MovieChat Forums > BattleBots (2015) Discussion > Could Battlebots become a serious sport?

Could Battlebots become a serious sport?

posted 3 years ago by Octo (213)
7 replies | jump to latest

It's currently treated as a niche Sunday entertainment, cheesy wresting introductions, dressed up nerds and some goofy robots.
I'm talking of something more akin to F1 with some serious money and engineering put into the machines, sponsors, maybe a boost in weight-classes, like 1 ton robots, maybe even up to tank size, 50 tons..imagine the destruction. It would probably have to be filmed in like the salt lake plains entirely by drones for safety.
I would think the main problem is that putting millions into a robot that will likely be smashed to bits isn't appealing to investors...so maybe current weight limitations are fine, and while there's clearly some skilled builders in the show, I think the presentation could need some work.

[–] strntz (10883) 3 years ago

Could Battlebots become a serious sport?

I doubt it. I think this is a and will remain a niche "sport". Guys who are mechanically inclined find it interesting, but I don't see it having the wide acceptance of a human sport. Maybe if the operators were actually inside the bots...

[–] Noufa (379) 3 years ago

Hardest part would be getting someone to build the robots. Every engineer/mechanic I've ever known IRL hates demolition derbies. Something about going to all that trouble making something work...only to intentionally tear it apart.

Imagine being a gourmet chef & preparing pies for a pie fight.

[–] DoubleRD77 (77) 3 years ago

I think it could be a serious sport. It is popular in China I believe, and other parts of the world. I believe China actually has their own battlebots type of show.

[–] LoveCatsHateDogs (1542) 2 years ago

I'd certainly rather watch remote-controlled robots smash each other to pieces than watch grown men, wearing little shorts, exercising and sweating, then heading off to a group shower.

Of course, I can only speak for myself.

If Battlebots/robot combat was as big as football, that would be paradise for me.

[–] Bloodworth79 (5572) 2 years ago

Doubt it. But there is room for improvement. I'd like these things be able to have weapons that fire

[–] Otter (24464) 2 years ago

It's taken VERY seriously within the profession of engineering - those "nerds" aren't out there for the fun of it, engineering scholarships at the best universities are won in the bot ring, careers are established, and eternal renown among engineers are at stake! Grant Imahara built his career on victories in the fighting robot ring, because of his victories he stood out from his peers, he was given a prime robot-building job at ILM, he became a name in the special-effects industry, and that got him the lucrative job and worldwide fame on "Mythbusters". He wanted to pay back, so he was sponsoring fighting-robot teams at local low-income schools, he knew that the robot arena could be a way out of poverty for some clever kids.

So yes, it's a VERY serious sport. And I think you meant to ask whether it could ever be a popular sport.

[–] Octo (213) 2 years ago

Sure, more popular...but I think you know what I meant.
Within the niche it's respected but I think the general public sees it as "entertainment", not a sport or serious competition.