The Black Beast was a competitor robot which fought in the second series of Dutch Robot Wars. It did not achieve great success during its only appearance, being defeated by Twister in the first round.
Design[]

The Black Beast in the arena
The Black Beast was a tall, triangular, reverse wedge-shaped robot armed with a pneumatic flipping arm. It was painted black and featured red horns and clusters of ping-pong balls attached to the front decorated as several small eyes, the latter details paying homage to the creature from the Monty Python film. The robot's design and weapon also resembled the Dutch Series 1 Grand Finalist Sater.
Etymology[]
- ""As the horrendous Black Beast lunged forward, escape for Arthur and his knights seemed hopeless, when suddenly, the animator suffered a fatal heart attack.""
- — A Monty Python quote on the team's website[1]
The robot's name and design were based on the 'Black Beast of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh', a fictional monster from the 1975 comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Qualification[]

The Black Beast without its armour during the build process
The Black Beast was initially created to compete in the first series of Dutch Robot Wars, with most of the components being created, with construction starting in November 2000. However, The Black Beast was unable to participate after the birth of Tom van Leent's first child, therefore the team withdrew its application.
- "Due to time constraints (becoming a dad), building the robot has been postponed until further notice. Unfortunately, participating in series 1 was not possible."
- — Tom van Leent on the Black Beast website
After the announcement of the second series, The Black Beast was given some upgrades and was eventually invited for auditions. The Black Beast drove around a "demonstration arena" and the team were told they qualified.
- "Hoera!!! We are through the selection and can go to England for the recordings. The robot drove for the very first time in the demonstration arena."
- — Tom van Leent on The Black Beast's qualification
The team did not choose to apply for UK Series 7, stating that the newly built Black Beast 2 would be no match for its competition.
- "Well, that was Robotwars 2002. We don't dare to bet on whether there will be a new series at BNN. In any case, we are not participating in the English series 7, BB2 is no match for that violence. If all goes well, we will be back in Genk in October."
- — The team on applying for UK Series 7[2]
Robot History[]
Dutch Series 2[]
The Black Beast fought in Heat B and faced Twister in the first round.

The Black Beast loses its eyes following Twister's second blow
It started by driving close to the Pit release button and spinning around but did not press the button and drove over the closed Pit square. The Black Beast reversed and backed into Twister's spinning blade, causing a few of its eyes to fly off before a front-on slam ripped the flipping plate off The Black Beast's lifting arm as well as sending more eyes flying and bouncing across the arena. The Black Beast eventually drove towards the arena wall and sat motionless there, allowing Twister to attack its front and rip off one of its horns before it finally drove away. The Black Beast then drove into a CPZ and was axed by Shunt, becoming immobilised as it attempted to drive out before having its other horn ripped off by Twister.

Mr. Psycho lifts The Black Beast after it is counted out
Mr. Psycho pounded The Black Beast with his hammer before Shunt dragged it across the arena with his axe, lifting it and releasing it as Refbot counted it out. The Black Beast was picked up by Mr. Psycho and dropped onto the Floor Spinner before Shunt pushed it onto the Floor Flipper and the Drop Zone, where it had an oven dropped on it. 'Cease' was called, and The Black Beast was eliminated from the Dutch Series.
Results[]
THE BLACK BEAST - RESULTS | ||
Series 2 | ||
Dutch Championship Heats, Round 1 | ||
Heat B, Round 1 | vs. Twister | Lost |
Wins/Losses[]
- Wins: 0
- Losses: 1
Series Record[]

The Black Beast from the side
Dutch Series | The Black Beast Series Record |
---|---|
Series 1 | Did not enter |
Series 2 | Heat, Round 1 |
Outside Robot Wars[]

The Black Beast 2 in 2003
For the 2003 Dutch Robot Games a new version of The Black Beast was created with a completely new wedge design and an axe replacing the lifter, now named The Black Beast 2 (styled as The Black Beast II). Its only battle at the event was a rumble against K.A.S.A.P. and Das Gepäck, which was won by the latter once Das Gepäck pushed The Black Beast 2 into the pit[3].
Trivia[]
- The Black Beast bears a striking resemblance to Sater in its body shape and weaponry, although the two are unrelated.
References[]
External Links[]
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