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{{robot
 
{{robot
 
|robot_name=The Master
 
|robot_name=The Master
|image=[[File:TheMaster95.jpg]]
+
|image=<gallery>
  +
The_Master.jpg|1996
|caption=The Master in 1995
 
  +
TheMaster95.jpg|1995
  +
</gallery>
  +
|caption=
 
|series=1995 UK Open Competition
 
|series=1995 UK Open Competition
 
|team=Team Sinister
 
|team=Team Sinister
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|speed=
 
|speed=
 
|power=
 
|power=
  +
|weapons=Interchangeable, including<br/> circular saw & lifting panel
|weapons=Circular saw
 
 
}}
 
}}
'''The Master''' was a Californian robot, and the winner of the 1995 open ''Robot Wars'' competition, held in London in 1995. After winning untelevised battles against Painful Wedgie and [[The Mauler|Mauler 1995]], The Master fought [[Thor (1995)|Thor]] in a battle which was broadcast as part of the British ''Robot Wars'', included in [[Robot Wars: The First Wars/Heat D|Heat D]] of [[Robot Wars: The First Wars|Series 1]], and the VHS release of ''[[Robot Wars: The First Great War]]''.
+
'''The Master''' was a Californian robot, and the winner of the 1995 ''[[Robot Wars]]'' UK Open Competition, held in London. There, it earned victory after immobilising [[Thor (1995)|Thor]] in a battle which was broadcast as part of the British ''Robot Wars'', included in [[Robot Wars: The First Wars/Heat D|Heat D]] of [[Robot Wars: The First Wars|Series 1]], and the VHS release of ''[[Robot Wars: The First Great War]]''.
   
 
==Design==
 
==Design==
  +
{{Quote|The Master really is these two huge steel spheres. Inside the spheres are motors, batteries, speed controllers, a radio - everything it takes to drive the thing is contained in [these]. And then, the weapons, like this saw here, attach onto the thing from the front or the back.|Mark Setrakian explains The Master's design in an interview from ''[[American Robot Wars 1996]]''}}
 
[[File:TheMaster.jpg|thumb|left|The Master before its battle with Thor]]
 
[[File:TheMaster.jpg|thumb|left|The Master before its battle with Thor]]
The Master was an invertible [[Axlebots|axlebot]] design, uniquely containing most of its electronics within its two spherical wheels. The robot was equipped with a front panel, and a circular saw attached to an arm at the rear. The Master featured a point of actuation between the two weapons, so the front panel would appear to function as a lifter, while the circular saw arm could be brought from the floor while The Master's wheels still made contact with the floor. Castor wheels were also applied to the bottom of The Master's saw housing.
+
The Master was an invertible [[Axlebots|axlebot]] design, uniquely containing most of its electronics within its two spherical wheels. The robot was equipped with a front panel which featured a set of spikes at the end, and a circular saw attached to an arm at the rear. The Master featured a point of actuation between the two weapons, so the front panel would appear to function as a lifter, while the circular saw arm could be brought from the floor while The Master's wheels still made contact with the floor. Caster wheels were also applied to the bottom of The Master's saw housing to protect it.
   
In its appearances on ''BattleBots'', The Master's saw could be substituted for interchangeable weaponry including a spiked hammer, and an electric lifting spike. Only the circular saw was seen on ''Robot Wars''.
+
Throughout its appearances in the US ''Robot Wars'' events and fellow robot combat show ''BattleBots'', The Master's saw could be substituted for interchangeable weaponry including a spiked hammer, an electric lifting spike, and a large triangular-shaped ramming/thwacking blade. The robot's modular design allowed for the weapons to be easily replaced, removed or relocated; for example, the lifting panel could be removed entirely to allow the saw or triangular blade to swing overhead. In these configurations, this enabled The Master to function as a [[Torque reaction|torque reaction]] [[Thwackbot|thwackbot]]. Only The Master's circular saw was seen during its televised ''Robot Wars'' appearance, used in tandem with the lifting panel; however, footage from ''The First Great War'' suggests that the triangular blade was also used during the 1995 UK Open.
   
 
==Robot History==
 
==Robot History==
 
===Series 1===
 
===Series 1===
 
{{quote|And now it's time to strap yourselves in and cry mercy, as we leave you with the ultimate robotic confrontation!|[[Craig Charles]] in ''[[Robot Wars: The First Great War]]''}}
 
{{quote|And now it's time to strap yourselves in and cry mercy, as we leave you with the ultimate robotic confrontation!|[[Craig Charles]] in ''[[Robot Wars: The First Great War]]''}}
  +
[[File:Eubank_vs_the_master.png|thumb|left|The Master fights Eubank the Mouse, equipped with its triangular blade]]
After defeating Painful Wedgie and [[Mauler|Mauler 95]] in the first two rounds of the 1995 ''Robot Wars'' Open Competition, The Master fought [[Thor (1995)|Thor]] in the final, which was televised as part of the first British series of ''Robot Wars''.
 
  +
[[File:Grunt_vs_the_master.png|thumb|The Master fights two versions of Grunt]]
  +
The Master was one of three US ''Robot Wars'' competitors, along with [[Thor (1995)|Thor]] and [[La Machine]], to be invited to compete in the 1995 UK Open Competition. It fought in numerous battles alongside its fellow American compatriots, as well as future [[Loanerbots|Stock Robots]] [[Grunt]] and [[Eubank the Mouse]], with considerable success. Various clips of these battles were shown in the ''First Great War'' video release, while The Master's battle with Thor was also televised as part of the [[Robot Wars: The First Wars|first British series]] of ''Robot Wars''.
   
 
{{quote|We'll revisit the 1995 Robot Wars UK Championships in London, featuring two of the most powerful robots in the world today! The Master, built by Mark Setrakian, and Thor, designed by Shilling Robotics, both from America, and what a night it was!|[[Jonathan Pearce]] in Series 1, Heat D}}
 
{{quote|We'll revisit the 1995 Robot Wars UK Championships in London, featuring two of the most powerful robots in the world today! The Master, built by Mark Setrakian, and Thor, designed by Shilling Robotics, both from America, and what a night it was!|[[Jonathan Pearce]] in Series 1, Heat D}}
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[[File:The Master vs Thor 3.jpg|thumb|left|The Master attacks Thor's exposed wheel]]
 
[[File:The Master vs Thor 3.jpg|thumb|left|The Master attacks Thor's exposed wheel]]
 
[[File:The Master celebrates.jpg|thumb|With no saw remaining, The Master celebrates its victory]]
 
[[File:The Master celebrates.jpg|thumb|With no saw remaining, The Master celebrates its victory]]
While Thor pushed back, The Master brought its saw onto the top of it, causing damage while shearing the circular saw in the process, creating a shower of dust. The Master continued to grind away in spite of the damage, cutting into the top of Thor's weapon, and briefly throwing sparks. The Master almost managed to drive up the side of the retreating Thor, but The Master brought what remained of its saw onto the front of Thor, creating a gash, before finally sacrificing the remainder of its saw to cut into a front wheel of Thor. This attack had immobilised Thor, and The Master won the battle.
+
While Thor pushed back, The Master brought its saw onto the top of it, causing damage while shearing the circular saw in the process, creating a shower of dust. The Master continued to grind away in spite of the damage, cutting into the top of Thor's weapon, and briefly throwing sparks. The Master almost managed to drive up the side of the retreating Thor, but The Master brought what remained of its saw onto the front of Thor, creating a gash, before finally sacrificing the remainder of its saw to cut into a front wheel of Thor. These last attacks had immobilised Thor, and The Master won the battle.
 
 
{{quote|And The Master is surely one of the most powerful robots in the world, and for me, the star of the 1995 UK London Robot Wars!|Jonathan Pearce}}
 
{{quote|And The Master is surely one of the most powerful robots in the world, and for me, the star of the 1995 UK London Robot Wars!|Jonathan Pearce}}
  +
===1996 Championship===
 
Later into Heat D of Series 1, The Master was also seen competing on American turf in the 1996 US Championship, as part of a montage of the competition. Footage of its appearances there was also used in the official video release, ''American Robot Wars 1996''.
  +
[[File:Tazz_vs_the_master.png|thumb|left|The Master attempts to slice through the wheel of Tazz]]
  +
[[File:The_master_vs_tazz.png|thumb|Tazz pins The Master down]]
  +
In the first round, The Master faced Tazz. The battle started tentatively with The Master slowly edging closer towards Tazz before swinging down with the saw blade aiming towards the tires of Tazz. Tazz swung its arm around, smashing into the saw blade of The Master who retaliates by smashing down with the saw blade arm. The Master causes some minor damage to the top of Tazz.
  +
{{Quote|Here again, The Master's saw has broken down and Tazz using its massive breaking power just to pin him (The Master) for thirty seconds and knocks The Master out in the first round!|Paul Vallis}}
  +
At some point in the match, The Master loses all functionality in the saw and is put on the defensive. Tazz quickly gets underneath and uses its lifting arm to pin The Master down for thirty seconds in a shocking defeat for the reigning heavyweight champions.
   
  +
[[File:The_master_vs_red_scorpion.png|thumb|left|Red Scorpion grabs hold of The Master]]
As Blendo was deemed to unsafe to compete in the final, The Master was deemed the joint champion of the 1995 championship, alongside Blendo, also winning the Best Design Award for that competition. As Blendo was not acknowledged in the UK ''Robot Wars'' series, The Master was deemed the outright champion for the viewing audience.
 
  +
The Master later fought in a Grudge Match against Red Scorpion, both of whom felt they wanted to show off their might after losing in the first round.
  +
{{Quote|The Master and the Red Scorpion, after being humiliated in the opening round wanted to prove they're made of tougher stuff!|Paul Vallis}}
  +
At first Red Scorpion didn't move allowing for The Master to come smashing in with the saw blade. Eventually, Red Scorpion moves and dodges the attacks from The Master. Red Scorpion then uses its front red claws to grab hold of one of the wheels of The Master, pinning it and using its tail to rain down hits. Red Scorpion soon pushes The Master towards the arena side wall where it gains victory of The Master.
   
  +
[[File:The_master_weapon_loss.png|thumb|The Master's weapon rolls around the arena]]
Later into Heat D of Series 1, The Master was also seen competing on American turf in the 1996 Championship, as part of a montage of the competition. This was also released as an official ''Robot Wars'' product, [[American Robot Wars 1996]], including its full battle against '''Tazz''', which The Master lost.
 
  +
The Master would later fight in two rumbles. The first rumble saw The Master fight against La Machine, [[BioHazard]], DooMore and Vlad the Impaler. The Master did well for the first few moments of the rumble, using its saw to slice DooMore and Vlad the Impaler, however at one point in the battle, as The Master swings down to attack Vlad the Impaler, La Machine spins and slams into The Master tearing off its saw blade arm entirely, causing the arm to dart across the arena. The Master survived longer than its opponents as La Machine took care of then one by one before going on to win the battle.
   
  +
{{Quote|The Master is back with a new weapon. A blade!|Paul Vallis as the beginning of the rumble goes underway}}
  +
[[File:The_master_vs_la_machine_vs_punjar.png|thumb|left|The Master lifts La Machine while Punjar pushes]]
  +
[[File:The_master_vs_punjar.png|thumb|Punjar attacks the immobile The Master]]
  +
The Master came back for the second rumble, replacing its saw blade arm with its triangular wedge blade. Here The Master fought [[Mauler|South Bay Mauler]], La Machine, DooMore, Tazz, Punjar, Nemesis, Killbborg, Red Scorpion, Merrimac, Namreko, Gut Rip and Marvin. Immediately, The Master charges into South Bay Mauler, getting underneath but failing to topple it. Soon after, a pile up occurs in the centre of the arena as The Master continues to hammer down blows on South Bay Mauler. Later on in the match, Punjar and The Master team up by getting its blade underneath La Machine while Punjar pushed La Machine against an arena flipper, only for La Machine to escape. After attempting to pin La Machine, The Master is attacked by DooMore and becomes trapped. Once DooMore is freed, The Master loses all mobility and is attacked by La Machine and Punjar later on in the match. La Machine, Punjar and Gut Rip were some of the few to remain mobile at the end as the audience cheered for La Machine to take the victory.
 
==Results==
 
==Results==
 
{{Results Top|Black|Silver|THE MASTER}}
 
{{Results Top|Black|Silver|THE MASTER}}
 
{{Show|Robot Wars 1995}}
 
{{Show|Robot Wars 1995}}
{{Competition|1995 UK Open Competition|Final aired as part of [[Robot Wars: The First Wars|Series 1]]}}
+
{{Competition|1995 UK Open Competition|Battle aired as part of [[Robot Wars: The First Wars|Series 1]], [[Robot Wars: The First Wars/Heat D|Heat D]]}}
{{Battle|Round 1|Painful Wedgie|Won}}
 
{{Battle|Round 2|[[The Mauler|Mauler 95]]|Won}}
 
 
{{Battle|Final|[[Thor (1995)|Thor]]|Won}}
 
{{Battle|Final|[[Thor (1995)|Thor]]|Won}}
{{Note|The Master was also to fight Blendo after its encounter with Thor, but Blendo was deemed to unsafe to compete, and both robots were declared champions}}
 
 
|}
 
|}
   
 
==Outside Robot Wars==
 
==Outside Robot Wars==
 
[[File:TheMaster1.jpg|thumb|left|The Master at ''Robot Wars'' 1994]]
 
[[File:TMZHeavy2.jpg|thumb|The Master battles TMZ in 1994]]
 
In the 1994 ''Robot Wars'' championship, The Master defeated [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/TMZ_(Heavyweight) TMZ] in the first round, but lost to eventual runner-up [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/The_Beetle The Beetle], effectively leaving The Master in third place.
  +
  +
In the 1995 US competition, The Master initially defeated Painful Wedgie and [[Mauler|Mauler 95]] in the first two rounds to reach the semi-finals, where it fought Thor. As with their UK Open encounter, it emerged victorious after immobilising Thor, despite having its saw badly damaged during the battle. The Master was due to fight Blendo in the final, but both robots were declared co-champions of the 1995 competition after Blendo was deemed too unsafe to compete.<ref>http://runamok.tech/whowon.html</ref> During the same competition, The Master also won the Best Design Award.<ref>http://runamok.tech/whowon/rw95heavy.html</ref>
  +
 
<gallery type="slideshow">
 
<gallery type="slideshow">
TheMaster1.jpg|The Master at ''Robot Wars'' 1994
 
TMZHeavy2.jpg|The Master battles TMZ in 1994
 
The Master.jpg|The Master at ''Robot Wars'' 1995
 
 
The Master Season 2.jpg|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 2.0
 
The Master Season 2.jpg|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 2.0
 
The Master Lifter.jpg|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 2.0 with its spiked lifter
 
The Master Lifter.jpg|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 2.0 with its spiked lifter
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The Master Season 5.png|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 5.0
 
The Master Season 5.png|The Master in ''BattleBots'' Season 5.0
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
In the 1994 ''Robot Wars'' championship, The Master defeated [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/TMZ_(Heavyweight) TMZ] in the first round, but lost to eventual runner-up [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/The_Beetle The Beetle], effectively leaving The Master in third place. After becoming the joint-champion of the 1995 ''Robot Wars'' competition, The Master returned in 1996, only to lose its first battle to Tazz.
 
 
 
The Master also competed in two seasons of ''BattleBots'', in the Middleweight division. It was initially drawn against [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/The_Emasculator The Emasculator] in Season 2.0, and advanced via forfeit. The Master then defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Subject_to_Change_Without_Reason Subject to Change Without Reason] in a comfortable 36-9 Judges' decision, advancing to the quarter-finals. The Master collected another win, defeating [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Blade_Runner Blade Runner] on a 28-17 Judges' decision to reach the semi-finals. There, The Master should have fought [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/El_Diablo El Diablo], but a burnt out motor forced The Master to forfeit the battle, eliminating the robot prior to its semi-final battle.
 
The Master also competed in two seasons of ''BattleBots'', in the Middleweight division. It was initially drawn against [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/The_Emasculator The Emasculator] in Season 2.0, and advanced via forfeit. The Master then defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Subject_to_Change_Without_Reason Subject to Change Without Reason] in a comfortable 36-9 Judges' decision, advancing to the quarter-finals. The Master collected another win, defeating [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Blade_Runner Blade Runner] on a 28-17 Judges' decision to reach the semi-finals. There, The Master should have fought [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/El_Diablo El Diablo], but a burnt out motor forced The Master to forfeit the battle, eliminating the robot prior to its semi-final battle.
   
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Snake BattleBots.jpg|Snake at ''BattleBots''
 
Snake BattleBots.jpg|Snake at ''BattleBots''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Team Sinister also competed with various other robots. Mark Setrakian entered the 1996 ''Robot Wars'' competition with a featherweight named '''Gigan''', although this was unsuccessful. Rather than competing with The Master, Mark Setrakian built '''Gigan 2''' to enter the heavyweight division of the ''Robot Wars'' 1997 competition. Gigan 2 competed alongside [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Snake Snake], a superheavyweight robot armed with a drill, using its entire body to provide locomotion, with no wheels or legs present. Although Snake lost its only battle to [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Red_Scorpion Scorpion] at ''Robot Wars'', Snake also entered Season 2.0 of ''BattleBots'' and defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Anubis Anubis]. Within the Round of 16, Snake was eliminated by [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/War_Machine War Machine].
+
Team Sinister also competed with various other robots. Mark Setrakian entered the 1996 ''Robot Wars'' competition with a featherweight named '''Gigan''', although this was unsuccessful. Rather than competing with The Master, Mark Setrakian built '''Gigan 2''' to enter the heavyweight division of the ''Robot Wars'' 1997 competition. Gigan 2 competed alongside [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Snake Snake], a super heavyweight robot armed with a drill, using its entire body to provide locomotion, with no wheels or legs present. Although Snake lost its only battle to [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Red_Scorpion Scorpion] at ''Robot Wars'', Snake also entered Season 2.0 of ''BattleBots'' and defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Anubis Anubis]. Within the Round of 16, Snake was eliminated by [http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/War_Machine War Machine].
   
<gallery type="slideshow" widths="200">
+
<gallery type="slideshow" widths="220">
Ronin 1.jpg|Ronin at Long Beach / Las Vegas
+
Ronin_2.jpg|Ronin at Long Beach
Ronin 1.jpg|Ronin in the first two seasons of ''BattleBots''
+
Ronin 1.jpg|Ronin in Season 1.0 and 2.0
Ronin 3.jpg|Ronin in ''BattleBots'' Season 3.0
+
Ronin 3.jpg|Ronin in Season 3.0
Ronin 4.jpg|Ronin in ''BattleBots'' Season 5.0
+
Ronin 4.jpg|Ronin in Season 5.0
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
Gigan 2 was converted into [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ronin Ronin], which entered the 1999 ''BattleBots'' events in Long Beach, and Las Vegas. After this, it was able to compete in all five seasons of ''BattleBots'' during its original run. Over this long history, including the Long Beach and Las Vegas events, Ronin collected six wins and nine losses, alongside a draw. Its peak performance was in Season 1.0, where it reached the semi-finals by defeating [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Odin Odin] and [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ginsu Ginsu], also reaching the Round of 16 in Season 4.0.
 
Gigan 2 was converted into [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ronin Ronin], which entered the 1999 ''BattleBots'' events in Long Beach, and Las Vegas. After this, it was able to compete in all five seasons of ''BattleBots'' during its original run. Over this long history, including the Long Beach and Las Vegas events, Ronin collected six wins and nine losses, alongside a draw. Its peak performance was in Season 1.0, where it reached the semi-finals by defeating [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Odin Odin] and [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ginsu Ginsu], also reaching the Round of 16 in Season 4.0.
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Mechadon.jpg|Mechadon at ''BattleBots'' TV filming
 
Mechadon.jpg|Mechadon at ''BattleBots'' TV filming
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
Team Sinister's other superheavyweight robot was [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Mechadon Mechadon], a 480lb robot with six spider-like legs providing movement. Although it was present at every ''BattleBots'' event in the original run, it only fought at the Las Vegas 1999 event, and in the first season. At Las Vegas, Mechadon defeated Ginsu, but was forced to retire ahead of its battle against [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ricon Ricon]. In Season 1.0, Mechadon defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Prompt_Critical Prompt Critical] without even needing to make contact with its opponent, but it then lost to [[Rammstein]].
+
Team Sinister's other super heavyweight robot was [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Mechadon Mechadon], a 480lb robot with six spider-like legs providing movement. Although it was present at every ''BattleBots'' event in the original run, it only fought at the Las Vegas 1999 event, and in the first season. At Las Vegas, Mechadon defeated Ginsu, but was forced to retire ahead of its battle against [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Ricon Ricon]. In Season 1.0, Mechadon defeated [http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/Prompt_Critical Prompt Critical] without even needing to make contact with its opponent, but it then lost to [[Rammstein]].
  +
  +
When ''BattleBots'' aired its 2018 season on ''Discovery Channel'' and ''Science Channel'', Mark Setrakian was invited to be a guest judge within the opening battles of the series, alongside static judge Derek Young and recurring judge Naomi Kyle. The first three battles of the series were all Judges' decisions, in favour of [http://battlebots.wikia.com/Bite_Force Bite Force], [http://battlebots.wikia.com/DUCK! DUCK!] and [http://battlebots.wikia.com/HUGE HUGE], allowing Setrakian to decide the victors for close, albeit unanimous, battles.
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
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==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
[[Category:Robots in The Combat Robot Hall of Fame|Combat Robot Hall of Fame]]
 
   
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
 
*[http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/The_Master The Master on the Ultimate Robot Archive Wikia]
 
*[http://ultimate-robot-archive.wikia.com/wiki/The_Master The Master on the Ultimate Robot Archive Wikia]
 
*[http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/The_Master The Master on ''BattleBots'' Wiki]
 
*[http://battlebots.wikia.com/wiki/The_Master The Master on ''BattleBots'' Wiki]
  +
{{Series 1 Competitors}}
 
 
[[Category:Robots in The Combat Robot Hall of Fame|Combat Robot Hall of Fame]]
 
[[Category:1994-1997 US Robot Wars competitors]]
 
[[Category:1994-1997 US Robot Wars competitors]]
 
[[Category:Robots from California]]
 
[[Category:Robots from California]]
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[[Category:Robots with Lifting Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Robots with Lifting Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Robots with Interchangeable Weapons]]
 
[[Category:Robots with Interchangeable Weapons]]
[[Category:Robots in The Combat Robot Hall of Fame]]
 
 
[[Category:US robots that competed in BattleBots]]
 
[[Category:US robots that competed in BattleBots]]
  +
[[Category:Robots with Spikes]]

Revision as of 15:09, 26 July 2019

The Master was a Californian robot, and the winner of the 1995 Robot Wars UK Open Competition, held in London. There, it earned victory after immobilising Thor in a battle which was broadcast as part of the British Robot Wars, included in Heat D of Series 1, and the VHS release of Robot Wars: The First Great War.

Design

"The Master really is these two huge steel spheres. Inside the spheres are motors, batteries, speed controllers, a radio - everything it takes to drive the thing is contained in [these]. And then, the weapons, like this saw here, attach onto the thing from the front or the back."
— Mark Setrakian explains The Master's design in an interview from American Robot Wars 1996
TheMaster

The Master before its battle with Thor

The Master was an invertible axlebot design, uniquely containing most of its electronics within its two spherical wheels. The robot was equipped with a front panel which featured a set of spikes at the end, and a circular saw attached to an arm at the rear. The Master featured a point of actuation between the two weapons, so the front panel would appear to function as a lifter, while the circular saw arm could be brought from the floor while The Master's wheels still made contact with the floor. Caster wheels were also applied to the bottom of The Master's saw housing to protect it.

Throughout its appearances in the US Robot Wars events and fellow robot combat show BattleBots, The Master's saw could be substituted for interchangeable weaponry including a spiked hammer, an electric lifting spike, and a large triangular-shaped ramming/thwacking blade. The robot's modular design allowed for the weapons to be easily replaced, removed or relocated; for example, the lifting panel could be removed entirely to allow the saw or triangular blade to swing overhead. In these configurations, this enabled The Master to function as a torque reaction thwackbot. Only The Master's circular saw was seen during its televised Robot Wars appearance, used in tandem with the lifting panel; however, footage from The First Great War suggests that the triangular blade was also used during the 1995 UK Open.

Robot History

Series 1

"And now it's time to strap yourselves in and cry mercy, as we leave you with the ultimate robotic confrontation!"
Craig Charles in Robot Wars: The First Great War
Eubank vs the master

The Master fights Eubank the Mouse, equipped with its triangular blade

Grunt vs the master

The Master fights two versions of Grunt

The Master was one of three US Robot Wars competitors, along with Thor and La Machine, to be invited to compete in the 1995 UK Open Competition. It fought in numerous battles alongside its fellow American compatriots, as well as future Stock Robots Grunt and Eubank the Mouse, with considerable success. Various clips of these battles were shown in the First Great War video release, while The Master's battle with Thor was also televised as part of the first British series of Robot Wars.

"We'll revisit the 1995 Robot Wars UK Championships in London, featuring two of the most powerful robots in the world today! The Master, built by Mark Setrakian, and Thor, designed by Shilling Robotics, both from America, and what a night it was!"
Jonathan Pearce in Series 1, Heat D
The Master vs Thor

The Master slices through Thor's armour

The Master vs Thor 2

The Master's disc sheds upon impact with Thor

The Master initially turned to face Thor using its lifting panel, but Thor made no aggressive movements, and The Master bumped into it, before continuing to circle around Thor. After a sustained period of hostility, The Master made the first move and drove up the surface of Thor, burying its circular saw through the armour of Thor, which could only flail its weapon at no target in defence. The Master's attack also caused Thor to start leaking fluids. The Master withdrew its saw, and bumped into Thor using its left wheel. After Thor retreated, The Master held off until it found the right moment to charge in with its saw, shearing a loose piece of armour from the top of Thor.

"And there, surely a killing blow! Smashing right to the heart of the hydraulic cabling!"
— Jonathan Pearce
The Master vs Thor 3

The Master attacks Thor's exposed wheel

The Master celebrates

With no saw remaining, The Master celebrates its victory

While Thor pushed back, The Master brought its saw onto the top of it, causing damage while shearing the circular saw in the process, creating a shower of dust. The Master continued to grind away in spite of the damage, cutting into the top of Thor's weapon, and briefly throwing sparks. The Master almost managed to drive up the side of the retreating Thor, but The Master brought what remained of its saw onto the front of Thor, creating a gash, before finally sacrificing the remainder of its saw to cut into a front wheel of Thor. These last attacks had immobilised Thor, and The Master won the battle.

"And The Master is surely one of the most powerful robots in the world, and for me, the star of the 1995 UK London Robot Wars!"
— Jonathan Pearce

1996 Championship

Later into Heat D of Series 1, The Master was also seen competing on American turf in the 1996 US Championship, as part of a montage of the competition. Footage of its appearances there was also used in the official video release, American Robot Wars 1996.

Tazz vs the master

The Master attempts to slice through the wheel of Tazz

The master vs tazz

Tazz pins The Master down

In the first round, The Master faced Tazz. The battle started tentatively with The Master slowly edging closer towards Tazz before swinging down with the saw blade aiming towards the tires of Tazz. Tazz swung its arm around, smashing into the saw blade of The Master who retaliates by smashing down with the saw blade arm. The Master causes some minor damage to the top of Tazz.

"Here again, The Master's saw has broken down and Tazz using its massive breaking power just to pin him (The Master) for thirty seconds and knocks The Master out in the first round!"
— Paul Vallis

At some point in the match, The Master loses all functionality in the saw and is put on the defensive. Tazz quickly gets underneath and uses its lifting arm to pin The Master down for thirty seconds in a shocking defeat for the reigning heavyweight champions.

The master vs red scorpion

Red Scorpion grabs hold of The Master

The Master later fought in a Grudge Match against Red Scorpion, both of whom felt they wanted to show off their might after losing in the first round.

"The Master and the Red Scorpion, after being humiliated in the opening round wanted to prove they're made of tougher stuff!"
— Paul Vallis

At first Red Scorpion didn't move allowing for The Master to come smashing in with the saw blade. Eventually, Red Scorpion moves and dodges the attacks from The Master. Red Scorpion then uses its front red claws to grab hold of one of the wheels of The Master, pinning it and using its tail to rain down hits. Red Scorpion soon pushes The Master towards the arena side wall where it gains victory of The Master.

The master weapon loss

The Master's weapon rolls around the arena

The Master would later fight in two rumbles. The first rumble saw The Master fight against La Machine, BioHazard, DooMore and Vlad the Impaler. The Master did well for the first few moments of the rumble, using its saw to slice DooMore and Vlad the Impaler, however at one point in the battle, as The Master swings down to attack Vlad the Impaler, La Machine spins and slams into The Master tearing off its saw blade arm entirely, causing the arm to dart across the arena. The Master survived longer than its opponents as La Machine took care of then one by one before going on to win the battle.

"The Master is back with a new weapon. A blade!"
— Paul Vallis as the beginning of the rumble goes underway
The master vs la machine vs punjar

The Master lifts La Machine while Punjar pushes

The master vs punjar

Punjar attacks the immobile The Master

The Master came back for the second rumble, replacing its saw blade arm with its triangular wedge blade. Here The Master fought South Bay Mauler, La Machine, DooMore, Tazz, Punjar, Nemesis, Killbborg, Red Scorpion, Merrimac, Namreko, Gut Rip and Marvin. Immediately, The Master charges into South Bay Mauler, getting underneath but failing to topple it. Soon after, a pile up occurs in the centre of the arena as The Master continues to hammer down blows on South Bay Mauler. Later on in the match, Punjar and The Master team up by getting its blade underneath La Machine while Punjar pushed La Machine against an arena flipper, only for La Machine to escape. After attempting to pin La Machine, The Master is attacked by DooMore and becomes trapped. Once DooMore is freed, The Master loses all mobility and is attacked by La Machine and Punjar later on in the match. La Machine, Punjar and Gut Rip were some of the few to remain mobile at the end as the audience cheered for La Machine to take the victory.

Results

THE MASTER - RESULTS
Robot Wars 1995
1995 UK Open Competition
Battle aired as part of Series 1, Heat D
Final vs. Thor Won

Outside Robot Wars

TheMaster1

The Master at Robot Wars 1994

TMZHeavy2

The Master battles TMZ in 1994

In the 1994 Robot Wars championship, The Master defeated TMZ in the first round, but lost to eventual runner-up The Beetle, effectively leaving The Master in third place.

In the 1995 US competition, The Master initially defeated Painful Wedgie and Mauler 95 in the first two rounds to reach the semi-finals, where it fought Thor. As with their UK Open encounter, it emerged victorious after immobilising Thor, despite having its saw badly damaged during the battle. The Master was due to fight Blendo in the final, but both robots were declared co-champions of the 1995 competition after Blendo was deemed too unsafe to compete.[1] During the same competition, The Master also won the Best Design Award.[2]

The Master also competed in two seasons of BattleBots, in the Middleweight division. It was initially drawn against The Emasculator in Season 2.0, and advanced via forfeit. The Master then defeated Subject to Change Without Reason in a comfortable 36-9 Judges' decision, advancing to the quarter-finals. The Master collected another win, defeating Blade Runner on a 28-17 Judges' decision to reach the semi-finals. There, The Master should have fought El Diablo, but a burnt out motor forced The Master to forfeit the battle, eliminating the robot prior to its semi-final battle.

After a two-year gap, The Master returned in Season 5.0 and was seeded to advance beyond the preliminary rounds automatically. Its first opponent was Jack Rabbit, and The Master won a close 24-21 Judges' decision. In the Round of 16, The Master fought Ankle Biter, which was able to trap The Master under the spikes lining the arena wall, where it was counted out. The Master was eliminated at this stage.

Team Sinister also competed with various other robots. Mark Setrakian entered the 1996 Robot Wars competition with a featherweight named Gigan, although this was unsuccessful. Rather than competing with The Master, Mark Setrakian built Gigan 2 to enter the heavyweight division of the Robot Wars 1997 competition. Gigan 2 competed alongside Snake, a super heavyweight robot armed with a drill, using its entire body to provide locomotion, with no wheels or legs present. Although Snake lost its only battle to Scorpion at Robot Wars, Snake also entered Season 2.0 of BattleBots and defeated Anubis. Within the Round of 16, Snake was eliminated by War Machine.

Gigan 2 was converted into Ronin, which entered the 1999 BattleBots events in Long Beach, and Las Vegas. After this, it was able to compete in all five seasons of BattleBots during its original run. Over this long history, including the Long Beach and Las Vegas events, Ronin collected six wins and nine losses, alongside a draw. Its peak performance was in Season 1.0, where it reached the semi-finals by defeating Odin and Ginsu, also reaching the Round of 16 in Season 4.0.

Team Sinister's other super heavyweight robot was Mechadon, a 480lb robot with six spider-like legs providing movement. Although it was present at every BattleBots event in the original run, it only fought at the Las Vegas 1999 event, and in the first season. At Las Vegas, Mechadon defeated Ginsu, but was forced to retire ahead of its battle against Ricon. In Season 1.0, Mechadon defeated Prompt Critical without even needing to make contact with its opponent, but it then lost to Rammstein.

When BattleBots aired its 2018 season on Discovery Channel and Science Channel, Mark Setrakian was invited to be a guest judge within the opening battles of the series, alongside static judge Derek Young and recurring judge Naomi Kyle. The first three battles of the series were all Judges' decisions, in favour of Bite Force, DUCK! and HUGE, allowing Setrakian to decide the victors for close, albeit unanimous, battles.

Trivia

  • Robot Wars competitors such as Sumpthing and Xenomorph bore very similar designs to The Master, potentially taking design cues from it.
  • For pioneering the axlebot design and the concept of interchangeable weapons, The Master was inducted into The Combat Robot Hall of Fame in 2011.[3]

References

External Links