speed | 10mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 6mm | |
| Power | Petrol driven lawnmower engine | |
| Weapons | 9" steel cutting disc and blades | |
| Notes | Took 20 days to build and cost £800-£1000 | |
| From: Bournemouth | ||
| Team Members: Mark Green, Mike Halon & David Hayward | ||
Veterans[]
 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Killertron (seeded 4th) | ||
| Weight | 75.0kg | |
| Dimensions | 1.45 x 0.7 x 0.6m | |
| Speed | 15mph | |
| Turning Circle | 0m | |
| Ground Clearance | 100mm | |
| Power | 2 x 12V batteries | |
| Weapons | Pick axe | |
| Notes | A veteran of Robot Wars - but no longer tickled pink! | |
| From: Bromley in Kent | ||
| Team Members: Richard Broad, Abdul Degia & Ian Degia | ||
Content[]
Video Diaries[]
Technophobic[]
- "Handy tip number one... when building a robot, it's always very useful to have your own engineering company! That's exactly what David Hayward does, giving him access to all the bits and bobs that just happen to be lying around his workshop."
- — Philippa Forrester
The Technophobic team test their machine's lawnmower motor
A partially-finished Technophobic undertakes an outdoor test
The first Technophobic diary – dated from 11 May – began with the robot's chassis and components being manufactured at Hayward Precision Engineering, a Bournemouth-based company run by team captain David Hayward. The robot's petrol lawnmower motor was also installed and tested. Initial difficulties were faced with starting the motor and maintaining straight-line mobility, the latter when the partially-completed Technophobic began to be driven outside in the company's cark park.
Killertron[]
Killertron's diaries initially showed a clip of its axe arm and flywheel being tested by hand in a garage, along with others where various components were being measured, sawed and cut with small grinders. Gradually, pieces of the robot's bodyshell were assembled, spray-painted and fitted into place, with Philippa Forrester's voiceover also mentioning its previous appearance in The First Wars.
Following Richard Broad's explanation of its design and mechanism in the Arena segment, tests of Killertron's axe were aired in the second set of clips. The upgraded weapon was powerful enough to pierce, lift and knock down objects including wood and metal beams, and a short wood stump used to place the former items.
Interviews[]
John Wittle explains Pain's weapon
Martin Griffin, highlighting the problems with Spin Doctor's motors
Extensive coverage was made on John Wittle, Pete Birch and their entry Pain, who explained its complex, yet largely unreliable drive and weapon systems. Of note was Wittle's rundown of its 'piston-driven spike', where he demonstrated the weapon's full length – taking technical consultant Mat Irvine by surprise – as well as samples of 4mm aluminium deck plate and a mild steel pipe it damaged during testing.
Other entrants also reported early reliability concerns. The Spin Doctor team suffered from an overloaded speed controller just before the start of filming, requiring a frantic trip back up to Yorkshire for the component to be repaired in time for its appearance. Martin Griffin also explained drawbacks with the single-terminal design of their motorcycle starter motors, which made Spin Doctor more prone to short circuits and speed controller failures. Changes to Technophobic's hydraulic system were also required, when it was discovered that its valves and shafts were bending under its 1,500-1,800psi working pressure.
Gauntlet[]
Side rails are fixed into position for the Gauntlet left and centre routes
Glen Collins and a production colleague discuss the setup for the Heat E Gauntlet
The Gauntlet segment began with Philippa Forrester's introduction from the main Heat E, followed by a behind-the-scenes montage of the arena being converted in preparation for this stage. The Spin Doctor team remained indecisive on their strategy – having just managed to rectify their machine's speed controller issues – while Ian Degia and Richard Broad of Team Trojan expressed a mix of apprehension and confidence ahead of Killertron's run. Killertron, incidentally, was the first competitor to be highlighted, putting up a valiant fight against Shunt and Dead Metal during its run on the centre route.
- "We got to the end of the ramp... and then... the House Robots were there! So I stopped, and the robot got carried away with itself, twisted sideways. And... we just got blocked, really, following the House Robots. And we couldn't push our way through them, so we was hackin' at them!"
- — Richard Broad on Killertron's Heat Gauntlet run
The majority of the remaining teams decided to attempt the centre route as well – these being Technophobic, ORAC and Schumey. ORAC was the only one of the trio to reach the end zone, while Schumey – which was turned over by Sir Killalot after dropping off the see-saw ramp – was revealed to have suffered issues with its traction control system. The damage inflicted to Technophobic by Dead Metal and Shunt was briefly covered, including additional heat damage observed by Philippa Forrester. It was at this point that rumours of Pain's run being delayed were partially confirmed by John Wittle, who explained to Forrester the difficulties his team had experienced with getting its electrical system to work.
- "...we've had a complete nightmare. All our electronics died, so we bodged up something so that we could at least drive around, and put them in a really stupid place. So now, we've got to get the case on before we start the motor, and the bit of string's not long enough, so we're getting another bit of string. If we get a little bit of a delay, we can at least get the cutting disc going and we can give the House Robots something to chew on."
- — John Wittle, explaining the technical issues with Pain's drive system
Though Martin Griffin was adamant that Spin Doctor's size would restrict it to only one route, his team initially elected to take it through the left-hand route past Sir Killalot and the pit. However, they decided to take the left-hand route upon finally starting The Gauntlet, where it got wedged on the Ramrig grinders and pressured by the House Robot. Forrester admonished the Spin Doctor team over their indecisiveness, to which Peter Duncanson responded by addressing the change in Gauntlet route configurations prior to this Heat. Phillip Duncanson added that Spin Doctor was too wide and had too low of a ground clearance to attempt either the right (left) or centre routes.
John Wittle attempts to rectify Pain's technical issues
Even with Spin Doctor only reaching 3.8m, Pain continued to suffer technical issues which its team were desperately attempting to rectify. Alongside damage to the front end and a broken pin, John Wittle reported that the right-hand track split due to the left-hand side drive jamming up; the latter also being left with no reverse drive. Wittle believed that Pain would be forced to retire if the problem was traced to blown relays, all while getting a small electric shock as he attempted to test its circuitry.
The scar left in Killertron's shell following its Gauntlet run
Eventually, Pain was wheeled into the arena for its first Gauntlet run. Despite movements from its inner front chain drives, the entire machine was not able to move forwards at all on either of its attempts, forcing the robot’s retirement.
- "Lack of motion was a bit of a major factor, to be honest. In fact, a lack of anything! We've lost all electrics. We tried to patch it together, it's not working so... that's it. We can't even go out there and get torn apart!"
- — John Wittle concedes defeat as Pain is forced to retire
Though comfortably through to the King of the Castle Trial, Team Trojan were busy repairing the damage inflicted to Killertron, whose batteries also shook loose during its run.
Trial (King of the Castle)[]
The King of the Castle set is assembled
The Spin Doctor team work on their machine
Technophobic undergoes running repairs
The Spin Doctor team prepare to install The Parthian Shot's speed controller setup
The Robot Wars set builders got to work preparing the King of the Castle platform and ramps, while the Spin Doctor team encountered more issues as their robot's speed controller caught fire during a test. This necessitated a complete replacement with a different controller setup provided by the Parthian Shot team, the segment effectively revealing the latter's elimination prior to its official debut in the very next Heat.
Craig Charles' introduction was followed by a montage of all five runs, the most notable highlight being Spin Doctor breaking off one of Matilda's tusks. Back in The Pits, Philippa Forrester commented on Schumey's 'absolutely rubbish' run – where it sped off the platform on its own. She also revealed to Team Trinity that the damage Killertron inflicted to Shunt was enough for the House Robot to retire from the whole event, though in actuality he remained in the arena while Dead Metal was substituted by Matilda.
Arena Semi Finals[]
- "Arena time is upon us. The moment all roboteers dread. After months of testing, will their pride and joy end up in a pile of scrap metal?"
- — Philippa Forrester
Prior to its face-off against Technophobic, the bodyshell of Spin Doctor was fitted with additional 'heavyweight maces' to inflict damage to its opponents. Richard Broad explained the design and mechanics of Killertron's 'high-speed pickaxe', while also revealing technical issues including one where the robot's base had started to become 'unbonded'. A slipped chain and blown fuse also affected ORAC, whose team predicted would be left 'in pieces' after its fight against Killertron.
ORAC was initially able to dodge Killertron's axe, but became immobilised over the arena spikes as a result of a loose drive chain. Killertron seized its chance to axe, drag and hold ORAC over the Flame Pit, which caused extensive damage to the yellow machine. As noticed by Ian Degia, the force of Killertron's blows was enough to bend its own axe shaft, with the weapon also starting to activate 'on its own' to Degia's bemusement. The ORAC team began speculating the cause of their robot's immobilisation, with likely reasons including a speed controller failure or a blown fuse.
A Robot Wars crewmember tends to Technophobic's internal fire
A 'popped' microprocessor in its control board caused further issues for Spin Doctor, though Peter Duncanson remained adamant that it would not stop his team's machine from continuing. The Technophobic team remained unsure on their strategy against Spin Doctor's sit-and-spin design. In practice, Technophobic was able to outlast its opponent to secure a place in the Heat Final, though not without suffering an internal fire which had to be extinguished. Concerning Spin Doctor's immobilisation, an indifferent Phillip Duncanson gave out multiple reasons to the camera including a flat battery and the recurring speed controller issues that dogged its team from the start. Both teams were content, but wished for a more eventful fight. Spin Doctor's post-fight interview took place in the arena as the next fight was being set up, revealing that Panic Attack and Whirling Dervish were to meet at the arena stage in the following episode.
Mat Irvine Segments[]
Mat Irvine with Killertron
Mat Irvine discusses Technophobic's design and Heat Semi Final performance
Mat Irvine initially noted Killertron's First Wars run and large wheels, the latter giving it good grip and one of the fastest top speeds in the arena. His assessment of its axe weapon highlighted its locking bar and use of automotive components, including a clutch plate and a starter motor. Concerning Technophobic, its hydraulics and lawnmower motor were considered a good example of the 'initiative and ingenuity' exhibited by competing roboteers. Irvine then commented on its Heat Semi Final victory, revealing that the cause of Technophobic smoking towards the end of that battle was a piece of plastic burning from inside its bodyshell.
Final[]
- "We've been givin' them a hard time, we've been picking on them a lot, and giving them lots of trouble. I think they've had a few technical problems 'cause of us, and... they've been working on them most of the last night to try and fix them, I think. I think we're in for a good chance again, but we're gonna get picked on this time, I think... in a big way!"
- — Richard Broad on Killertron attacking the House Robots and its prospect of winning the Heat Final
After an interview where Richard Broad discussed Killertron's attacks on the House Robots up to this point, Technophobic was shown being wheeled into the arena under the watch of Derek Foxwell. Mat Irvine next briefed Team Trojan on arena rules, boundaries and the Pit of Oblivion, before highlights of the Heat Final began. Here, Killertron pursued and eventually pushed Technophobic into the pit, becoming the first competitor to do so to an opponent in battle. Abdul Degia shared his delight at a 'brilliant' battle which secured Killertron's place in the Series Semi Finals, while David Hayward also emerged in jovial spirits as his team wheeled Technophobic back into The Pits.
Trivia[]
- Philippa Forrester's introduction mentions 'Aggression' as being the most important criteria on Robot Wars, though the judging criteria for the classic run always put it as 'Damage'.
- When John Witte explained Pain's initial technical issues to Philippa Forrester, he erroneously referred to its 'piston-driven spike' weapon as a 'cutting disc'.
- Middleweight competitor Doodlebug makes a background appearance in this heat, being worked on by its team as Richard Broad is interviewed ahead of the Heat Final. Featherweight competitor Armadillo also makes a similar appearance in an earlier interview with Broad, discussing repairs made to Killertron in between rounds.
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