0:00:02 > 0:00:04Fighting robots represent probably one of
0:00:04 > 0:00:06the biggest challenges in engineering
0:00:06 > 0:00:08because there is no perfect design.
0:00:12 > 0:00:1540 robot-fighting teams are about to take on one of
0:00:15 > 0:00:19the most intense engineering challenges in the world.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Advice I would give to roboteers entering the arena is don't panic
0:00:22 > 0:00:25and try not to die.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31To design, build and battle heavyweight fighting robots,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33to compete for the ultimate prize.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Through chaotic group battles and fierce head-to-heads,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45new and veteran teams of robot engineers must push their
0:00:45 > 0:00:49reinforced war machines to the limits.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Their robots are harder, faster, stronger, designed for one thing -
0:00:54 > 0:00:56total destruction in pursuit of victory.
0:01:07 > 0:01:08Welcome to Robot Wars -
0:01:08 > 0:01:12a battle of engineering brains and cold, hard machinery.
0:01:12 > 0:01:1640 teams of families, friends, schools and colleges
0:01:16 > 0:01:20will put their designs to the test in our bulletproof arena.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26And our amazing robots are more powerful than ever.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31Huge gas-powered flippers, terrifying blunt-edged axes
0:01:31 > 0:01:34and spinners that spin over 200mph.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44So far Aftershock, Eruption and Concussion
0:01:44 > 0:01:47have secured their place in the grand final.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51The competition works like this -
0:01:51 > 0:01:54we start with two group battles.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56The two surviving robots from each group battle go on to
0:01:56 > 0:01:59the head-to-heads, where they'll fight against each other
0:01:59 > 0:02:03with three points for a win and two points for a judges' decision.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07The winner tonight will earn a place in the grand final.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Competing in our first group battle are...
0:02:15 > 0:02:17It's time to meet the teams.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Last series, Supernova drove into the pit in their first battle
0:02:26 > 0:02:29as they struggled to control their spinning weapon.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32They're back, overhauled an upgrade
0:02:32 > 0:02:35with the 22kg, 2,500rpm spinning disc.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39One of the features of Supernova is that
0:02:39 > 0:02:41it's a bit unpredictable when the disk hits.
0:02:41 > 0:02:42We've tried to make that better
0:02:42 > 0:02:44by putting more grip around the wheels,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46so that when we hit something at least we get some traction
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- so we can recover quickly. - Give it up for Supernova.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51CHEERING
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Frostbite is a new robot.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Are this team of students going to teach the grown-ups a thing or two
0:03:01 > 0:03:03about fighting machines
0:03:03 > 0:03:06with their polycarbonate armour and spinning bar?
0:03:08 > 0:03:09- Team Frostbite.- Yeah.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11You are the teacher, right?
0:03:11 > 0:03:13We've been working on this for about six months.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17There's not that much protection between the hood and the motor,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20or the battery, for that matter, is that going to be problematic?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Our secret weapon. Maybe it's designed to fly off.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23We'll definitely be remembered,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26whether it be for winning or for losing fantastically.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28OK, good luck, Team Frostbite.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31Please, round of applause for the boys. Good luck.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Competing last year, with their wooden robot Overdozer,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44the team from Falkirk are back -
0:03:44 > 0:03:48this time with a pusher robot, equipped with armour-fronted scoop
0:03:48 > 0:03:50and motors from a disability scooter.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53You've gone all metal, haven't you?
0:03:53 > 0:03:56Yeah, well, there's some plastic on there as well.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Is this supposed to be quite as open plan as it is?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02We had to do a bit of weight loss,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05so our armour is minimal, but we think it will do OK.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Wyrm.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10CHEERING
0:04:14 > 0:04:17High-5 is a weapon designed to entangle spinners
0:04:17 > 0:04:19with interlocking fingers.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21It will be up to the youngest members of the team,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Riley and Daniel, to control the weapon.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- High-5, hello and welcome.- Hi.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31The wheels look pretty sturdy.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32Talk me through these.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35They're go-kart wheels, we're going to rough them up a bit
0:04:35 > 0:04:36more before we go in the arena.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38- Score them for a bit of grip.- Yeah.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- Fine. OK, well, listen, best of luck.- Thank you.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Our first battle pits three brand-new robots
0:04:47 > 0:04:49and seasoned spinner Supernova -
0:04:49 > 0:04:53all competing for two places in the head-to-heads.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Over to you, Jonathan Pearce.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57Thanks, Dara and Angela.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01The roboteers are in the process of arming up in the arena.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04This series not only do they have to watch out for their competitors,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08but also the arena hazards and the deadly House Robots.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12And in this series, the House Robot have gone rogue.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14If competitors press the arena tyre,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17the dial will either go left releasing the pit
0:05:17 > 0:05:20or will fall right releasing the rogue House Robots.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22They'll come screaming out of the corner patrol zones
0:05:22 > 0:05:25to inflict damage for ten seconds anywhere in the arena.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29It's random and it's an awesome new addition to the arena's arsenal.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Each battle is three minutes, unless a robot is counted out as immobile,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36is flipped out of the arena or finds itself in the pit of doom.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39If the battle runs the full three minutes, it's up to our judges -
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Dr Lucy Rogers, Professor Noel Sharkey
0:05:42 > 0:05:46and Professor Sethu Vijayakumar - to decide a victor.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49And the teams are ready in the arena.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52From Surrey - Supernova.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Completely rebuilt from last series, Supernova has a 22-kilo
0:05:56 > 0:05:58spinning disc that can spin at 2,500rpm.
0:05:58 > 0:05:59Supernova's tyres have been redesigned
0:05:59 > 0:06:02to give greater traction on the arena floor
0:06:02 > 0:06:04by utilising bicycle tyre treads.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It has four-wheel drive and is fully invertible.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11From Bristol - High-5.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Team High-5 said their robot can lift a lion or a vending machine.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Their armour is rubber-mounted to avoid translating shock through
0:06:17 > 0:06:18the robot - good idea.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Their 11-millimetre ground clearance though
0:06:20 > 0:06:23makes them very susceptible to flippers.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25From Falkirk - Wyrm.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Wyrm has a ten-millimetre-thick hardened steel front wedge,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31known as the spinner killer, which gives the robot the ability
0:06:31 > 0:06:33to take full frontal attacks from spinners.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Their robot is four-wheel drive, but can run on two wheels if needed.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39The Wyrm boys don't have a garage shed or a workshop,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41so they've had to make the majority of Wyrm in the street!
0:06:41 > 0:06:45From Kingston upon Thames - Frostbite.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Frostbite was built for under £500
0:06:48 > 0:06:52and its five kilo spinning bar has a top speed of 2,000rpm.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Frostbite powered by two 12-volt car batteries, powering that
0:06:55 > 0:06:59bedrock of Robot Wars - the mobility scooter motors.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01For the first time tonight,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03pushing and shoving his way around
0:07:03 > 0:07:05the arena, it's Shunt.
0:07:07 > 0:07:13Three, two, one. Activate it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Can Wyrm last longer than their previous machine Overdozer did
0:07:16 > 0:07:20in the last series? 23 seconds. Wyrm on the attack there.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24Goodness me! Supernova with an astonishing attack on Frostbite.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Full frontal, using the blade, and ripping, shredding
0:07:27 > 0:07:31the six-millimetre polycarbonate armour of Frostbite.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37Very little movement in High-5 after that initial attack by Wyrm.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Wyrm, for some reason, has smashed into the arena sidewall.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Oh, great. You've just driven us into the wall.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45And I think...
0:07:45 > 0:07:48they've killed themselves. Who's moving out there?
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Well, we know Supernova is.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53We know, despite that damage, Frostbite is moving.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Little life in High-5.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01A low point that for High-5 - and another one...
0:08:01 > 0:08:06from that new 22-kilo new spinning disc of Supernova
0:08:06 > 0:08:09and the Balendran family - very experienced roboteers.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Wyrm immobilised, having slammed into the arena sidewall, I think.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15No life in High-5.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19Oh, and with the Wyrm turned, Shunt adding insult to injury there.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24That didn't go well.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Just one last question from me - Frostbite or High-5?
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Who was active last?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32For me, High-5 were immobilised, Frostbite still moving.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34That's the decision.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37So much to learn from this particular event.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Let's start with yourselves.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42You came here in the past with a wooden robot
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and you lasted 23 seconds,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48then you went home and you built a metal robot
0:08:48 > 0:08:50and you lasted...
0:08:50 > 0:08:54ten seconds, plus ten seconds to check you had been immobilised.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58So you are actually shaving seconds off your time at this stage.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01My commiserations to Wyrm.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05This thing, this monster that you've created, the hum off it.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Oh, it's definitely fearsome. - You're through. Congratulations.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Give it up, ladies and gentlemen, for Supernova.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13CHEERING
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- Lads, not the longest fight in the world.- No, but we're still moving.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19The weapon still worked, wheels still worked,
0:09:19 > 0:09:23lights were still on. So, yeah, we live to fight another day.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Group battle winners Supernova and Frostbite
0:09:26 > 0:09:29now enter a two-hour repair period
0:09:29 > 0:09:31as they prep for the first head-to-heads.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34The fight to keep a robot in full working condition outside
0:09:34 > 0:09:38the arena can be as tough as the battles inside.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42Fortunately, Frostbite's damage appears to be mainly external.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Our robot's pretty big,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47so there's quite a lot of empty space, so when they hit it
0:09:47 > 0:09:48it didn't actually
0:09:48 > 0:09:50knockout many of the electronics.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52And the other two were immobilised,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55so a bit of luck, that's what they say sometimes.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57For the Supernova team,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00the hard work of their weapon overhaul has paid off.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02And after that confident performance,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04team captain Suren is relieved.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07The robot worked as planned, to be honest.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Everything worked on it, driving was OK as well.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12Yeah, there's a bit of damage to everyone else's,
0:10:12 > 0:10:14very little damage here, so...
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Our second group battle is between...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Can this crab-themed crusher help this father and son team
0:10:30 > 0:10:32get to grips with the competition?
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Team Crushtacean, this is quite a beautiful robot. Who's driving?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40I'm driving it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42And operating the claws?
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- I'll be doing the claws. - How does that work?
0:10:44 > 0:10:48We've got these gloves that we use that connects to the transmitter,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50and basically, when I close my hands, the claws will close.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53You'll be standing in the control room dancing.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Pretty much how I dance, yeah.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Round of applause for Crushtacean...
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- CHEERING - ..and the dancing.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Last series, problems with their self-righter
0:11:09 > 0:11:11ended their arena dreams,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15but they're back with an upgraded robot and a steely resolve to win.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20We spent a lot of time and a lot of money on a lot of new motors,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23new gearbox designs and a few other bits, so it looks a bit shinier.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25You have two weapons.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27You have two different blades.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Yes. And we've got the grabber on,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32and we've got a bit more of a hammer end on the other blade.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34The best of luck. Good to see you all back.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Ladies and gentlemen, Ironside 3.
0:11:36 > 0:11:37APPLAUSE
0:11:43 > 0:11:47New and untested robot Apex is pushing spinner size to
0:11:47 > 0:11:50the limit with their huge hammer bar.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Team Apex, what weight is it?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57The whole rotating mass pulley, bar, everything,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59so you're looking at 37 kilos.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03I mean, to put that into perspective, Carbide is 25, right?
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- So this is going to do some damage if it connects.- Yeah, definitely.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16It may look familiar, but the drum spinner of family team Pulsar
0:12:16 > 0:12:18has been completely redesigned.
0:12:18 > 0:12:23They showed so much promise last time. Can Pulsar now deliver?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- You've made changes for this year though.- It's a brand-new robot.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Really?- It's a completely new build.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Looks very similar, same idea, it's got the big drum.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Any extra bits and bobs added on to it?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Yes, we've got the self-righter now this time.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36You didn't have a self-righter last time.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39We didn't have a self-righter, so hopefully if we do have a problem
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- we can just flip back up the right way.- Fantastic.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42Looking forward to seeing you in there.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Pulsar.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47APPLAUSE
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Only here on Robot Wars will you see a fight between three huge spinners
0:12:51 > 0:12:53and a crab.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57With only two places up for grabs, teams will take no prisoners,
0:12:57 > 0:12:58so let's get started.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Thanks very much again to our pit professors Dara and Angela.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05The teams in the second group battle tonight.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08From Hale - Crushtacean.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Behind the power of Crushtacean's claws is 1,000 kilos of crush.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Crushtacean's six-millimetre aluminium armour is covered in
0:13:15 > 0:13:18polyurethane paint, which the team hopes will protect it from spinners.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Ha!
0:13:20 > 0:13:23From Nottingham - Ironside 3.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28This upgraded bot has an 18-kilo horizontal blade spinner,
0:13:28 > 0:13:29which has a tip speed of 1,500rpm.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31The team have upgraded their self-righter,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33which they hope will flip them over in two seconds
0:13:33 > 0:13:35should they find themselves the wrong way up.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37From Bristol - Apex.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Apex's spinning bar is truly huge
0:13:41 > 0:13:43at 35 kilos and it's over a metre long.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45The chassis of Apex is built from tough hardened steel,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47up to ten millimetres in places.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Chris and Sam were on Team Foxic last series,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51which failed to win any fights.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Hoping for a bit more success this time.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57From Shropshire - Pulsar.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Pulsar's been completely redesigned.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02The new bigger 23-kilo drum does 8,700rpm,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05which is the fastest in the competition. Frightening.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07And these large brushless electric motors
0:14:07 > 0:14:09more commonly seen on large-scale drones.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14In the arena for this bout, it's Shunt.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Roboteers, standby.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27This could be all about the weight and power of Apex's huge bar,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29or that drum of Pulsar.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35Three, two, one. Activate.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Ironside 3 - faster, stronger, quicker than before.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Pulsar with more consistent bite.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Weaponry... Crushtacean taking a hit there.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49The only robot covered in polyurethane paint,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51which is about to get a bit of a burnage.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Oh, and a huge attack there!
0:14:56 > 0:15:00In came Pulsar...in underneath Apex,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04lifting it up in the air and stopping it.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The bar is spinning, it's not anymore.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Mighty, mighty attack there from Ironside 3 and Pulsar.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18And the others, I think, are out as we countdown.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Hugely impressive Ironside 3.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Very, very good.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Cease.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Apex and Crushtacean beaten.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Let me check my heartbeat.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30- I'm at 98.- Ooh!
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Pulses racing immediately.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Pulsar and Ironside 3 ruthlessly efficient -
0:15:36 > 0:15:38killing Crushtacean there.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And Apex done there by Pulsar.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Pulsar and Ironside 3 through.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45At the end, am I right in saying that you were a little bit crumpled
0:15:45 > 0:15:48though, there was a little bit of a ripple?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51A little hatch. I think we're just catching it.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54You were not immaculate, but impressive.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- You must be thrilled with that. - I am thrilled.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Yeah.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02It's looking very, very smooth, looking very, very comfortable.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03Got flipped at one stage.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I drove over the flipper - I don't know why I did that.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Yeah, why did you do that?
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- It's really fast.- Yeah, it is.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12And it's got really little grip cos it's got so much power,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14so it's just powersliding everywhere.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Ironside and Pulsar.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Give them a round of applause.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19CHEERING
0:16:22 > 0:16:26Victorious Ironside 3 and Pulsar head back to the pits
0:16:26 > 0:16:28to begin working on their repairs.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Big spinners often cause themselves damage due to
0:16:31 > 0:16:33the internal shock when hitting other robots.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36For Ironside, this could spell trouble.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40He's been catching on some of the bolts.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I think it's just shifted the axle slightly,
0:16:42 > 0:16:44so the blade's leaning backwards.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48We were prepared for a new belt every fight.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49It's just like... Getting...
0:16:49 > 0:16:51We would take all the electronics out.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Pulsar must also begin the engineering puzzle of working out
0:16:57 > 0:16:59the cause of their robot's faults.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01I'm just noticing now though,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I've got a problem because that motor's going round,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06you can see the belt will go round,
0:17:06 > 0:17:07this one is locked up solid.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10So we have got some damage, we don't know what it is yet.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12We've got to take it apart and have a look.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14The group battles are over.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Teams through to the next stage are Ironside 3,
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Pulsar, Supernova and Frostbite.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Our first head-to-head is between
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Supernova and Frostbite.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Teams use their two-hour repair window to not only fix,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34but also tailor their machines for the next fight.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37In preparation for their battle with spinner Supernova,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Team Frostbite have added some extra protection.
0:17:41 > 0:17:42We're just beefing up the robot
0:17:42 > 0:17:45and we've now added 12-mil polycarbonate back
0:17:45 > 0:17:47to protect all the wiring and everything.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Despite having a much more dangerous machine,
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Supernova aren't taking a victory here for granted.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56So we've got Frostbite.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Their robot is armoured with plastic,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01so in theory we should be OK,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03but you should never underestimate your opponent.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07After last series, Suren knows all to well the dangers of
0:18:07 > 0:18:10driving such a powerful robot in the arena.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16I'm Suren. This is our robot - Supernova.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Supernova's a robot with a spinning disc and he's armoured with
0:18:20 > 0:18:23steel used in armoured tanks and is four-wheel driven.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26The first series of Robot Wars,
0:18:26 > 0:18:27Supernova was eliminated
0:18:27 > 0:18:29basically down to my poor driving.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33So Supernova this time around is different in that he's got
0:18:33 > 0:18:37a new much stronger steel body and has got a much more powerful weapon.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Also known as the disc of doom,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40it's so hard it will cut through other robots
0:18:40 > 0:18:42like a knife through butter.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44We can't actually test the weapon
0:18:44 > 0:18:46because there's nowhere safe enough other than the arena,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49so I don't really know what's going to happen.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53Our combat strategy for Supernova, it's such a powerful weapon,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55is to go in and just tear them up.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58This year, this is our chance. I'm going all out.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Frostbite, full of wide-eyed optimism,
0:19:06 > 0:19:10must gain valuable fighting time and experience the hard way -
0:19:10 > 0:19:13in the brutal environment of the arena.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17We're Team Frostbite from Kingston Grammar School
0:19:17 > 0:19:19and our robot is called Frostbite.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21I'm Derek.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23I'm team captain responsible for design and construction.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24Harry is our driver,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26Chris is branding,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28and Thomas is maintenance and repair.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Team Frostbite has learnt a whole new range of mechanical gearing and
0:19:33 > 0:19:37electronic skills, including the construction and design of the body.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39It would be amazing to win Robot Wars.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42I don't think there's ever been a plastic robot
0:19:42 > 0:19:45costing less than £500 to have lifted the trophy.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Team Frostbite, we cut through to the bone.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58In the arena for this bout, with absolutely no chill,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00it's Sir Killalot
0:20:00 > 0:20:02and Shunt.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Three, two, one. Activate.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09School engineering club teenagers against the Balendran family
0:20:09 > 0:20:10of Supernova.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12They've been building robots for 19 years.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14Up and over the floor flipper goes Frostbite.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16They need to stay out of trouble.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18They picked up damage in that first group battle.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21And Supernova whirling up the disc of doom.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26Getting it up to full speed at 2,500rpm.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Shards of metal across the arena floor.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32OK. Hit it from the side.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34No! Come on! Not again!
0:20:34 > 0:20:35Still going.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39The lights stay bright, but there's no-one at home. Oh, dear.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44Supernova, look at the power of the weaponry. Once, twice, smithereens.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47Supernova...
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Oh! Look at the chain there.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Getting mashed up with the spinning blade.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Will that cause some problems later on?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Frostbite were cut to the bone. They didn't do any cutting.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04I'm afraid, tonight, the lights are going out for Frostbite.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06We've got a bit of a bodge job to do, lads.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08A few repair jobs...
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- Oh!- Come on!- More repairs!
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Shunt, what are you doing?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Cruel.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Not the best of driving techniques early on -
0:21:18 > 0:21:21maybe that caused some damage to their spinning bar.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25Certainly Supernova's spinning blade caused all the damage in the arena.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28That's when the chain came off.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31This time it's a very different story for Team Frostbite.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36The huge power of Supernova has torn their machine to pieces,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40even destroying the heart of the robot - its internal drive motors.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Supernova, they tore through the shell of the motor
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and they ripped out the main component in it,
0:21:46 > 0:21:51so this is pretty thick and they've just torn right through it.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Without drive motors we're not going to be able to progress through,
0:21:55 > 0:21:57so not much we can really do about that one.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00It could be the end of the road for Frostbite.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Meanwhile, their opponent's damage is just to the chain
0:22:04 > 0:22:06that drives their huge spinning weapon.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Oh, look! I can see a piece of the chain here actually.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11Wow!
0:22:11 > 0:22:13The chain's just exploded.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Due to the structural build of their robot,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19this could very easily have caused a huge lithium battery fire
0:22:19 > 0:22:22that could have destroyed their entire machine.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24These batteries are very...
0:22:24 > 0:22:26They'll explode if they get hit,
0:22:26 > 0:22:30so that would have been a disaster, so we're very lucky.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32The next head-to-head is between
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Ironside 3 and Pulsar -
0:22:33 > 0:22:35two teams with a point to prove.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39It was their fight last series
0:22:39 > 0:22:42that controversially put Ironside 3 out,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45so experienced roboteer Trevor is cautious.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50I'm not quite sure how we're going to approach this one,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53probably very slowly, very gingerly,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55very measured.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Team Pulsar are struggling to put
0:22:57 > 0:22:59their complicated robot back together.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01They're working with a high-voltage system
0:23:01 > 0:23:04and in their haste mistakes are being made.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- SHE GASPS - I've got it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Peter has accidently caused the high-energy battery
0:23:12 > 0:23:14to burn out their speed controller.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17They have to replace it before the battle
0:23:17 > 0:23:19and they have a limited number of spares.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23It's time to head to the arena.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Last series, their robot proved to be unreliable.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Is history repeating itself with such a cutting-edge robot?
0:23:34 > 0:23:38We are the Ware family from Shropshire and our robot is Pulsar.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42The team is my parents and I,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45and I supply robotic parts to the robotics industry,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49my dad's a music producer and my mum is a copywriter.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51We're a very strong family unit,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54but it's Ellis who's the core of the robot team.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58As long as we can remember, it's been his passion.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Building robots has taught me about engineering.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Pulsar is a really low, sleek, compact machine
0:24:07 > 0:24:09that packs loads of power into a small space.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Last series, Pulsar got into the top six, we got into the final episode.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18And unfortunately we had one of those recurring electrical issues.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21We never really got to show what Pulsar can do.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I'm using high-performance brushless motors again,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29the same systems as before, although they're all kind of turned up to 11.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33And the whole machine is just absolutely ramped to the max.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Pulsar is the most powerful robot I've ever built
0:24:35 > 0:24:38and I feel sorry for anyone who has to fight it.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Undamaged, Ironside 3 were let down last series
0:24:45 > 0:24:47by their own self-righter.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Back with a ramped up robot and a point to prove,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52could this be their time?
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Last year we were a victim of circumstance, in my opinion.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Pulsar there flipping Ironside 3 over.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03This year that's not going to happen.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05We're going to be knocking machines out.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11On the team we have myself, Adam, I'm a production engineer.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Trevor's the same, he's also a production engineer.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Louise works in a school
0:25:15 > 0:25:16and Patricia is a cook.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Last year, our self-righter was our Achilles heel,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24it was far too slow.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It took about 15 seconds to turn the machine over.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30This system should have us over in about two seconds flat.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Ironside 3 is one of the strongest robots in the competition.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34It's small and compact,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37so we can have thicker armour and take bigger hits.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42So the compact design of Ironside allows the bar to be very big.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45What that means is the bar covers most of the robot,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48so you can come at us at almost any angle and we're going to hit you.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50All in all, we reflected on what was wrong last time
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and we've put that right.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54We're back, we're stronger
0:25:54 > 0:25:57and at the minute we're not scared of anybody.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Ironside 3 against Pulsar. These two nemesis met last series.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Ironside controversially missing out on a win last time.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Now these second generation machines go head-to-head again.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Shunt in the arena for this battle.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14Beware his pneumatic axe and hardened steel bucket.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17And Sir Killalot.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22Three, two, one. Activate.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Off we go.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27The blade of Ironside.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Oh, nearly got themselves in the CPZ and the end of Shunt's axe,
0:26:31 > 0:26:32and onto the floor flipper too.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35You can see the power of the 18-kilo bar spinner.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38They worked very hard on this machine, trying to improve.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Down goes the pit release.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Turn the weapon off. - You can see Ellis there,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48this self-taught engineer at the control of Pulsar.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Big hits.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Nearly into the grasp of Killalot.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54They need to get out of there - Pulsar.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00All the arena perils on display.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Trying to get in underneath the bar and flip Ironside 3.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Smoke out one wheel.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06Good tussle, this.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Very good tussle.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10Ironside 3 goes away to drive again.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Pulsar around the side.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Up over the floor flipper goes Ironside 3.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20Difficult to call this one at the moment.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23He's got no weapon and you're the aggressor so far.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28Who is the more aggressive according to the judges, should it go to them?
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Which weapon is working?
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Just skirted the issue there.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37Oh, onto the flame pit goes Pulsar, driven there by Ironside 3.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Good driving.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- I've lost drive on one side.- OK.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44They've got a problem with the drive on one side - Pulsar.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47They're still moving.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50As long as they can move out of their circumference they'll be OK.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53They won't be deemed immobile, but they've got other troubles now.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55They're in the grip of Killalot. They're on the flame pit.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57He'll hold them there.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00The crowd want them in the pit.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03They need to self-right. They do so.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05So they're still moving just.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11As I said, as long as they can move out of their circumference,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14which they do on to the spinning bar of Ironside 3.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Good battle, this.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18We're killing that...drive motor is the thing.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Last year it took a controversial judges' decision
0:28:22 > 0:28:25to thwart Ironside 3. They want revenge.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- Try spinning up the drum. I don't know what the damage is.- OK.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Ironside 3 the more aggressive.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I don't think they've caused too much damage.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36There's barely a scratch on Pulsar.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39Ironside 3 spinning to win, they think.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41He's counting down. Ten, nine...
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Just keep moving, Adam.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45As long as they keep moving, they should be OK -
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- Pulsar.- Three, two, one.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51He's been counted out.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Now there seems to be confusion here.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Ironside 3 thinks Pulsar's been counted out,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59but Pulsar is still mobile.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Cease has not been called.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03The fight is still on.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06I can't drive. I've got no drive on one side.
0:29:06 > 0:29:07He's saying he can't drive.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09It doesn't matter. They can't go the way they want to go,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12as long as they're moving beyond their circumference.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Why isn't Ironside 3 coming in for the kill here?
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Cease.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18The match has gone to three minutes.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Pulsar damaged, but still mobile.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- It will go to judges.- Yes.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28Passions will rise high either side for this judges' decision.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I would not want to be in their shoes.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Well, that will count against Ironside 3 -
0:29:35 > 0:29:38for driving onto the floor flipper.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Maybe a little bit of damage to the bar, I don't think so.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Oh, might be there, though.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44And they were aggressive.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48But they weren't causing too much damage on Pulsar.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Pulsar were able to come in and shove Ironside 3 around.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I think one of their motors burns out - you can see the smoke -
0:29:55 > 0:29:58that could count against them. But Ironside 3,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00even though Pulsar were took down by Killalot,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04was strangely inhibited and they didn't come in for the kill,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07they stayed off, and that negativity will count against them
0:30:07 > 0:30:09because Pulsar's still active there.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12Any battle that goes to a judges' decision is played back for
0:30:12 > 0:30:17Lucy, Sethu and Noel to review before making a final judgment.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20In this case, however, there's an added complication involving
0:30:20 > 0:30:23the judges' countdown clock.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25I'm just going to check the words of the rules.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29The complication is that Ironside saw on their countdown screen that
0:30:29 > 0:30:32we had been counted out, although cease was never actually called,
0:30:32 > 0:30:34so that means the countdown never actually happened,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- it never went through.- So they backed off.- So they backed off.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39So there's just a little bit of confusion there.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Ironside believed they had won due to the immobilisation clock
0:30:43 > 0:30:44counting Pulsar out.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Pulsar also felt they had done enough to win the fight
0:30:48 > 0:30:49by a judges' decision.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Head judge Noel goes to explain and offer his ruling.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56I've reviewed the footage
0:30:56 > 0:30:59because I pressed the button and it cancelled on our screen
0:30:59 > 0:31:02the countdown that had been up there,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04and you got the countdown continued.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Yes.- Yes.- So it wasn't fair. So what we're going to do is
0:31:07 > 0:31:09we're going to award both teams two points.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- OK.- OK.- Is that fair?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Happy with that.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Happy with that compromise,
0:31:15 > 0:31:17the teams set about repairs for the next round.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24After the first two head-to-heads, the leaderboard looks like this.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Supernova have three points,
0:31:26 > 0:31:28Pulsar and Ironside 3 are both on two,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31and Frostbite is yet to score.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Up next, it's Supernova
0:31:33 > 0:31:34versus Pulsar.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Team Supernova spent their repair time working out how to tame
0:31:39 > 0:31:42the volatile behaviour of their weapon chain.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46So the disc on Supernova, there's a sprocket that's attached to it,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49and basically in the last fight it was damaged.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53It basically vibrates up and down by a couple of millimetres.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55At low speed that's fine,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58but at 3,000rpm that potentially could throw the chain
0:31:58 > 0:32:02or it could completely obliterate the sprocket.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05The team tensely make their final assembly
0:32:05 > 0:32:07in preparation for the fight.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Pulsar's small but powerful brushless motors
0:32:10 > 0:32:12aren't holding up to the rigours or battle.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15The machine has to be stripped, reassembled
0:32:15 > 0:32:19and the electronic speed controllers replaced for this fight.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23The problem is I've been struggling to replace the damaged part.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25I've...
0:32:25 > 0:32:30And everything's not going quite to plan. Thank you.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32So...
0:32:32 > 0:32:33I'm just bodging it now.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I'm using the wrong kind of motor just to get it together.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39And we just need to get in the arena, that's our goal.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41We've just got to get in there.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Sitting at the top of the table,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49Supernova know that a victory here will give them a commanding lead.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52For Team Pulsar, the race to be ready in time means they're
0:32:52 > 0:32:56heading into a crucial battle untested and unprepared.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00So batten down the hatches and take it away, Jonathan.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02The House Robot in this arena for this bout,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05it's king of the ring Sir Killalot and Shunt.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Oh, "Rust in Pieces." Love it, love it.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11Pulsar against Supernova.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14Which of these problematic machines will love this one though?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Activate.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17Supernova - spin to win
0:33:17 > 0:33:19or spin yourselves into the bin?
0:33:19 > 0:33:21They've got to be careful.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Pulsar! What a hit that is.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27Wow!
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Well, I think the velocity, the power of the hit...
0:33:31 > 0:33:32Oh, no! I thought they were out.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34They thought they were out.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37What a slam, bam, thank you, ma'am, that was.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- The right disc is not working. - Neither of them are.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43I don't think either weapon is working.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46It's a little bit of a kiss and caress now.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48A bit of a nudge around the arena.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Hopefully just our chain fell off.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- No drive.- I can't see any life whatsoever in Supernova.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02A little waggle of the self-righting mechanism.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Pulsar just wins it.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07That was one almighty explosion.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Look at the power of this.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Drum against spinning blade.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Nothing humdrum about that drum.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19That Supernova was flipped
0:34:19 > 0:34:22and spun right across the arena.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Team Pulsar get the knockout and three points,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29but victory came at a price.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32It's going to be big damage.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36You can see the massive gash across the front of the drum, which...
0:34:36 > 0:34:41the drum is going around but then seizes here...
0:34:41 > 0:34:43and we don't know why yet.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Supernova's hardened outer chassis
0:34:47 > 0:34:50is hiding a huge amount of internal damage.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57You know, last fight, the front sprocket on the disc
0:34:57 > 0:35:00was damaged and we tried to hammer it flat.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It looks like what's happened is we hammered it flat,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05but it wasn't good enough.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08So that's thrown the chain off and the chain's then pulled the motor,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10which drives the weapon out of its mounting point,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and it's just jammed everything up.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16Unsurprisingly, after a head-on hit like that,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19both teams now have a big repair job on their hands.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22A perfect time to find out just how to go about making
0:35:22 > 0:35:26a fighting robot with judge Dr Lucy Rodgers.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30If I wanted to build a robot like what we've been seeing,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33if I wanted to build one, where do I start?
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Well, choosing the materials is really important.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40- OK.- Here we've got HDPE, high-density polyethylene.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42It's what Jellyfish was made out of.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45It's breadboard. This is a cutting board.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Very good at absorbing energy.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48Oh, bouncy!
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- See how bouncy it was?- Yes.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54So against an axe that works really, really well, against a spinner.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- It's a plastic.- OK. - It's going to melt.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Look, it nearly went through it completely.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- Wood.- It's useless in the arena...
0:36:06 > 0:36:07- But good for prototypes.- Yeah.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- OK, this one. - This is aluminium.- Right.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13For a metal it's soft, it's cheap and light,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16but you'll probably use it inside for holding some of the structures.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18This one is mild steel.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21If you can't afford the Hardox, which is expensive...
0:36:21 > 0:36:22- You go for this.- ..you go for this.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Hardox armour is being made out of this
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- and they make tanks out of this too, right?- Yeah.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33So that's what we've been seeing when we've got
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- the little firework display. - Yeah.- But not much damage.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- Yeah.- It's just superficial, really.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42It is. The best thing against a spinner seems to be the Hardox.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Against a hammer, HDPE.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47If you were going to build a robot, which would you make it out of?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49A combination of these two, I think.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51I think that's a winning combo.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Brilliant. Thank you, Lucy, that was great.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Putting Lucy's lessons to the acid test will be our next teams -
0:36:57 > 0:36:59the plastic casing of Frostbite
0:36:59 > 0:37:01against the hardened steel
0:37:01 > 0:37:03of Ironside 3.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Ironside 3 are battling to repair their heavyweight machine in time.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Team Frostbite, faced with a huge task after being effectively
0:37:14 > 0:37:19dismantled by Supernova, have thrown in the towel.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21We could have had an easier route to the final,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23which would have been nice, but we didn't.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25We faced some really tough opponents.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28But this is Robot Wards - we came, we saw and we exploded.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Yeah, into millions of icicles.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35With Frostbite sadly out,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39that leaves a space for a team to re-enter the competition.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40In third place this time,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42that opportunity falls to
0:37:42 > 0:37:45ranked outsiders Wrym.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The team from Falkirk, whose only damage was caused
0:37:48 > 0:37:50by driving themselves into the wall.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55My name's Nicholas White, I'm from Falkirk,
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and our robot is called Wyrm.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Wyrm is a four-wheel drive pushbot.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04We've taken design inspiration from reptiles and dragons.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08We're all friends.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10I met Fhiannon at university
0:38:10 > 0:38:11and through him I met Jonathan.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15So after Overdozer went home in a bin bag,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18we immediately started working on our second robot.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22The main differences between Wyrm and Overdozer is that
0:38:22 > 0:38:25it's not made of wood, it has a much lower ground clearance
0:38:25 > 0:38:29and it's got a heavily armoured front that shouldn't bend this time.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34So this is where we're building Wyrm.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Many people have a cosy and comfortable workshop to work in -
0:38:37 > 0:38:40we don't. We have a street.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Our robot stands out from the fact that it's designed to be made with
0:38:44 > 0:38:46the minimal amount of tools.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48As long as you've got an angle grinder,
0:38:48 > 0:38:50a drill and a welder, you can build one of our robots.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52If we can do it, you can do it.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Their first robot was wooden, this one is metal,
0:38:59 > 0:39:03but with no armour to protect them, can Wyrm beat the odds
0:39:03 > 0:39:05to mount a victorious campaign at this late stage?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Ironside 3 now sit in third place,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13so need a decisive victory to remain in contention.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Have they fixed their weapon in time to bury the dreams of Wyrm?
0:39:17 > 0:39:19It's over to you, Jonathan.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23750 kilos of Sir Killalot in the arena for this bout
0:39:23 > 0:39:25and Shunt.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30Three, two, one. Activate.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Wouldn't it be nice for Wyrm to win here?
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Now they understand you can't take timber into the arena.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Learn your lessons, Wyrm.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42Can't get away from Ironside 3's bar...
0:39:42 > 0:39:45because Wyrm's armament is limited.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49On top, vulnerable there.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Straightaway, in comes Shunt.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Can Wyrm move? Trying.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Not going to last.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59That's a wheel off, but he's still going.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01I guess my welding wasn't up to scratch.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05It certainly wasn't. Bits of Wyrm are all over the arena floor.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Ironside 3 comes in for another attack.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11They're not going to hang about here. Bash, bash, bash.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13They don't want this to go to the judges' decision,
0:40:13 > 0:40:14that's for certain.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Oh, but they've got themselves trapped there.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Reverse, reverse. - I can't. I'm stuck.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Have they stopped? They need to reverse.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21They need to get out of that.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23And they do.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Hit him again.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26And they'll come in for one more attack here. Off goes a wheel.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Oh, there goes the other wheel!
0:40:28 > 0:40:30They don't want to leave this to doubt - Ironside 3.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Wyrm are finished now.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Wyrm are finished.- Cease.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Well done, boys. You did well.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43How well did they do? Well...
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Off goes part of Wyrm.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Ironside 3 bouncing around.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Adam Lewis, a man called Ironside...
0:40:54 > 0:40:57..causing all the damage at the controls there.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Right... How did that work out? - Er...
0:41:00 > 0:41:03The first thing to go was your battering ram protection
0:41:03 > 0:41:07- and then they just picked you off tyre by tyre.- Yeah.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09How much work will it take to get it back in again?
0:41:09 > 0:41:10I'm not sure.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13It's mostly welding work, so it's actually the hands of the welders.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17And a lot of it involving a dust pan and brush and picking up tyres.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22My commiserations, but I think it was a long shot for them.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- That was fun. Did you enjoy that? - We did enjoy that.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28We didn't know how well they could take a head-on and we didn't quite
0:41:28 > 0:41:30hit them head-on, we got around the side a little bit.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33I mean, you went back a couple of times too often, I feel.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35There was at least one little nibble you took
0:41:35 > 0:41:36just therapeutically for yourself.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39He's got the other side, it's OK.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Hopefully just working on one side isn't too bad.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47So, at the end of that, I'm afraid you've not made any dent so far
0:41:47 > 0:41:50with any points at all, but you have.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53You've got three points. Let's see what that does to the table.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56A straightforward victory for Ironside 3
0:41:56 > 0:41:59puts them level with Pulsar at the top of the table.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02But every hit they make with
0:42:02 > 0:42:04the spinner damages their weapon's drive belt,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07putting it under more strain.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11See if the belt repair works and if it does...
0:42:11 > 0:42:15There are design issues that I think we would like to change,
0:42:15 > 0:42:17but we can't change them now.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19We've got what we've got.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22The damage for Team Wyrm is more comprehensive.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27Ironside 3 caused a little case of spontaneous unplanned disassembling
0:42:27 > 0:42:30on specifically this side of the robot.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33With all the finesse of an angry badger.
0:42:35 > 0:42:40And Sir Killalot kindly added to it by removing
0:42:40 > 0:42:42the wheel from this side.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46If and when Team Wyrm rebuild
0:42:46 > 0:42:47their machine, they'll face
0:42:47 > 0:42:49top of the table Pulsar.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55Team Pulsar have managed to realign their drum
0:42:55 > 0:42:57so it can spin freely, but in every battle
0:42:57 > 0:43:01their high-powered brushless drive burns out components that
0:43:01 > 0:43:04all need to be replaced before they go back in the arena.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07If they are unable to do so in the allotted time,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10they'll be forced to forfeit their next battle,
0:43:10 > 0:43:14leave the competition and Wyrm will be awarded the full three points.
0:43:18 > 0:43:19What?
0:43:19 > 0:43:22- Forward is backwards.- How can forwards be backwards
0:43:22 > 0:43:25when we haven't changed any of the wiring?
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Meanwhile, Team Wyrm have hit an unusual snag.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30The good news is they've repaired their robot,
0:43:30 > 0:43:33the bad news is they've done it backwards.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36I'm just going to flip the transmitter and drive it like that -
0:43:36 > 0:43:39upside-down - because then that's the right way.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Yet again, Pulsar have worked up to the wire,
0:43:45 > 0:43:47replacing burnt out components.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52Wyrm, in their new upside-down configuration, are also ready to go.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55So, Jonathan, expect the unexpected.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Thanks very much.
0:43:57 > 0:43:58For the first time tonight,
0:43:58 > 0:44:01with its clamping jaws and vertical saws,
0:44:01 > 0:44:05in the arena it's Dead Metal
0:44:05 > 0:44:06and Matilda.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09Flying like a butterfly, stinging like a...
0:44:09 > 0:44:12Well, a 350-kilo robot triceratops.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18Three, two, one. Activate.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Nick and the Wyrm team believe robots can be upcycled
0:44:21 > 0:44:23and many elements of Wyrm have come from scrap, and they could be
0:44:23 > 0:44:26heading back to the scrap yard unless they can stay out of reach
0:44:26 > 0:44:28of that Pulsar drum.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30That's the belt, yes, it's gone.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32But we've got smoke pouring from Pulsar.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34There's sparks as well, I think.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38We know they've had problems with that drive system
0:44:38 > 0:44:41and this could be a mighty upset here.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45But of course Wyrm need to get away from Dead Metal in that CPZ,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49as Pulsar waits patiently.
0:44:49 > 0:44:50Pulsar drives away.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52We can't drive because the wheel's off the ground
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- cos the wedge is underneath the wheels.- Wrym can't get away.
0:44:55 > 0:44:56You just hear them there, they're wedged on,
0:44:56 > 0:44:58or they were wedged onto Dead Metal.
0:44:58 > 0:45:00Now they're on the flame pit.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02Toasted Wyrm, anyone?
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Ew! That sounds disgusting.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06Pulsar with the new little streamer.
0:45:06 > 0:45:07The crowd love that.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09They're counting down.
0:45:09 > 0:45:10You keep moving, Ellis.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14Again, the instructions from Tara to Ellis - keep moving.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17The drum moves.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19- Cease.- This is interesting.
0:45:20 > 0:45:21One side drive gone.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Self-righter's gone. Drum has gone. One side drive has gone.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26The hope's gone.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Well, you can see there the drive smoking.
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Wyrm in peril.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35And damaged by the House Robot.
0:45:35 > 0:45:36On to the flame pit -
0:45:36 > 0:45:38will also count against them.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42Pulsar active the longest. They stay in, but they're weak.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46After a spirited performance, Wyrm are out.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48But being given a second chance
0:45:48 > 0:45:51has made the team hopeful for the future.
0:45:51 > 0:45:54First time we had a wooden robot, this time we've had a metal robot,
0:45:54 > 0:45:57next time we're going to have a winning robot.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59After our penultimate head-to-head,
0:45:59 > 0:46:02here's what the leaderboard looks like.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05That victory from Pulsar means that they have eight points
0:46:05 > 0:46:07and are through to tonight's final.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Ironside 3 are on five points.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12Supernova on three.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15And, sadly, Wyrm on zero points are out.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18So it all comes down to our final head-to-head between
0:46:18 > 0:46:20Supernova and Ironside 3.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24Supernova need all three points to progress.
0:46:24 > 0:46:29Ironside only need to avoid defeat here to go through to the final.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33Such a crucial battle couldn't have come at a worst time for Supernova.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36With their robot still suffering from that full impact hit
0:46:36 > 0:46:40with finalists Pulsar, team captain Suren has real concerns.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44We're in a bit of trouble because the last impact damaged
0:46:44 > 0:46:46Supernova quite badly.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48It was never really designed to take a vertical hit,
0:46:48 > 0:46:50so we've damaged the bearings
0:46:50 > 0:46:53and we've damaged some of the motors.
0:46:53 > 0:46:56We managed to repair the motors, so it's a fair amount of work to do.
0:46:56 > 0:46:58We're not sure we can get it done in time,
0:46:58 > 0:47:00but we'll give it our best shot.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03The brutal damage caused by these machines is taking its toll
0:47:03 > 0:47:07and their competition, Ironside 3, aren't in much better shape.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10We just found a broken gearbox again.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12Motor has started to come loose.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17We're just swapping that out for the last spare.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20We've not got any left now.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22At stake for both teams is a place in the final
0:47:22 > 0:47:26and the chance of becoming the new Robot Wars Champion.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28They've done all they can.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32Their fate now rests on the next three minutes in the arena.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35Well, Ironside, you have to beat them.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38It comes down to a straight fight between the two of you.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- So what are you going to do? - Not sure yet.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42We're going to see how much mobility they have.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44They were in pieces, like we were.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47We're pretty happy that the machine's not too bad.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48It's not overly healthy,
0:47:48 > 0:47:50but we need to get through unscathed if possible.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54Are you confident? Cos you seem slightly nervous at the moment.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56I think we're all right.
0:47:56 > 0:47:57We're just thinking everything through
0:47:57 > 0:48:01and we'll have a look when we move up to the arrows,
0:48:01 > 0:48:04see how everybody is looking and go from there.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06The best of luck. Ladies and gentlemen, Ironside 3.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08CHEERING
0:48:08 > 0:48:11- They're keeping their cards close to their chest.- Yeah, I know.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Are you going to do the same?
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- We've sustained a lot of damage from the Pulsar fight.- Yeah.
0:48:15 > 0:48:17Replaced two motors.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19A lot of work has gone into getting it back and running,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21but we don't know how well it's going to work.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24I mean, what actually happens when those two spinners hit?
0:48:24 > 0:48:27Well, that's the thing because their spinner is actually slightly
0:48:27 > 0:48:30higher than ours, but then it's slightly bigger,
0:48:30 > 0:48:32so it's like a boxer with a longer arm.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35- OK.- So they can hit us before we can hit them.
0:48:35 > 0:48:37- But sometimes the little guy gets it.- Sometimes.
0:48:37 > 0:48:39Right, give it up please for Supernova.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42CHEERING
0:48:42 > 0:48:47In the arena for this bout, it's Shunt and Sir Killalot.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53Roboteers, standby.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55A place in the final for the winner here.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Two giant spinners, the carnage could be colossal...
0:48:57 > 0:48:59We hope.
0:48:59 > 0:49:05Three, two, one. Activate.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09Have Supernova's problems left it death star?
0:49:11 > 0:49:13Ironside 3's drive problems.
0:49:13 > 0:49:15Both are using spares.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19Ironside 3's blade there trying to get up to speed.
0:49:19 > 0:49:24Supernova's spinner already up to full speed.
0:49:25 > 0:49:27Get the wheels.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30Louise is saying go after the wheels of Supernova.
0:49:32 > 0:49:36Ironside 3 using tactics then
0:49:36 > 0:49:39to disarm Supernova and it's certainly working.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42They go the other side and hit that wheel.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45You're all right, Supernova.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47One wheel's gone.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50One wheel has gone and it's Supernova's wheel that's gone.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57It's Ironside 3 on top here.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02Supernova about to descend into a deep black hole, I think.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05In goes Shunt.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07Supernova taking lots of damage now.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09The chain has gone.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13You can see bits of the chain there catching again on
0:50:13 > 0:50:14the spinning blade.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16It's been a problem throughout.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Supernova beaten, Ironside 3 through.
0:50:24 > 0:50:25Oh!
0:50:26 > 0:50:30And a good battle right from that first slam.
0:50:30 > 0:50:31We thought it would be.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Certainly Ironside the more adventurous.
0:50:34 > 0:50:35You can see sparks coming off.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37There's the chain.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39Starts to go wrong inside Supernova.
0:50:39 > 0:50:40You can see it there.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42Major peril.
0:50:42 > 0:50:43Over and out.
0:50:43 > 0:50:47The chain design ultimately proved fatal for Team Supernova.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51And after initially leading the competition, they're now out,
0:50:51 > 0:50:53but their resolve is still strong.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55It's a war. This time we might have lost,
0:50:55 > 0:50:58but next time we'll be back stronger to do more damage.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04For Team Ironside 3, however,
0:51:04 > 0:51:07their hard work and cautious approach has paid off.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10They'll now meet archrivals Pulsar in tonight's final,
0:51:10 > 0:51:14but there's still a lot of work to do.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17We've had some brutal fights and she's showing it.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23Oh! The belt's actually turned around.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27The pulley's that damaged we can't repair it here. We need a lathe,
0:51:27 > 0:51:30so we just have to go in and...
0:51:30 > 0:51:32fight the good fight.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36- So it's a problem within the... - For crying out loud.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40Meanwhile, fellow finalists Pulsar have burnt their way through
0:51:40 > 0:51:43all their spare speed controllers.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47They've reached the final, but may be unable to enter a working robot.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52We were very, very close.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55The sides are on, the wedge can go on in just a few minutes,
0:51:55 > 0:51:57then it was tops.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00But we've just gone to test it having done the reassembling
0:52:00 > 0:52:02and we found a fault with this motor,
0:52:02 > 0:52:04and there's just not enough time.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07Then Ellis has a brainwave.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09Hang on a minute.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11That, it will be all wrong, but it would spin the motor.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13I don't even know if it will spin it.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16It's set up for a completely different kind of motor.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19If they can repurpose their self-righter,
0:52:19 > 0:52:23they could still make it to the final - but that's a big if.
0:52:23 > 0:52:27Whether or not that will work, who knows.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30Go again. Power light.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32Turning on.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40The motor works and Team Pulsar are back in the competition.
0:52:40 > 0:52:42We have a final.
0:52:42 > 0:52:45Whatever the outcome between these two massive spinners,
0:52:45 > 0:52:49they've both proved themselves in the pits as worthy finalists.
0:52:53 > 0:52:56This heat has truly been the battle of the spinners.
0:52:56 > 0:53:01The head-to-heads were a violent display of stored kinetic carnage.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Our finalists tonight are Pulsar and Ironside 3.
0:53:05 > 0:53:09Ironside 3 came up short last time, so entered this series
0:53:09 > 0:53:12ready to prove their machine was a real contender.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15In an eerie reminder of their first meeting,
0:53:15 > 0:53:18the battle with Pulsar was marred with controversy.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21Fight after fight, they've dealt with the huge amount of
0:53:21 > 0:53:24self-damaging energy from their own weapon.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27We've had some brutal fights and she's showing it.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31But they've left us in no doubt that Ironside 3
0:53:31 > 0:53:33can deliver the knockout blows.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36In the final they face Pulsar.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40This compact robot was completely redesigned for this series
0:53:40 > 0:53:43and has proven more competitive than its predecessor.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48It's 9,000rpm drum was decisive against Supernova
0:53:48 > 0:53:51and their brushless drive has given them an edge of speed,
0:53:51 > 0:53:54but at a cost of constant repairs.
0:53:54 > 0:53:55Ellis is a very good driver.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58If anybody can make it work, Ellis can do that.
0:53:58 > 0:54:02This small but tough robot can take the hits,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05but will it be able to dish them out in tonight's final?
0:54:05 > 0:54:09Some of our robots are made of simple things, like wood
0:54:09 > 0:54:11and steel and old breadboards,
0:54:11 > 0:54:13others are packed with cutting-edge components.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17Tonight's final is between the next generation technology of Pulsar
0:54:17 > 0:54:20and the brute strength of Ironside 3.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22It's the ultimate clash of brains versus brawn.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25But who will go through to the grand final?
0:54:25 > 0:54:27The brains in the pits, the brawn in the commentary box.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Pulsar against Ironside 3 - they meet again.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32A place in the grand final at stake this time.
0:54:32 > 0:54:33No love lost, I can tell you.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37The House Robot in the arena for this bout - it's Sir Killalot
0:54:37 > 0:54:38and Shunt.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43Roboteers, standby.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48Ironside belted by the power of their own spinner.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Using a... ..motor for speed control - Pulsar.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54Have they bodged it?
0:54:56 > 0:54:58Have they got it right?
0:54:58 > 0:55:02Three, two, one. Activate.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05Oh, the arena is tense for this one,
0:55:05 > 0:55:07but Pulsar had enough time to repair.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Could this be revenge big time for Ironside 3?
0:55:10 > 0:55:12Cross drive already on one.
0:55:12 > 0:55:14Just take your time.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21Pulsar continuously moving, spinning, trying to get away.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23Doesn't seem to be much life in the drum.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25They took a hit there.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27Big hit from Ironside 3.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32That may have stilled the beating heart within the Pulsar.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36I think it has.
0:55:36 > 0:55:37They are now totally vulnerable.
0:55:37 > 0:55:42Another smash from Ironside 3's 18-kilo bar spinner.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47They've used that weapon well on poor old Pulsar.
0:55:47 > 0:55:51Haven't they worked hard to get it up and running?
0:55:51 > 0:55:55Whatever technique they could use, they've used, it's still twitching.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58We're being counted down.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01Ironside 3 not waiting for a count this time.
0:56:01 > 0:56:03Again they come in with a slam.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06Surely they've won it - Ironside 3.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08And revenge is theirs...
0:56:08 > 0:56:10and they know it.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15They have long waited for this...
0:56:15 > 0:56:17Oh, and so have the House Robots.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22Right from this first big hit,
0:56:22 > 0:56:24Pulsar were in trouble, couldn't recover.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28And it's Ironside's victory.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31Ironside 3 are through to the grand final. Worthy winners.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37Through adversity to triumph.
0:56:37 > 0:56:41How sweet is the taste of revenge?
0:56:45 > 0:56:47CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:56:47 > 0:56:49Yes, oh, Pulsar,
0:56:49 > 0:56:53I feel that we saw the best of you earlier on in this show.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55Definitely.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57- What was the fight that really took it out of you?- Supernova.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00- The Supernova battle. - Yeah, we never recovered, really.
0:57:00 > 0:57:02Could you even get the drum going?
0:57:02 > 0:57:04No, it twitched and I didn't want to go any further
0:57:04 > 0:57:06cos it might set itself on fire.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08Well, listen, its time, I believe, will still come.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I think there's more to come out of this.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12- I'll be back. - I have no doubt you'll be back.
0:57:12 > 0:57:15But for the time being, my commiserations. You've lost.
0:57:15 > 0:57:17Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Pulsar.
0:57:17 > 0:57:19CHEERING
0:57:20 > 0:57:24I mean, this was one of those grudge matches, really.
0:57:24 > 0:57:25There was a bit of history here.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27Yeah, we don't like the word grudge match,
0:57:27 > 0:57:29but we wanted to settle one way or the other.
0:57:29 > 0:57:31And we saw you in the control room.
0:57:31 > 0:57:34There was elation, there was smiles, there was cheers,
0:57:34 > 0:57:36a happy moment, shall we say?
0:57:36 > 0:57:38Our group has been horrendous, really.
0:57:38 > 0:57:40There's a lot of causalities.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42- A lot of dangerous machines. - Robots littered all the way around.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45I genuinely think we're probably the only two left standing out of
0:57:45 > 0:57:47all of it and I'm just so happy to be at the top.
0:57:49 > 0:57:50You're into the grand final.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53Well done. Give it up for Ironside 3, please.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55CHEERING
0:57:58 > 0:58:00I'm not surprised our teams are shell-shocked
0:58:00 > 0:58:01after an episode like that.
0:58:01 > 0:58:04But another fantastic team has made it through to our grand final,
0:58:04 > 0:58:08which is shaping up to be an explosive end to the series.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10But that's all for now. Goodnight.
0:58:14 > 0:58:16Next time, on Robot Wars...
0:58:21 > 0:58:24It will be good to have another pop at Apollo, definitely.