0:00:02 > 0:00:05The level of challenge involved with building a fighting robot means that
0:00:05 > 0:00:06there is no perfect design.
0:00:11 > 0:00:1440 robot-fighting teams...
0:00:16 > 0:00:18..competing for the ultimate prize.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20This year, there'll be a lot of things
0:00:20 > 0:00:22that people won't have expected.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Battling in the biggest...
0:00:28 > 0:00:33..toughest robot-fighting arena in the world.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Each week, only the strongest will survive.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Last week brought together the weird...
0:00:40 > 0:00:41THEY CHEER
0:00:41 > 0:00:44..and the wonderful.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Team Nuts surprised everyone before their ultimate destruction.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51But it was all about the huge, devastating power
0:00:51 > 0:00:53of week-one winner Carbide.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Who will join them this week,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57fighting to become the Robot Wars Champion?
0:01:05 > 0:01:07CHEERING
0:01:13 > 0:01:16This is Robot Wars,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and this is the battlefield where the robots will come to fight.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Due to the sheer power of the robots involved in the show,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27there are two layers of bulletproof protection around the outside,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30with a moat between them that's designed to stop anything
0:01:30 > 0:01:31that gets flipped out of the arena.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34The teams must guide their creations from up there -
0:01:34 > 0:01:37those are the control rooms, which is also where they must try
0:01:37 > 0:01:40to ensure that they avoid the arena hazards.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44The spikes.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46The flipper. The pit.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48And fire.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56But, before the teams enter the arena, the real graft
0:01:56 > 0:01:58happens down here, in the pits,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02which is effectively a giant mechanics' workshop.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07We're going to talk, obviously, to some of tonight's teams,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10but first, here's a quick reminder of how the show works.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12We start with two huge group battles,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15each featuring four robots.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17The two winning robots from each group stage
0:02:17 > 0:02:19progress to the head-to-head,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21a mini league made up of four teams.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The top two at the end of this
0:02:23 > 0:02:26are our worthy finalists in today's show.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30First into the arena for Group Battle 1 will be...
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Jason, you are flying solo with this little beaut.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- Yes, one-man army. - One-man army.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43So, have you built everything?
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Yes, everything on here is with my own fair hands.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49Take your hands off the controls, you're making me nervous.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Does it go already? The axe looks mammoth.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54What kind of power are we talking, what damage will it do?
0:02:54 > 0:02:57You got one and a quarter tonnes pushing it over,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00in less than half a second. So it's pretty fast.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- How confident are you feeling?- I'm all right, actually, I feel good.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- I feel good about it. - Cool as a breeze.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Listen, best of luck, get back to it. Thanks a mill, Jason.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Now, next one we have here is Shockwave. Hello, Shockwave,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16how are you? Good to see you. Are you looking forward to this?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Yes, it's going to be fantastic. We've sharpened up and ready to go.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- What's your big weapon?- We've got this great big scoop on the front,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26goes all the way over the robot. But it's made from armour-plating
0:03:26 > 0:03:29material so it's really tough. So we're going to hit everything
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- head-on and try and shock them. - Are you going to flip them,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- are you going to throw them...? - It's a lifter, so we're going to
0:03:35 > 0:03:38pick them up, then use the huge amount of drive power to push them
0:03:38 > 0:03:40into the pit or into the House Robots.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- You guys have come all the way from Holland?- That's true, yes.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45Right. It looks giant.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Well, we need it for our tactics, we want to crush all robots,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51so we need a big robot just to be able to grab them.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- What kind of power is it? - It can crush 1,200 kilos.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- Are you feeling confident?- Yeah. - Have you sized up the competition?
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Yeah, we've seen it, and, yeah, we're ready for it.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Ready to represent Holland?
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- Yeah.- Best of luck. - Show them who's the boss.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07Show them who's boss, I like that, fighting talk!
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- What's the weapon you've got here? - We have a 20-kilo stainless steel
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- spinning disc that travels at about 2,500 rpm.- That's pretty powerful.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17That's one of the most powerful discs I think we've had
0:04:17 > 0:04:20in this competition. Does that leave you open in any other direction?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- If somebody comes behind you or to your side?- We should be all right,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26cos we've got a pretty good titanium shell on the back.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30OK, so you've got a titanium shield and a giant spinning disc.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- The best of luck.- Thank you.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36It's time for the first group battle, an unforgiving
0:04:36 > 0:04:40and merciless way to find out if all that hard work will pay off.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Time for me to hand over to the master of ceremonies,
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Jonathan Pearce.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Thanks very much, Dara and Angela.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Tonight, each match is three minutes and competitors are looking to
0:04:51 > 0:04:53immobilise the competition by any means necessary.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57If robots are immobile for ten seconds, they're out.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59The same rule applies if robots find themselves in the pit,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03are flipped or hit out of the arena. It's then game over.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05If at the end of the three-minute battle
0:05:05 > 0:05:07the robots are still functioning,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10it's up to our expert judges, Professor Sethu Vijayakumar,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Professor Noel Sharkey, and Dr Lucy Rogers, to crown a victor.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Now, it looks as if the teams are entering the arena,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20so let's meet tonight's first competitor.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22From Helvoirt, Netherlands,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Tough As Nails.
0:05:25 > 0:05:26CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:05:26 > 0:05:29One of the largest robots in the competition,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31it has a top speed of 13mph.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Their giant clamping arms have a crushing force of 1.2 metric tonnes.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Their favourite tactic - grab an opponent and dump him in the pit.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42From Reading, Shockwave.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Father and son Ian and Will Thomas from Reading have ten years
0:05:48 > 0:05:51of robot-fighting experience. During testing Shockwave,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53they apparently drove it through a neighbour's fence!
0:05:53 > 0:05:57This team claim their scoop arm will allow them to climb out of the pit.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59We'll have to see about that.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03From Northampton, Thor.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:06 > 0:06:09One-man team Jason Marston is a builder by trade.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12He designed, built and drives Thor with its CO2 powered axe.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Thor has a gyroscopic stabiliser which allows Jason to position it
0:06:16 > 0:06:21precisely before unleashing his one-tonne axe.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26From Redhill, Surrey, Disconstructor.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Built by the Phillipson family, Disconstructor has a titanium shell
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and a 20-kilo stainless steel spinning disc.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36If they have time to spin that disc up in the arena,
0:06:36 > 0:06:40this could be very destructive robot indeed. That's the four teams.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43The House Robot on patrol for this battle is Shunt,
0:06:43 > 0:06:44with a pneumatic axe and flipper.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53House Robots limited to the corner patrol zones, don't forget.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55If competitors find themselves in there,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58they'll be victim to the immense power of the House Robots.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Roboteers, stand by.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Teams are in position and ready for battle.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Four fearsome competitors.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Two will go home after this fight.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Who will survive the chaos of the group battles?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Three, two,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18one. Activate.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22Who will have the power? Who will have the staying power?
0:07:22 > 0:07:23Tough As Nails
0:07:23 > 0:07:27riding into the arena sidewall, taking on Thor.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Down goes the pit release.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Thor flying through the air. Its axe, so powerful.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35At the moment they're just testing.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Oh, look at the power of the flipper!
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Lifting 103 kilos of Disconstructor as if it was a feather.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48And they must have been affected cos they're gone, they're out.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49Almost straightaway.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53The team from Redhill in Surrey gone,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57and Thor in trouble because it's in the grip of Tough As Nails.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59In the pincers.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Can they hold him in there?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I don't think the axe is having any great effect there.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11A couple of blows have gone in.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Down comes the axe.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Landing blow short.
0:08:18 > 0:08:19Push him in.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22They want to try and push him in, they say,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25the team from the Netherlands.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27Underneath goes the bucket,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29the armour-plated bucket of Shockwave.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Into the corner it drives Tough As Nails
0:08:35 > 0:08:37and now can get the axe blow in.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Push him into the corner, and now
0:08:42 > 0:08:46damage being sustained by Tough As Nails.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51And real damage, and Shockwave teaming up here with Thor.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- It's not working. - It's not Dutch delight,
0:08:56 > 0:08:58that's for sure. It's not working.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00They are in major trouble.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06Jeroen van der Loo, the captain, knows it's not working.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Are they immobilised?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12They have ten seconds to get going.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Jason has been a star in this.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19And comes in now, I think, Tough As Nails...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22are teetering.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Is this the end for the team that has come a long way to be here
0:09:26 > 0:09:29from the Netherlands? They look forlorn.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32They've competed all over Europe
0:09:32 > 0:09:35in amateur robot competitions.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37There are about to go double Dutch.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Yes, the second team in the pit,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41over and out for them.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Oh, look at the despair!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Look at the pirouette.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48Look at the showboating.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- KLAXON BLARES - Cease!
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Sorry, guys.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Good start by Tough As Nails.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05And he flew through the air with the greatest of ease,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08the first flying robot of Robot Wars this time round.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Disconstructor didn't survive the blow, went into the pit.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Really good driving here,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Thor caused the mechanical damage and into the pit they went.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19As group battles go, it doesn't get much better than that.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Jason, Thor.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26If we're judging on aggression alone, there was no shortage of it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Excellent. That's what I went for. - The good news is, you're through
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- to the head-to-head. Well done. - Thank you.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34Shockwave.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37Can I applaud you on the aggressiveness?
0:10:37 > 0:10:39You could have stepped away from a few of those battles.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42We wanted to get in the mix, get them down the pit, and we knew these
0:10:42 > 0:10:45guys were going to be the toughest, most damaging robot out there.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- So we had to hit them first.- It was the disc we were worried about,
0:10:48 > 0:10:51because we were so exposed with our four-wheel drive. We just said,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- "We've got to go for the disc."- You were looking very good out there.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Well done.- Thank you.- Very good.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57CHEERING
0:11:00 > 0:11:03After the first group battle,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06Shockwave and a very happy Thor are through to the head-to-heads.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11That was good, intense. Intense, sums it up. Yeah, awesome.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14It wasn't until I rammed him into the sidewall and he went up,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17at 45 degrees, then the hammer could reach him.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Before that, it was just missing him, going between the claws.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I think right there is the battery box and his link,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25a removable link that turns the machine off. It was like
0:11:25 > 0:11:27a roundhouse punch just knocked him out. Beautiful.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It's time for the second group battle. The winner of this battle
0:11:34 > 0:11:37will join Thor and Shockwave in the head-to-head.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Currently enjoying the sheer attritional nature
0:11:46 > 0:11:50of these group battles. 50% of the robots gone at the very, very start.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52I'm here with Draven who would expect...
0:11:52 > 0:11:55presumably you expect to get through this part.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57We're certainly hoping to get through this part,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00although our big Achilles heel is probably spinning robots
0:12:00 > 0:12:02and we're up against at least one.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06And our shell, although it should be very strong,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09is also quite thin and lightweight.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Mr Speed Squared, still a bit of finishing to be done.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Yes, it is our baby, of course. It's only five weeks old.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- What, it's brand-new?! - Yeah, absolutely.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20That is cruel, unleashing it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23It is a bit, especially with no armour on it. Because we had to take
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- the bottom off it, it's too heavy. - So this is the weapon?
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- This bit spins, yeah. - How fast does it spin?
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- Well, the tip's doing about 120. - What's the ideal opponent for you?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Something made of a composite material like Kevlar,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37something like that machine over there in our heat, actually.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Go on, name and shame.- I don't think I can say Draven, can I?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Good luck, guys.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46You can obviously make too much of anthropomorphising these robots -
0:12:46 > 0:12:49for example, you could turn them into a fox.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Who we kidding with this, lads?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54You are a flipper, which is historically, has been a very,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56very successful form of robot.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Yes, but we can also...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00This whole arm will go all the way over the top,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03so we can use it as a big hammer as well.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- How much power is in that?- It should lift about two and a half tonnes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Good luck, Foxic. - Thank you very much.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Chimera, how are you?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Very good, thank you. - Good, are you all set?
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Yeah, ready to go.- These are quite, like, sturdy-looking tyres.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- They're actually off a road car. - Tyres are vulnerable in the arena -
0:13:20 > 0:13:22is this going be your weak spot?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24We're worried against the spinner that we're up against,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27we think they might take it out but we have tested it and they can still
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- run even if they get destroyed. We can roll on the rims.- Who's driving?
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- You, OK. You feeling the pressure? - Kind of.- Yeah, little bit.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- How are you going to handle that? - Probably not well.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39THEY LAUGH
0:13:39 > 0:13:41OK! Listen, best of luck, guys,
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- I'm really looking forward to seeing you in there.- Thank you. Cheers.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50It's time for the teams to make their way to the arena
0:13:50 > 0:13:51for the second group battle.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Only two places up for grabs in the head-to-heads,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57and nobody wants to go home at this stage of the competition.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59But only two can progress.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07From Melksham in Wiltshire, Draven.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10The Draven team all work together at a famous vacuum cleaner
0:14:10 > 0:14:12and hand-dryer manufacturer.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Draven with a hydraulic crusher and lifter.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Four tonnes of crushing power at the tip.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19From Bristol, Foxic.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:14:21 > 0:14:22Foxic is a pusher-lifter bot
0:14:22 > 0:14:25with two inches of hardened steel armour on all sides.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28Designed and maintained by Craig Danby.
0:14:28 > 0:14:29He says they have no weaknesses.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33That's a dangerous boast from the second lightest machine in the heat.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38From Belbroughton, Worcestershire, Mr Speed Squared.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:14:39 > 0:14:42The Forsey family are responsible for Mr Speed Squared.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44It has a 360-degree spinner,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46but it's unarmoured on one side,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48that could leave them vulnerable.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Dad Peter Forsey is a heart surgeon by trade.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55From Bolton, Chimera.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Chimera's weapon is three sharpened steel spikes.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Robot Wars is a passion of team captain Jordan. He can name
0:15:01 > 0:15:05every robot that's ever competed, including the team members.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08He even has a picture of Matilda on his wall.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Don't we all? The four teams are joined by Dead Metal.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18He'll be in the corner patrol zone armed with that pneumatic pincer
0:15:18 > 0:15:20and circular saw weaponry.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Roboteers, stand by.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Two places left in the head-to-heads,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30two robots will have their dreams cut short.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32This is a battle of survival.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37Three, two, one. Activate!
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Big question here, who will Mr Speed Squared attack first -
0:15:40 > 0:15:45Draven or the wheels of Chimera?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48They get the spinning blade up to full pace.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Stay away from that one.- Chimera, watch out, watch out, watch out!
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Stay away from that one. - You didn't stay away from that one.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57And that's cost you, the wheels are wonky.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Don't bring tyres into the arena.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Stay away from it, stay away from it.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Mr Speed Squared chasing Chimera.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09They can't get away.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11In comes Draven.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Dark, mysterious, very violent, they say, Draven.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Chimera can't get far.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Off goes the wheel completely.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28And now who will remain?
0:16:28 > 0:16:33Foxic out of trouble, Mr Speed Squared now takes on Draven,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35and I think part of Draven went flying there.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Let's see.
0:16:37 > 0:16:43Yes, off went part of the carbon fibre and Kevlar composite shell.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Just cut through it like paper.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Mr Speed Squared simply sliced through the lot.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Draven is immobilised, I think.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I can't move.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00And it's a question now, is Mr Speed Squared active?
0:17:00 > 0:17:03And little Foxic staying out of trouble so far.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Mr Speed Squared's OK, and I would imagine would go through with Foxic,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10who's just stayed out of trouble all the way. Cease is called.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16Look at this, straightaway went for the tyres of Chimera.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Always vulnerable to come into this arena with tyres.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21They never learn!
0:17:22 > 0:17:24That's the end of Chimera.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Brutal, wasn't it? Yeah, great, loved it.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30And then the damage to Draven.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Foxic, look - hiding!
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Mr Speed Squared!
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- THEY LAUGH - Look at that!
0:17:40 > 0:17:42That's a cheeky laugh, isn't it?
0:17:42 > 0:17:44I mean, what a rampage.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46They loved it.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49They want you to go in hard that's exactly what you did.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Somebody who were at the wrong end of your rampage, well done.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Sorry, guys.- I mean, Chimera,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57you said earlier on that if one of the wheels went....
0:17:57 > 0:18:00We said the spinner was our weakness, and it's proved to be.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02The bad news, Chimera, is that you guys are going home.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Hard luck. But you guys are into the head-to-heads.
0:18:05 > 0:18:06CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:18:06 > 0:18:08I was expecting so much.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- What happened?- We had terrible control problems, I'm not sure why,
0:18:11 > 0:18:13it was glitching backwards and forwards.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Mr Speed Squared just cut, sliced you through the middle?
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- No, I don't think so.- Really?- From the sparks, he found the titanium
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- that lived underneath the outside shell.- So why did you stop?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24It hit really hard!
0:18:24 > 0:18:25LAUGHTER
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Anyway, so you're going home.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31You, possibly the least impressive robot that has ever qualified
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- from a big battle. - LAUGHTER
0:18:33 > 0:18:36You were hiding in the corner for large chunks of it,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- just flapping your hat around. Were you happy with your performance?- No.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So what was going wrong for you?
0:18:41 > 0:18:44We were slipping really badly. Every time I pressed forward,
0:18:44 > 0:18:45it would go fine cos four wheels are going.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48But then, because it's so slippy for us, it just, trying to turn,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50it's going, "Urrrgh!"
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Well, congratulations, you're through, well done Foxic. Very good.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00The group stages are now over, but the victorious Mr Speed Squared
0:19:00 > 0:19:03have discovered some serious damage to their robot.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05It runs on bearings.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09And maybe four or five of them have just blown up.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13INDISTINCT CHATTER
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Foxic also have some technical issues to deal with.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24We've got to take the side off and find out why it's loose,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27and maybe get a touch of welding done.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29But that should be fixable, should be able to do that.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35We now have our four victorious robots:
0:19:39 > 0:19:41They all progress to the head-to-heads,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45a series of one-on-one battles, scoring three points for a win,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49and two for a judges' decision.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51The two robots with the most points at the end of this stage
0:19:51 > 0:19:53will be tonight's finalists.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58No repairs that I can see of, yet.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00I'll have a detailed look and go from there,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03but I wouldn't have thought there would be much, fingers crossed.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11This wheel, we just can't get quite right.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14So we were only on three wheels at the end of the day.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15So a little work to do on that,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19get some power in the batteries, and we will be good to fight next.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Approaching the end of the allotted repair time,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Mr Speed Squared have managed to resolve their bearings issues.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27We had to modify some other bearings to fit.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31And use some extra sort of rubber cushioning in between
0:20:31 > 0:20:34to try and stop it happening again. It's just taking a little bit longer
0:20:34 > 0:20:35than we thought.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38The two hours of repair time are up. Ready or not,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Thor and Mr Speed Squared must down tools and make their way
0:20:42 > 0:20:45to the arena for the first head-to-head.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Having avoided a spinner in the first round,
0:20:47 > 0:20:52can Thor's axe stand up as well against Mr Speed Squared?
0:20:52 > 0:20:54My name is Jason Marston.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55My day job, I'm a builder.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58The things that I've brought from the trade into building a robot
0:20:58 > 0:21:00is a big 'ammer.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Watching Robot Wars on the telly,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09I thought, "I can do better than that." And I couldn't.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Not for a few years, anyway.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18My main concern about Thor is it's not battle-tested.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22And I am pushing the envelope on some of the designs in that.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26If Thor gets totally destroyed, I will be heartbroken.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31300 hours of work, and a lot of money smashed to pieces.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32Upsetting!
0:21:32 > 0:21:35To win Robot Wars, it would be a bit of a dream come true.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39After all these years of building, that would be, yeah...
0:21:39 > 0:21:41That would be special, actually, yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Mr Speed Squared are a family team who have surprised all
0:21:49 > 0:21:53with their new robot. But do they have the killer instinct to win?
0:21:53 > 0:21:54The doctor will see you now.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01A family team. Jake, data analyst.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Sam, motorsport engineering.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Myself, consultant cardiologist.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Well, my job, which involves surgery at work, obviously,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12is precise and controlled. So robots allow a different kind of surgery
0:22:12 > 0:22:17to take place which is a lot less precise and much less controlled
0:22:17 > 0:22:18and perhaps a bit more fun.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20It's OK, you won't feel a thing.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27As a family, we've always been tinkering, building go-karts,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31and racing cars, and mucking around, doing stuff together.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So it seemed a good idea to do the Robot Wars thing.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39We have good team dynamics, we get on well.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42There's always robust discussion on how it's going to be, but I guess,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45because I pay for it, often it goes my way.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Building the robot, the hardest thing that we've come across
0:22:48 > 0:22:51is getting strong enough mountings for the disc.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54We're just a little family group in the shed building this thing.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Some of the bots have loads of money spent on them, professionally built.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00We'd like to upset some people there.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05At work, we try and avoid fatalities.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07But at Robot Wars, that's the mission.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Three, two, one. Activate!
0:23:15 > 0:23:20Have they managed to repair the damage in the pits?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Driven ball-bearing-barmy,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25the Mr Speed Squared boys.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28And the pit release already activated.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31The two most impressive robots so far.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Oh, what came off there?
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Something flew away, across the arena floor.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42And Mr Speed Squared are running away,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46and not getting the circular blade
0:23:46 > 0:23:48up to running speed at all.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51It is totally ineffective.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It's the baby of Robot Wars,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56five weeks old.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Bye-bye, baby. Baby, bye-bye.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Mr Speed Squared
0:24:04 > 0:24:07so brilliant in the first battle
0:24:07 > 0:24:10of this heat.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Thor, one of the most experienced robots in this competition,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15been battling for 15 years.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- CROWD CHANT:- In the pit! In the pit!
0:24:19 > 0:24:21And look at the power of the drive.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- CROWD CHANT:- In the pit! In the pit! In the pit! In the pit!
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Thor has destroyed washing machines, microwaves,
0:24:29 > 0:24:31loads of household appliances.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Now destroying Mr Speed Squared.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35Dead Metal playing a role.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Oh, now can they get that circular saw up to speed?
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Look at the damage caused by the axe.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Absolutely smashing down through the armament.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50And comes in now, surely, for the kill.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The only thing that can beat Thor now is...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Oh, and the floor flipper!
0:24:54 > 0:24:56How about that?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Can self-right.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Were they getting too cocky
0:25:01 > 0:25:03and arrogant
0:25:03 > 0:25:05heading for victory,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07and lost sight of the floor-flipper?
0:25:09 > 0:25:13Back on top now, but Mr Speed Squared
0:25:13 > 0:25:15has a new sense of survival.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18This might go to the judges yet, you know.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22And in comes Shunt.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28And Thor can't rain any more blows down, it would seem.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33But the unarmoured section of Mr Speed Squared now on top,
0:25:33 > 0:25:35hugely vulnerable.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Can they get to the motors, can they destroy?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Onto the tyres, now vulnerable.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Oh, I think this is it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Oh, goodness me, nearly was for Thor.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50It is for Mr Speed Squared, into the pit of oblivion.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- KLAXON BLARES - Cease!
0:25:54 > 0:25:56It went quite well.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59The start was not as I planned.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Missed him on the initial charge, so I had to do a quick U-turn
0:26:02 > 0:26:05and come back after him. But luckily enough, he hadn't managed to get
0:26:05 > 0:26:07the disc up to speed,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09so no harm done.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12A comfortable victory for Thor,
0:26:12 > 0:26:17but the early optimism from Mr Speed Squared has now soured.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- We've had a beating.- Look at this as well, what is going on?
0:26:20 > 0:26:25In that match, we took on a very experienced, powerful,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27well-driven robot
0:26:27 > 0:26:31who did exactly the right thing, got on us like a rash,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34didn't give us any chance to get the disc up to speed,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38and he pushed us all over the shop, then managed to get us flipped over
0:26:38 > 0:26:40and then pummelled us on our soft underbelly,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43getting into a lot of our vital organs.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- We underestimated how much these bearings can take.- Yeah.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50So every fight, we're going to have to replace them.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53After our first head-to-head,
0:26:53 > 0:26:54Thor scores three points
0:26:54 > 0:26:56and takes the top spot.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Mr Speed Squared falls
0:26:57 > 0:26:58to last place,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00with Foxic versus Shockwave
0:27:00 > 0:27:02next to fight.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05- Foxic, you're up against Shockwave. - Yes.- Are you all set?
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Yeah, we're good.- You're good?
0:27:07 > 0:27:11You see, this is the thing, I find your confidence borderline arrogant,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13considering you just ran around the ring.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- MOCKING:- Oh, we just ran around, we just ran around.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- Is that your imitation of me? - Yes, it is, I'm afraid.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Crucially, is the drive back? - Yes, it's all fixed.- Really?
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Yeah, we're all fixed. - And what about the weapon?
0:27:24 > 0:27:26The weapon works now. We've gone for the smaller lift.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- Right, why is that? - A tactical reason.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33Go on, hit me with it. No-one can hear.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35(I can't fit the other one back on.)
0:27:35 > 0:27:39Beautiful tactics! I love this, as you can tell.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45The power in Shockwave's motor had snapped the drive chain.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Now repaired, the team plan for Opposition Foxic.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53This sharp edge here was incredibly effective. We've just got to get
0:27:53 > 0:27:57under them and then displace them, and lift them up, that's the secret.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59After a lacklustre first performance,
0:27:59 > 0:28:00Foxic have something to prove.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03But apparently they're going to storm the head-to-heads.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12I'm Craig Danby, I'm from Bristol, and my robot is Foxic.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15The good thing about building a robot by myself
0:28:15 > 0:28:18was that I didn't have to compromise with anyone else's ideas.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22It was all my train of thought, my build, I did everything my own way.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Everyone else is just along for the ride.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29The robot is modular, it was designed so it can come apart
0:28:29 > 0:28:31and go back together as quickly as possible.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37I'm here to bring a lot of pain, a lot of damage, a lot of aggression,
0:28:37 > 0:28:40a lot of speed, a lot of robustness. I'm here to kill.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Shockwave are pushing their new machine to its limits
0:28:49 > 0:28:52with their no-holds-barred combat style.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55But can their untested machine take the punishment?
0:28:58 > 0:29:01My name is Will Thomas. I'm a PhD student, studying Cybernetics
0:29:01 > 0:29:03at the University of Reading.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06My main responsibilities are the concept and the CAD design
0:29:06 > 0:29:09and the driving of the robot. My dad Ian is responsible for
0:29:09 > 0:29:12the mechanical building and the electronics.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Building robots and taking part in competitions has really taken over
0:29:17 > 0:29:20the entire family. My mum gets involved, she is making
0:29:20 > 0:29:24all the shirts to make us look presentable at the competitions.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Dad's always been good at DIY, but over the last few years,
0:29:27 > 0:29:30he's learned a lot about welding and milling and drilling to help us
0:29:30 > 0:29:32build a winning robot.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40The House Robots overseeing this head-to-head, Dead Metal,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43and for the first time today, Matilda.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Sporting her pneumatic flipping tusks
0:29:48 > 0:29:51and destructive tail flywheel, absolutely beautiful.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55Three, two, one.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Activate!
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Ah, so they want to be the villains of the piece, Foxic.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03But will they have repaired that drive system damage?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06They were slipping in the earlier fight.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Shockwave want to get in underneath with the bucket and flip Foxic.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Down goes the pit release.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16So they need driving skills to stay away.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Run, Foxic, run, Foxic, run, run, run!
0:30:19 > 0:30:23But they look more competitive than they were before.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25If they can stay out of trouble, that is.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26Oh, they're in the CPZ.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31Ill-advised. Dead Metal is in there, can catch them in the pincers.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Shockwave trying to edge them onto Dead Metal.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38And Foxic caught in the claws, but look at this power.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41That is not Dead Metal dragging Foxic,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43that is Foxic pushing Dead Metal.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48So it looks to me as if they have corrected the drive system.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49And they love it.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53That's a huge House Robot they're pushing, but Matilda,
0:30:53 > 0:30:55it's not your turn, get back.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02And now, having pushed into Dead Metal, they couldn't get away.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06They will sustain damage from the Dead Metal blade.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09And it's time for Shockwave to get a push in.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13Steering away from the House Robot and now perhaps they can flip Foxic
0:31:13 > 0:31:15against the side wall.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- He's there, he's stuck.- It's been a brave battle so far from Foxic,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21much, much improved.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25But how much damage was sustained there, I wonder?
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Can they self-right? Yes, they can, well done.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35And steering away, initially, from Shockwave, but no more.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36Down go Foxic.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Into the fox's lair that is the pit, and out.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Cease!
0:31:43 > 0:31:44Well done. Unlucky, chaps.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Well, they wanted to get in underneath Foxic,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55but it was the other way round, initially.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Then they used the brute pushing power force,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02and I think that was where major damage was caused to Foxic,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04from Dead Metal.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08But in the end, I feel that was inevitable.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14All four teams have now had their first head-to-head.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16They must still take on each of the other robots,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19scoring as many points as possible.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23Someone yet to get off the mark is Foxic, and no surprises,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25he's not happy about it.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28We lost. As far as I'm concerned, that's it for me.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31So I'm going to go after the House Robots.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Look at these pansy saws. Look at them.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37He better hope the House Robots don't hear him talking like that.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Meanwhile, the undamaged Team Shockwave
0:32:39 > 0:32:41prepare for the next fight.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44After the first two head-to-heads,
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Thor and Shockwave are at the top of
0:32:45 > 0:32:47the table with three points apiece.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Foxic and Mr Speed Squared are yet
0:32:49 > 0:32:50to get off the mark.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Next up, and it's a big one,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54it's Thor versus Shockwave.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58While the teams prepare for the next battle,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00I'm here with one of our three judges, Sethu Vijayakumar,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03who is a professor of robotics at the University of Edinburgh.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Sethu, it's an interesting challenge, robotics, but robotics is
0:33:06 > 0:33:10a field that has evolved enormously over the last recent while.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13One of the things we're going to do with robots is we're going to place
0:33:13 > 0:33:15them into environments that we just can't put human beings.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18That's probably one of the great frontiers for robotics.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19That's correct.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23One of the programmes that I've been associated with is an exciting
0:33:23 > 0:33:25collaboration with Nasa.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27I was at the Johnson Space Centre,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30working on one of their state-of-the-art robots
0:33:30 > 0:33:32called the Valkyrie.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- Where was this robot going to go? - Nasa has a 15-year vision
0:33:36 > 0:33:40about creating an unmanned programme to Mars. There are two reasons
0:33:40 > 0:33:44to it. It cuts down the price of space travel significantly.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47It's almost one-seventh or one-eighth the price
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- of a manned mission.- Really? Just because you're limiting oxygen,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53the need for water in the same way, you're limiting the need for food?
0:33:53 > 0:33:57And the safety constraints are much less stringent, obviously.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00because you could afford to lose a piece of equipment,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- you couldn't afford somebody's life. - So where we're going to find
0:34:03 > 0:34:06our robots isn't even going to be here, necessarily, our robots
0:34:06 > 0:34:09are going to be the ones being the intergalactic explorers?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Hopefully, hopefully. And we will follow them, after making sure
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- everything else is safe.- OK, cool.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Thank you very much again to the robots.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20With no damage sustained in his last head-to-head,
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Jason has had time to tailor Thor for his next fight.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28For the Shockwave fight coming up,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I did have, previous to that, this plate across the front,
0:34:31 > 0:34:36to stop the spinners. So, I took that off and we've now got these on,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38which will hug the floor,
0:34:38 > 0:34:43and effectively render his front scoop useless, so he won't be able
0:34:43 > 0:34:46to get under me and lift me over. That's the plan, anyway.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Fresh off their initial victory, Shockwave has had a makeover.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51This looks like a very different Shockwave.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It's had a complete overhaul since the last fight.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56We've got a brand-new front end, so it's sort of a high-impact one,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00- we can deflect the axe of Thor. - You're not expect to do damage yourself with this?
0:35:00 > 0:35:02That's it, we're going to do the same thing we always do,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05push him around the arena and try and get him in the pit.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07And where did this come from?
0:35:07 > 0:35:09This is actually a gas-main pipe, we got this outside of our house,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12cut it up and it's really, really tough stuff.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14So we're going to raise it up like that.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- Fantastic.- And Thor can smack this all day long.- It wasn't in use,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- outside your house?- No.- Good luck, - Shockwave. Thank you very much.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Thor and Shockwave go head-to-head now,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27each robot adapted to try and gain some kind of advantage.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30They're at the top of the league and powerful robots.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Will Shockwave's changes do anything to protect them
0:35:33 > 0:35:35against Thor's merciless axe?
0:35:35 > 0:35:37The teams are ready. It's battle time.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Three, two...- Shockwave and Thor,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42two of the most experienced teams in the competition.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45This promises to be a barnstormer.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47The new scoop of Shockwave,
0:35:47 > 0:35:49the new front feet buffers of Thor.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Don't forget, Shockwave lost a chain for one wheel earlier this evening.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58But that's good power and push.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04And immediately, Shockwave backing onto the House Robot.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07That's where they could be vulnerable, also at the sides.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09And they're taking punishment at the sides,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12trying to self-right with that bucket.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18On the top, 15 millimetres of high-density polyethylene plastic
0:36:18 > 0:36:20is protecting... Oh, the bucket's come off!
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Look at that, part of the bucket...
0:36:26 > 0:36:30..literally flew away.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35Now they're suspect on the front left wheel, too.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40If Thor can manoeuvre with the gyroscopic stabiliser
0:36:40 > 0:36:45and that magnificent turn of speed,
0:36:45 > 0:36:48the greater manoeuvrability to get in on the side wheels...
0:36:48 > 0:36:51We are seeing a very capable robot in Thor.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55Huge power, one and a half tonnes of axe power down there.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Jason, one of the most experienced drivers,
0:36:58 > 0:37:00builders in Robot Wars history.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04The bucket scoop fragmented.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07There's the carnage.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09There's the wreckage.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11And, boy, we love it.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14And off comes another piece.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Whatever they put it on with -
0:37:16 > 0:37:21sticky-backed plastic, it looks like to me - it wasn't good enough.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23And Thor here, well on top.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Can Shockwave just stay out of trouble, though?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27That's what it needs to do now.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Maybe take it to the judges.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Maybe last the whole bout.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36Can Thor deal a death blow?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38That's the big question.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40Good control there
0:37:40 > 0:37:45by Will Thomas and Ian Thomas, the father-and-son team,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49to stay away from Thor's axe.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51The floor spikes, the House Robot,
0:37:51 > 0:37:56damage there caused on the weaponry mechanism.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58It's buckled.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Out of control into the corner,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04or are they simply just turning away from trouble?
0:38:04 > 0:38:08Look at the axe there, right into the wheel.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14They need to get out of that corner, and they do so.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Discretion the better part of valour.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Live to fight another day, but without the bucket,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21it's completely gone now.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26For me, Thor the most impressive robot so far.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29But pushed on there, to Matilda.
0:38:29 > 0:38:34All these points will be tallied up by the judges should they survive.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37And they've got ten seconds to survive.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39The crowd are counting down.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44Oh, great valour and courage from Shockwave.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Thor dominating,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49but Shockwave still in there, and it goes to the judges.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54INDISTINCT CHATTER
0:38:54 > 0:38:57And they know the judges will be marking on control,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59damage and aggression right now.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Thor the most aggressive robot right from the start.
0:39:04 > 0:39:10Pushing Shockwave onto the House Robot, causing damage with the axe.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Shockwave lost its scoop in various stages,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16it has to be said.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19But what a competitive spirit, in the end,
0:39:19 > 0:39:24to stay clear of Thor just enough and push Thor onto Matilda.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Wow, this could be tight.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29I am breathless, Dara, what a fight.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31I think that was a fantastic fight. I think it was great cos I'm
0:39:31 > 0:39:34actually looking at shards of both robots spread over the arena there.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37But it has been a unanimous decision.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41And the winner of this bout, under the judges' ruling,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43is Thor.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Well done, congratulations, Thor.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Nice one.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49There we go with Thor's thing!
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Do the Thor thing! Very good.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56OK. So, no points for Shockwave there, but two points,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59because it was a judges' decision, go to Thor.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06As the judges, we're looking at aggression, damage and control.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09And Thor's hammer coming down, hammering it all the time,
0:40:09 > 0:40:10the aggression, using those
0:40:10 > 0:40:12criteria, we said Thor would win.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Mighty Thor powers through but Team Shockwave are heavily damaged
0:40:18 > 0:40:21and have suffered both robot and human casualties.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Just getting it out of the arena,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28we lifted it out and a really sharp bit has caught William's fingers
0:40:28 > 0:40:31so he's in first aid now. So, we've got a puncture.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Scoop's gone.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36The hub has been completely smashed to smithereens.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Thor was just so strong.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41So, yeah, I've got to plough on now, repair our plough,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44and get ready for the next fight.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Thor are now at the top
0:40:46 > 0:40:47of the table with five points,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49whilst Shockwave stay on three.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51So a win for either Mr Speed Squared
0:40:51 > 0:40:53or Foxic would get them
0:40:53 > 0:40:55back in the game. It all comes down
0:40:55 > 0:40:57to this next battle.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Having worked solidly since their last battle,
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Mr Speed Squared are putting on a brave face.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06But have they done enough to prepare for this all-important fight?
0:41:06 > 0:41:10The disc is bent. So it's just jamming on all the bearings.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11It's fine,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15we are going to go into the next battle and do some serious damage.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- We are.- Whether it will be mainly to ourselves or to the opponent,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22we don't know. We hope the opponent, obviously.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Plagued by drive problems so far in this proposition, Team Foxic seem
0:41:26 > 0:41:28confident we'll finally get to see them at their true potential.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- So, it will drive now? - No, it's driving, it's fine.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- We'll just make sure it's doing what it's supposed to be doing.- It is.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41The House Robots, the deadly Dead Metal,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45and for the very first time today, Sir Killalot, thank you very much.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Three, two...
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Will Foxic have repaired their drive problems?
0:41:59 > 0:42:04Has Mr Speed Squared survived that dreadful damage by Thor?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Tentative at the moment.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Mr Speed Squared backing away.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15We've seen the weapon spin a little, but you can see there, it's buckled
0:42:15 > 0:42:17and bent out of shape, as they were saying.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Can't spin. They need to attack here.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Attack, attack, attack, that's what the crowd want, that's what we want.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28We want a bit of a rumble in the arena jungle.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30They're in on the House Robot now.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35Well, you remember they wanted to push the House Robots.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39You need to get out of there cos both of them are combining now.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Meanwhile, Mr Speed Squared is doing absolutely nothing.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49Well, I think it's going to go to the judges. I pity them.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54In all my years,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57this has been one of the dullest Robot Wars contest I've ever seen.
0:42:58 > 0:43:03Come on! Let's see something, go on, drive into the pit!
0:43:03 > 0:43:05I think it's going to go to the judges, isn't it?
0:43:05 > 0:43:08Can either of these robots deal a death blow?
0:43:08 > 0:43:11They are together there. It's just a question of avoiding the pit.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Can Mr Speed Squared shove Foxic in?
0:43:13 > 0:43:16No. Good control by Foxic, getting in underneath.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Dear, oh, dear.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21This has been so dreary, I feel weary!
0:43:21 > 0:43:24Six seconds, thank goodness.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27Three, two, one.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31Klaxon goes, judges take over.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33- That was terrible. - That was awful!
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Pardon me, everyone, I've got to go out and make a cup of tea.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39I'll be back sometime soon.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42Mr Speed Squared and Foxic, I can't even look at you.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45You know this is called Robot Wars, not Robot Wimps!
0:43:45 > 0:43:46What were you doing?
0:43:48 > 0:43:52- Just didn't work.- Your spinner didn't work, what was your excuse?
0:43:52 > 0:43:55We've got no drive on one side so we can only go backwards and forwards.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59No game plan, more like. So, it was a split decision.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02But the judges decided, two to one,
0:44:02 > 0:44:05that it was...
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- Mr Speed Squared. - Yes!- Two points to you guys.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11I mean, a very limp clap.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14You need to up your game for the next round.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18That is one of the worst fights, it might even be the worst fight
0:44:18 > 0:44:22I've seen in the whole of Robot Wars. Just complete rubbish.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Bit of an anti-climax, really. We spent a lot of time fixing up
0:44:28 > 0:44:30the disc, hoping to get a good bang on Foxic.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33Unfortunately, in the arena, it didn't spin up. We don't know why,
0:44:33 > 0:44:36everything else was all right. We got the judges' decision, but...
0:44:36 > 0:44:38didn't feel very glorious, really.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40With just one more round
0:44:40 > 0:44:41of head-to-heads to go,
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Thor is hammering ahead
0:44:43 > 0:44:44on five points.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46Shockwave is second on three points.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49Mr Speed Squared is on two,
0:44:49 > 0:44:51and lying at the very bottom,
0:44:51 > 0:44:54with zero points, Foxic.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58Next up in the head-to-heads, it's Foxic versus Thor.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01I'm more than happy to fight Thor.
0:45:01 > 0:45:02I came here for Thor.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05I'm going to drive in with this upright,
0:45:05 > 0:45:07and I'm going to cut his bloody axe off.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09But having won both of his head-to-heads,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12Jason doesn't appear too concerned.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14He hasn't won anything since he's been here yet,
0:45:14 > 0:45:16so I don't think he's going to start now.
0:45:16 > 0:45:20Foxic claim to have finally fixed their drive problem and can operate
0:45:20 > 0:45:23at full power. As rivals Thor have not yet guaranteed their place
0:45:23 > 0:45:27in the final, could this be a dangerous case of complacency?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30If Foxic can deliver on the promises,
0:45:30 > 0:45:33a major upset could be on the cards.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35I make a habit of beating up the boss.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38I've killed them all, and he's the last one to kill.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42So, yeah, he's next.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46I've actually got the front end designed especially for him.
0:45:47 > 0:45:50So the Foxic team think they can take any axe.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52They won't take this one.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55Three, two, one.
0:45:55 > 0:45:57Activate!
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Bit of a grudge match, this, then.
0:45:59 > 0:46:02Foxic say they're operating at full power -
0:46:02 > 0:46:04full hype, that's for sure.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- Hit me!- They say they want the axe.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09At the moment, though,
0:46:09 > 0:46:13Thor, the pit release is activated.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15And they have, with the full power,
0:46:15 > 0:46:18driven Thor onto that release
0:46:18 > 0:46:21and onto the arena sidewall.
0:46:21 > 0:46:23And out comes Dead Metal.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27And this is the best display we've seen from Foxic so far.
0:46:27 > 0:46:28But Thor now getting on top.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31Oh, little turn of speed there by Foxic.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33They can get up to 17mph.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36And the two 15 horsepower servomotors
0:46:36 > 0:46:39do seem to be operating at full power. Smiles all round.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41We know that Thor has the weaponry,
0:46:41 > 0:46:45we know that Foxic has that lithium polymer armament.
0:46:46 > 0:46:52The Danby boys of Foxic have made 132 robots so far.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55I have to say, this one possibly isn't the best.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57Have to be cruel to be kind.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59You might have to go back to the drawing board.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01But who knows what will happen here,
0:47:01 > 0:47:03because Thor finding things difficult.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06There goes the axe!
0:47:06 > 0:47:08They finally they have manoeuvred themselves into position
0:47:08 > 0:47:10to have a crack with the axe.
0:47:10 > 0:47:15Down it came. And Jason is a superb driver.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17He got you, you're stuck. You're stuck.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20And Foxic are on the flame.
0:47:20 > 0:47:23I wonder if that axe blow was a killer blow?
0:47:23 > 0:47:26Because Foxic's drive seems to have gone again.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28Out comes Dead Metal.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30It's in Dead Metal's pincers.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32And now the axe can come raining in.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35They're trying to manoeuvre themselves for a run at another hit.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39All the while, damage being caused to the wheels.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Oh, no, get it off the fire!
0:47:43 > 0:47:47You need to, because you're burning at the moment.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50I think they've been immobilised.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53Dead Metal is lining up the pincers to grab you again
0:47:53 > 0:47:55and hold you there.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57The drive motors must have -
0:47:57 > 0:47:59oh, down comes that terrible circular saw!
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Look at the damage there.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06That is 15mm of wear- and abrasion-resistant steel
0:48:06 > 0:48:09on that front wedge. And they are staggered
0:48:09 > 0:48:11that it's causing that much damage.
0:48:13 > 0:48:14Knife through butter.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17- KLAXON BLARES - Cease!
0:48:17 > 0:48:19The klaxon sounds.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Thor manoeuvres away to safety.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24- Coward.- Damn straight.- You coward!
0:48:24 > 0:48:26THEY LAUGH
0:48:26 > 0:48:28Maybe, but he's smiling.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30And now... Oh, no, no, no.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32We don't need this, Matilda.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34Oh, Matilda, that's... Matilda, you're a bully.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36You're just a bully.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Beautiful, but a bully.
0:48:42 > 0:48:44So, Thor on the offensive.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46Down came the axe.
0:48:46 > 0:48:50And again, when they got themselves into position for a side-on attack,
0:48:50 > 0:48:54they were merciless. Onto the flame pit. Dead Metal held them there.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57That was the end of Foxic, couldn't get away.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59Burn, baby, burn.
0:49:00 > 0:49:03And this, oh, was unnecessary.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10Jason!
0:49:10 > 0:49:14- You coward!- Craig was giving it large, trash-talking,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17trying to psych me out, saying he's going to chop the axe off.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19Hasn't got the ability to chop the axe off,
0:49:19 > 0:49:23I'm the only one with the ability to chop the axe off. So, yeah,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26it meant nothing. Straight over the top of my head.
0:49:32 > 0:49:33So, the maximum three points
0:49:33 > 0:49:35and Thor rightfully takes his place
0:49:35 > 0:49:37in the final. But his adversary
0:49:37 > 0:49:39is yet to be decided.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41It all comes down to
0:49:41 > 0:49:42this final head-to-head.
0:49:42 > 0:49:43A victory for either
0:49:43 > 0:49:45Mr Speed Squared or Shockwave will
0:49:45 > 0:49:47secure their place to fight Thor.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52All right, here we go with the final head-to-head of the night,
0:49:52 > 0:49:56Mr Speed Squared versus Shockwave.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58CHEERING
0:49:58 > 0:50:00The maths are very simple here, lads. It's a win or nothing.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03Yeah, we can do it. We've got the anti-spinner scoop on,
0:50:03 > 0:50:07we're going to hit him hard, and straight down the pit, we hope.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10Fantastic. And also, can we see the human cost of Robot Wars?
0:50:10 > 0:50:12AUDIENCE: Oh!
0:50:12 > 0:50:14- How did this happen?- Loading it out of the arena after the last fight.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- Dropped the robot on my hand.- You dropped the robot on your hand.- Yep.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20Can you drive with two fingers immobilised?
0:50:20 > 0:50:23- Luckily, the thumbs are OK, that's the main bit.- Fantastic.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25The thumbs are OK, that's the main bit!
0:50:25 > 0:50:27CHEERING
0:50:27 > 0:50:30You heard what Dara said. It's pretty simple, but you need a win
0:50:30 > 0:50:33- to get through to that final and take on Thor.- We do.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36- We're going for the win, though. - Yeah.- We're going all-out,
0:50:36 > 0:50:39everything we can do to make the disc go as fast as possible.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42- OK.- No holds barred. - No holds barred. Good luck.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44CHEERING
0:50:44 > 0:50:47Mr Speed Squared!
0:50:47 > 0:50:49Crucial for both.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52They need to steal a win to stay in the competition.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54Activate!
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Mr Speed Squared shoved backwards.
0:50:58 > 0:51:02The plough, scoop, bucket, call it what you will, on Shockwave,
0:51:02 > 0:51:06destroyed previously by Thor,
0:51:06 > 0:51:09is at the moment being used to great effect.
0:51:15 > 0:51:21In goes Shockwave again, with a push and shove onto Dead Metal.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24New robot, Shockwave, to its team,
0:51:24 > 0:51:28taking damage there from the circular saw of Dead Metal.
0:51:28 > 0:51:33Really venomous House Robot throughout this heat of Robot Wars,
0:51:33 > 0:51:36which has been sensational so far.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40And Shockwave, ooh! Off comes the chain again!
0:51:40 > 0:51:42They lost the chain on one wheel early on,
0:51:42 > 0:51:45that will decrease the manoeuvrability of Shockwave.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Now largely just being nudged.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54The blade cannot cause any damage, it would seem,
0:51:54 > 0:51:57to the Shockwave front bucket...
0:51:58 > 0:52:01..which can lift up to 200 kilos in weight...
0:52:01 > 0:52:07And slammed it in a body press against the arena side gate there.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11I see smoke! And that could be the end,
0:52:11 > 0:52:13that could be the drive motor gone.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17And that could be the end of Mr Speed Squared.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21- Get out of there.- Can they survive now the last few moments?
0:52:21 > 0:52:24Is there anything left in Mr Speed Squared?
0:52:24 > 0:52:29Team captain Peter works in a hospital theatre as a cardiologist.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31Plenty of heart in Mr Speed Squared.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37But it's about to be arrested, it would seem, by Shockwave.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42Not hugely brutal and powerful, this contest,
0:52:42 > 0:52:45but good control by Shockwave.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48Mr Speed Squared now vulnerable.
0:52:48 > 0:52:49Turned up.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52Motors uppermost, tyres uppermost.
0:52:52 > 0:52:54House Robots waiting for the kill.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57Oh, well done. Got out of trouble there.
0:52:57 > 0:53:02Peter and sons Jake and Sam, good competitors.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04Good fun.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07They won't think so at the moment, being lifted up, look at that,
0:53:07 > 0:53:12like a toy. A little bit of buckling to the bucket on Shockwave,
0:53:12 > 0:53:13but they're on top.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21- Get away!- They need to get away from the bucket, that's for sure.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25Took a big blow there, shards coming off Mr Speed Squared,
0:53:25 > 0:53:27they've had trouble with bearings throughout the night.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29It's an innovative design.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31Power in the first round.
0:53:31 > 0:53:36They caused damage, but in doing so, dealt damage to themselves.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38They couldn't repair it -
0:53:38 > 0:53:42and Shockwave nearly drove themselves into the pit
0:53:42 > 0:53:45before finally finishing off Mr Speed Squared
0:53:45 > 0:53:50into the square-shaped trap. Victory for Shockwave.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Into the final.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55- KLAXON BLARES - Cease!
0:53:59 > 0:54:02And what a final it will be. Shockwave against Thor.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05Shockwave with the pushing power.
0:54:05 > 0:54:09Nudging Mr Speed Squared onto the House Robots.
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Good control,
0:54:12 > 0:54:14good technique.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17Power behind the lift, and the final shove, of course,
0:54:17 > 0:54:19nearly a driving mistake.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22They'll have to watch that in the final against the mighty Thor.
0:54:24 > 0:54:25After six gruelling battles,
0:54:25 > 0:54:27the head-to-heads are over.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Time now for tonight's final
0:54:30 > 0:54:34between Shockwave and Thor.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36With a brand-new robot,
0:54:36 > 0:54:38Shockwave were surprised to survive the group stage.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41We've done way better than we thought we were ever going to.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44We thought if we go through round one, we've done brilliantly,
0:54:44 > 0:54:45and now we've got this far,
0:54:45 > 0:54:48we realised our robot's way more competitive than we ever thought.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52Against Foxic, Shockwave showed it had the pushing power required,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55but against Thor, Shockwave took a beating,
0:54:55 > 0:54:59falling victim to Thor's experience and deadly axe.
0:54:59 > 0:55:02In the final, they must face them again.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05This is it for us. Potentially our last fight so we're going to go out
0:55:05 > 0:55:07in a blaze of glory.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11Unbeaten, Thor has dominated in the arena in every match.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15A perfect mixture of style, control and power.
0:55:16 > 0:55:20Thor has consistently caused unprecedented damage,
0:55:20 > 0:55:24relentlessly dominating the competition.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27At this stage of the competition, of course, I want to get to the end
0:55:27 > 0:55:31and I want it. Do I think I can do it? Oh, yeah, we can do it.
0:55:33 > 0:55:35It's Thor versus Shockwave.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37At stake is a place in the grand final.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39But will the hammer beat the scoop?
0:55:39 > 0:55:42For the last time tonight, it's over to Jonathan.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:55:45 > 0:55:48Thanks, Dara. Our finalists, Shockwave and Thor.
0:55:48 > 0:55:50The winner here will go through to the Grand Final.
0:55:50 > 0:55:52One of these robots will be going home.
0:55:52 > 0:55:56Three, two, one.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59- Activate. - Shockwave's aim -
0:55:59 > 0:56:04to pitch Thor using that front bucket or wedge scoop.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Immediately, it's a good start by Shockwave.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11110 kilos of weight.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15Can get up to 20mph, second quickest in this heat.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17The only quicker robot is Thor,
0:56:17 > 0:56:19very manoeuvrable, but under pressure here.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22Surprising, they nearly got him into the pit!
0:56:22 > 0:56:26He's in the pit, surely! Oh, what an upset! What an upset!
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Shockwave have won! I cannot believe it!
0:56:29 > 0:56:32INDISTINCT CHATTER
0:56:32 > 0:56:35- I don't know what the hell happened there.- What a turn-up!
0:56:35 > 0:56:37What a shocker.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39- KLAXON BLARES - Cease!
0:56:40 > 0:56:43On the front foot straightaway, they used the front feet there,
0:56:43 > 0:56:48Thor, to try and negate the lift of Shockwave's front wedge,
0:56:48 > 0:56:49but they got them side-on.
0:56:49 > 0:56:53That was the crucial thing, and Thor tried to right itself,
0:56:53 > 0:56:56started to wobble and went in.
0:56:56 > 0:57:01CHEERING
0:57:01 > 0:57:03By Odin's Raven, Thor,
0:57:03 > 0:57:04what happened to you out here?
0:57:04 > 0:57:07First impact into the wall.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10- Gone.- Gone.- And then you're in the pit within a minute.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13- Add insult to injury.- Humiliating for a god of your stature
0:57:13 > 0:57:15to be dumped into a pit by that.
0:57:15 > 0:57:19- Thank you(!)- Thor, ladies and gentlemen, a fine, fine competitor.
0:57:19 > 0:57:24CHEERING
0:57:24 > 0:57:28Give it up for our grand finalists, Shockwave!
0:57:28 > 0:57:30CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:30 > 0:57:32Well done, guys.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34Last time you went up against Thor in the head-to-heads,
0:57:34 > 0:57:38it went to a judges' decision. It didn't go your way.
0:57:38 > 0:57:39You've clearly changed tactics.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42Yeah, last time, he completely battered us, really.
0:57:42 > 0:57:44We lost the entire front end of the robot. So we changed tactic,
0:57:44 > 0:57:48we wanted to go all-out on the offensive and, somehow, it worked.
0:57:48 > 0:57:49Well done, guys.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52CHEERING
0:57:52 > 0:57:54From all of us at Robot Wars, goodnight.
0:57:54 > 0:57:56CHEERING