Why 'Bot?
Lots of people ask me why we do this, what the allure of robotic combat is, what the point is. Sure, it's expensive and all consuming and the odds are that you won't get much more out of it than a pile of metal rubble. Others comment on how low-tech it is compared to our day jobs -- we both work with million to billion dollar equipment -- and how that could possibly be any fun. Yes, we're amateurs at this stuff, that's the point! If I did this at work every day I'd probably build missiles and stuff as a hobby.
If you're a long time Robot Wars or BattleBots fan you'll have heard from various competitors that the experience is far more than the competition you see on TV. This is really true. Every BattleBots competition is like a reunion, the first day is mostly filled with folks wandering around saying 'hi' and catching up. New 'bots are like children, their beaming "parents" introducing them to the world. We ooh and ahh over new equipment, fancy paint jobs, new toys, silly things we've learned (mostly about how not to accidently take off appendages and limbs)... and talk about new jobs or events and other opportunities in each others' lives. There's really so much more than you see on TV. Sometimes it's a little strange to see it all reduced to the Comedy Central episodes. On the other hand, it's fun to see the alterego's of folks trying to go "over the top" to get on TV.
It's an understatment to say that the "sport" has grown. At the May BattleBots in Treasure Island it seemed like I'd have to go several pit tables before seeing a familiar face. (This isn't a bad thing). It's kind of neat being around all these people who don't look at me funny and are generally not afraid when I pick up a power tool. There is now a proliferation of little kids that run around the pit area asking questions and building their own impromptu 'bots out of scrap lying around. Man, I wish I could have grown up like this! A guy I know at work is pulling his kids out of elementary school for a day to come to the November BattleBots at Treasure Island. Is he the greatest dad ever or what?
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