Robotics

Contestants have been touring the US for the last year racking up enough points to compete for the top prize - the ComBots Cup - a $10,000 dollar grand prize so big is can only be matched by the Cup itself - 220 pounds of trophy-shaped stainless steel sex appeal which makes the Stanley Cup look like a Dixie Cup. The event is being organized by ComBots, the co-organizer of International ROBOlympics and RoboGames.

They don't look much like C-3PO, but these bots are still amazing feats of engineering. Builders from all over the world have built machines that are fully capable of surviving being run over by a tank - or taking one out! Filled with high-tech custom electronics controlling state-of-the art pneumatics, motors, and engines, the bots demonstrate their sportsmanship through shredding metal!

"These robots are not the sole domain of gearheads and engineers," said David Calkins, organizer of the event. "They're built and driven by the most diverse segments of society: A real-estate magnate, rock-band bass guitarist, plumber, and a software programmer are just some of the mad scientists behind the titanium titans competing! Some of them have spent $50,000 on precision-machined monsters, while others robots are sub $1,000 junk-bots made from broken compressor tanks."

Robots weigh up to 340 pounds and can spew streams of fire, flip their opponents into the arena ceiling, and spin hundred pound weapons faster than Bruce Lee on meth. Audience members may draw close to the action, but they jump back again in a hurry as the combatants give foundation-shaking blows to the protective steel railings inside our bullet-proof arena!

Many of these robots are stars from TV shows - both news programs and syndicated series. Robots include "Biohazard", the in-appropriately named "Snuggles", the more appropriately named "Ouch!", and reigning champions "Sewer Snake" and "Super Megabyte". Who needs the Darpa Grand Challenge when we've got robots like these?

The New York Times best summarized the growth of combat robotics in a recent article 'When Nerds Collide: Bots in the Ring' when they said "Fighting robots are not going to go away." The sport continues to grow and flourish under ComBots' nurturing - ESPN's SportsCenter named our March 2005 event one of the top ten list of things to do for that weekend. The number one rated TV show in America - 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigators' featured our combat arena and robot builders in its season 3 episode, "Precious Metal." That we were featured in a prime-time TV show exemplifies just how big this sport's become!

The event will not be limited to robot fights, however. The adorable beer-can can-can girls provide half-time entertainment, while Flash the Bartender whips up delectable concoctions for the audience with his fire-spewing 240cc V-8 drink blender. The sound system will feature music from Bay Area indy bands.

ComBots is still seeking sponsors - opportunities abound and the level of press from previous events (CNN, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, USA Today, Wired, Radio Toyota, China Daily News, etc.) guarantees a high level of visibility. Robotics is becoming the new lifestyle sport of the thinking age. ComBots events are the channel by which it becomes validated and showcased to widely diverse audience. An audience with both a voice and a higher than average disposable income. The games are still looking for sponsors - companies or groups should contact e-mail protected from spam bots if they would like to become an event sponsor and garner publicity, gratitude, and a tax-deductible donation that helps more people gain access to robotics.

About Combots:
ComBots produces live Combat Robot shows across the country, featuring some of the most under-sponsored robot builders in America. A member of the RoboT Fighting League, ComBots works to showcase the sport of the 21st Century - all of the excitement of NASCAR crashes and kick-boxing, but without any danger to the competitors. Audiences thrill to the spectacle with bleachers only a few feet from the arena, yet are kept safe by the high-tech Lexan-walled enclosure. ComBots was founded by David Calkins, president of the Robotics Society of America, head judge for BattleBots and the RobotFighting League, and founder of ROBOlympics.

Do Not Publish the Following:
High quality photos, interviews and videos of the previous events and the participating robots are available upon request.

Interview and Photo Contact:
David Calkins (RSA president)
415-297-2789