What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
Hi, I started this thread to gauge support and opinions for a project to bring back robot wars with a redeveloped format. Constructors will be using more computer and programmed functionality, and their progress would be documented and tracked during the series. The aim is to gain government support and improve the technical and computing teaching in schools.
I will be following this thread with interest and am looking for like minded individuals to partner with.
Thanks,
AIBB
Re: What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
One of things I noticed only just the other day was the huge LACK of robots in the later series of Robot Wars.
Even I got bored and stopped watching around Season 5 and I realised this was because in Season 1 the show was only 30mins, but you got to see 6 robots competing in a variety of formats every week.
I watched an episode of Extreme the other day, 1 hour and I saw 4 robots, soooo much talking too!
With the first 3 seasons lots of shots of the pits, people working on robots, close ups on the inners etc...
It also had much more rustic charm, the later ones just seemed too fake.
Just my 2 pennies.
Re: What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
Sums my feelings on it up in a nutshell, cheers PJ :)
The other thing that got to me about the show later on was just how much stuff they were willing to stick the RW logo on. Replica toys and such I can understand, but I feel the just tried to squeeze too much money out of the brand through merchandise. Brands such as Star Wars, that stretch back decades, can get away with it (they're still churning out Phantom Menace stuff in some of the latest store catalogues) but RW couldn't, in my opinion anyway.
That description of the earlier shows feeling rustic, exactly! It was only when I re-watched Series 1 and 2 recently on Youtube that I realised how much that feel was lacking from the later series'. Things like the Trial games, Craig's introductory speeches and little quips here and there just completed it nicely.
So yeah, if it was to come back in some way, shape or form, I'd like to see a return to games and assault courses, in addition to battles of course. Promotes the importance of good driving and things such as ramps and 'cattle grids' could help deter a ground-scraping wedge culture. Also, less WWE style trash-talk, more technical coverage of the robots. If it can educate while entertaining, it's much more beneficial.
Re: What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
Just to add to that, I don't see such a program coming back as Robot Wars. It is a format that is known for what it was and has had its time on screen.
A new programme would have to have a new name, new approach and fresh feel in order to stand a chance of succeeding. And while I'm quietly pessimistic about a show of that scale ever actually making it back on to television, anything that promotes the sport in a positive way and encourages new people to get involved is to be supported.
Re: What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
Thank you all for the contributions to this discussion thread.
As a seasoned graduate in A.I. ! I imagine a new format involving more autonomous BattleDroids, battling in gladiatorial style, using the latest software and sensory devices.
The emphasis would be on the A.I.Robot builds and hobbyists. A more technical and grass roots hobbyist slant, and far less WWE style false reality show input from hosts and competitors.
I am currently in contact with junior parliament members investigating how the show can also be used in conjunction with an education program to promote technical and computing skills.
I would ask that members of the RFL and hobbyists get involved, and please contribute to this thread to keep the dream alive for current and future Robot builders and viewers alike.
Many thanks.
Re: What next for Robot Wars & bringing it back
I voted yes, with a new format, by which I mean returning to the core of the sports that you got to see glimpses of in the earlier series' of RW. The later shows were brilliant too but they were more that than anything, a show.
I can't say autonomous machines strikes me as an obvious direction to take the sport, as very few roboteers have ever gone there. I can name just one fully autonomous machine, and it's in the US and still being developed. I believe one of the main attractions for most of us is actually being at the controls of the robots, and by moving partially or entirely to AI, the TV companies might take more of an interest but the hobbyists themselves might be put off. Plus, I can't imagine the robots would be as impressive as piloted machines, which with today's tech would be even more extreme than in series 7.
Just slightly playing devils advocate^, but as far as I'm concerned do please keep looking into the TV possibilities. Whatever the format, there is an absolute mountain of learning material in this hobby, I think there is no question that education would benefit greatly from joining in.