Have you a story to tell about a combat robot tournament that you've been to? Maybe you have some tips on building combat robots that you would like to share? WBX welcomes your submission for publication in the Xtreme News. Send submissions to war.bots.xtreme@shaw.ca or mail to:
War-bots Xtreme
49 Galt Court
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Canada
S7L 4P1
January 23, 2007
Congratulations to the winners of another SCRC combat robot event. Kurtis Wanner (Event Organizer) hosted yet another very well organized event. The event was held at the University of Saskatchewan in the Engineering Building during the Spectrum engineering show. Kilobots X saw more spectators, more bots and new competitors.
October 2nd, 2005
With 90% of the post WBX-II tasks completed, its time to move forward and begin preparations for WBX-III. On September 24th, a meeting with the WBX board of advisers was held to review the event. A number of issues were identified and solutions presented. During this meeting attention was also given to the question "How do we make WBX-III more spectacular, exciting and fun?". A number of potential activities for competitors and spectators were listed, and are under evaluation.
WBX-III will see a number of upgrades to the arena and equipment. Included will be upgrades to lighting to include special effects lighting and a resurfacing the arena floor.
September 3rd, 2005
Well, it is done! WBX-II was far better than WBX-I. Better organized, and with the addition of Bot Hockey. The new arena barrier provided by Inland Steel Products held up to everything that competitors could dish out, with only a couple of competitors getting stuck. The rebuilt arena hazards suffered no significant damage.....however a couple of bots did discover that the hazards should be avoided (apologies go out to Joe Murawski). Good reports are coming in from spectators who attended the event and they all had a great time and attendance was up from WBX-I.
The volunteers who helped at the event all worked very very hard with getting set up.... a special thanks goes out to the following folks for their help in arena assembly/tear down and help running the event.
Kurtis Wanner (EO for SCRC), Chris Barron (Robot Power) James Pollock, Deb and Ian McLeod, Ryan Roth, Duane Gemsheid, Kim Heese, Tim Heese, Ray Mackie, Marg Mackie, Sam Mackie, Jackie Paslawski, Tom Mackie, Ryan Goodmanson, Ron Goodmanson, David Eklund, Greg Wood, Dirk Stonehouse, Rob Adams, Laurence (no last name), Doug Jones, Stephanie Code and all the others who helped get things ready to go.
Because of the efforts of Ryan Roth and Duane Gemsheid, the arena floor was tighter and flatter than when it was first built. It is because of their expertise that fewer competitors caught seams. These guys are fantastic steel workers who know just how to work a chunk of steel.
WBX-III the Canadian Open will take place July 2006.....details to follow!
Videos and pictures from WBX-II are now available through the following links:
http://www.teamwazio.com/WBXII
http://www.fingertech.100megs10.com/August2005/August2005.htm
http://www.team-x-bots.com/wbx2.html
http://www.rumblerobotics.com/wbx2/
April 28th, 2005
Please stop by Hobbyworld, or visit their web site and say "Thanks for the Support!". Hobbyworld will be providing a nice shinny new Radio System for the winner of the Creative Design Award. Hobbyworld had provided support to the combat robotics community since the beginning of combat robotics in Saskatoon. Not only do they provide support but they have also been actively involved with their own combat robots. So....if you are looking to pick up a radio system......Hobbyworld is the place to go.
1521 Idylwyld Drive North
Saskatoon Sask, Canada. S7L 1A9
phone: 306-652-4775 fax: 306-652-4779
email : rchobbyworld@rchobbyworld.com
April 8th, 2005
WBX and the SCRC would like to welcome OTV Technologies to WBX-II as our newest sponsors and supporters! Anyone who has had the opportunity to buy or fix a computer system already knows about their great staff, terrific prices and superior service. Now they are doing what they can by supporting combat robotics. I recently had the pleasure of visiting their new business location and not only a huge selection of computer equipment but also the largest service area I have ever had the pleasure of being toured through. There is no doubt that their service area alone could consume entire local computer shops. I also had the opportunity to visit with Ryan Halbgewachs (President) and Pardeep Bains (General Manager). It was without a doubt an absolute pleasure to meet two of Saskatoon's hardest working entrepreneurs. Of course this is not the end! An added BONUS!
As few of you are aware, Louis Fontaine will not be our ring announcer for the upcoming event because of prior commitments. Justin Davies the sales manager of OTV Technologies, has offered to step into the box with his own unique style as Ring Announcer. Justin showed a level of enthusiasm that absolutely blew me off my feet. The moment he offered to take the roll of Ring Announce, there was no doubt in my mind that he would be outstanding.
So.....if your looking for a new computer or just upgrading the old one, stop by OTV Technologies. Or if you got the time.....stop by their web site and check out their prices....then drop then a quick e-mail to say thanks for the support.
Spectator Favorite Prize - Computer System
From
302A Wall Street, Saskatoon SK, S7K 1N7
Phone: (306) 374-0607
Fax: (306) 374-0357
April 4th, 2005
Well....if you didn't notice it on the Home page....then you can read about it here! WBX and the Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club (SCRC) have joined forces to present WBX-II. This event will undoubtedly be the LARGEST combat robot tournament ever in Canada! All weight divisions up to 220 lb / 99 kg will be represented by competitors from across North America! Two combat arenas will ensure that fights will be continuous. Competitors will battle it out for prizes, cash, bragging rights and a chance to qualify for the 2005 Robot Fighting League (RFL) Nationals to be held in Datona Beach Florida in October. The tournament will take place at Saskatoon's Prairieland Park Hall-B on October 27th and 28th. For further information visit the tournament page on this web site or visit www.kilobots.com for more information. Much more information will be posted on both web sites over the following weeks and months.....so come back soon. So....show your support for the sport of combat robotics.....Tell Your Friends.
December 29th, 2004
Sometimes you just have to laugh. It's something new to the world of combat robotics. Stick Bots are drawn by an artistically untalented individual who seeks to remain anonymous. This week you can visit the Stick Bots page to get an introduction to the characters. Next week the battles begin.
December 4th, 2004
Canada's first combat robot tournament for Feather Weight through to Heavy Weight combat robots is a done deal. Things started off a bit rough on Friday evening with bouts and weapon tests but the spectators who came out for sessions 2 and 3 on Saturday November 27th were treated to some of the wildest adrenaline rushes imaginable. Those who were fans of BattleBots and Robot Wars on TV discovered that the sights and sounds of live, up close, in your face combat robotics is the one of the wildest experiences you could imagine. Those who missed the event can not imagine what they missed.
Spectators were surprised to discover the great diversity of competitors. Teams made up of families, husband and wives, young girls, retired couples and even some "Guy Teams" were ready to test their skills in the big steel and polycarbonate arena. Young and old alike let out carnivorous roars as bots like Shrederator, Slam Job and Devil's Plunger ripped, flipped and slammed opponents. To find the winners go to the "Competitors Page" to find the final results.
Hard working volunteers and great competitors made the event an experience that will be remembered.
November 23rd, 2004
Thank you Mother's Music!
These great folks have been very kind to provide a great sound system. There is nothing that can compare to a good quality loud.
November 14th, 2004
We hope folks will say hi to our newest sponsors. Taurus Safety will provide a safety expert to help ensure that we have a safe event. Also welcome North Star Trophies who will be providing engraving services on the award plaques produced at Lucky Rabbit Pottery. And last but not least, Superior Autobody will be providing support and services at the November tournament.
Taurus Safety will be providing services to ensure a safe event.
North Star Trophies will be providing engraving services on award plaques.
Superior Autobody will be providing support and services at the event.
1109 Ave Q S Saskatoon ph: 392-3911
October 28th, 2004
Welcome our newest sponsor. Lucky Rabbit Pottery of Nova Scotia will be providing plaques for the winning competitors. Ray and Deb at Lucky Rabbit are both highly recognized and accomplished Canadian artists. Their contribution is greatly appreciated.
October 7th, 2004
Things have changed again. We have moved to the 2004 RFL technical regulations. In brief this is a removal of the limits on spinning weapons. To accommodate those who would have otherwise entered this tournament Early Registration has been extended to October 20th 2004. You may register for the November 26th, 27th tournament through Buildersdb.com or by downloading the entry forms from the tournament page and mailing in your entry. Entries post marked after the registration dates may be rejected.
October 5th, 2004
Things have changed!!! Entries are now being accepted for Light weight combat robots.
We are also happy to announce that we will be providing 2 nights hotel accommodations for competitors. Visit the tournament page for details.
Also joining the WBX list of sponsors is.......
Competitors in the November tournament will recieve 20% off battery packs when they buy their batteries at Fingertech Robotics. Click the Fingertech Robotics logo and do a bit of shopping for your combat robot parts.
September 6th, 2004
Today is a good news day! The upcoming tournament has picked up a terrific new sponsor.
Thank you MIDAS for your support!
August 21st, 2004
The Saskatoon Exhibition is now over for another year. WBX and the SCRC were both provided with space to display and run their combat robots. A huge thanks goes out to David Eklund, Kurtis Wanner, Greg Wood from the SCRC for helping out and running demo fights that attracted spectators and kept them coming back for more.
After 6 days of demos, broken output shafts, roasted battery packs and bent titanium weapon blades, the final demonstration fight of a lightweight thwackbot VS a middleweight wedge had a new challenger. Added entertainment value was provided by adding an RC car into the 24' x 24' demonstration arena. The RC vehicle, despite its agility and speed was viciously slammed, driven over and generally mutilated. Despite the abuse dealt out by the two combat robots, the tiny car avoided any fatal blows and after 15 minutes of exhaustive driving the combat robot's batteries finally gave up their last amp of power.
Combat Robots - 0
RC Car - 1
The big winners however were the spectators.
August 6th, 2004
Entry Forms and Competitor Waiver/Agreements can now be downloaded. Tournament registration opens on August 20th, 2004.
August 5th, 2004
WBX will be at the Saskatoon Exhibition at Prairieland Park. Demonstration fights and a large display will be in Building B. Come on out and say hello.
July 12th, 2004
Congratulations to the Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club (SCRC)! A full page article on the front page of the sports section of the Saskatoon Sun. See the news article from the Saskatoon Sun.
July 3rd, 2004
Congratulations to the Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club (SCRC) for completing their first successful event under the SCRC banner. This seemed to be an event of firsts for the SCRC, as it saw its first shuffler drive system, its first crush bot, first female competitor and first out door event. Under sunny skies and near 30 C weather, this event of firsts also saw many competitors get their first sunburn of the summer. Along with all the other firsts, this event followed a slightly different format from previous tournaments that were held under the IEEE Robotics Club banner. Instead of having one fight every 10 - 15 minutes, fights were clustered together. 4 - 5 fights were held one after another every hour or so. This allowed visitors to get a bigger thrill and then do 30 minutes of browsing at the Hobby World store on Idylwyld Drive. Hobby World provided not only a venue in which to hold the event but was kind enough to provide storage for the equipment.
Dominating the field of 21 combat robots, the winners in this event were:
1st - Wedgie
2nd - Hell Razer
3rd - 3D
4th - Shrieker
This event saw the introduction of a shuffler drive system on the crush bot known as Hell Razer. With its screw drive crushing/pinching arm, Hell Razer worked its way to the second place position. 16 year old, Morgan Mackie arrived at the event with her first combat robot. "My Precious", a horizontal spinner failed to make any dents in competitors but proved that this is a sport for the young ladies too. This event also saw the attendance of not one but three television crews and two news paper reporters, which added another measure of excitement to the event. The fight tree, videos and more information about the June 26th event can be found at the SCRC web site.
June 21st, 2004
Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club (SCRC) will be holding their 5th tournament in the Hobby World parking lot on Idylwyld Drive. This will be the first event for the SCRC under their new banner since their separation from the University of Saskatchewan and the IEEE. The tournament on the 26th and 27th of June will be a double elimination format with 21 kilobots entered. A concession stand and refreshments will be available.
Good luck to all those who will be competing!
June 1st, 2004
IEEE Robotics to become Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club
The formation of SCRC has signaled the end of the University of Saskatchewan's IEEE Robotics club and ties to the U of S students union. This change will give the club more flexibility to use funds to help the club grow as well as opening the door for new members. The club will offer valuable support for those who have become addicted to combat robotics, and opportunities for its membership to satisfy their deep seated needs for destruction and mayhem. With the introduction of the SCRC comes a new website. Their new web site, now up and running (just barely) will provide information for members and the public about upcoming events. The SCRC is presently evaluating potential upgrades to its 4'x4' lexan arena as part of their effort to grow the club. A tournament for the 1 kg weight class is scheduled for June 26th, 2004 and will be the premier tournament under the new SCRC banner. WBX wishes them the very best of luck and continued growth.
Saskatoon Combat Robotics Club
April 27th, 2004
Special Announcement
We are excited to announce that a Premier Tournament date is now set and confirmed. Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 27th of 2004! Competitors and builders should be aware that this means there is less than 7 months till the battles begin. Time will fly by very quickly and you don't want to miss out on your shot at a part of the $10,000 prize purse. The time to start building is NOW.
March 9th, 2004
Another exciting tournament completed for the IEEE RC Kilobots. The event was better organized and went forward with crowds gathered for every bout in the double elimination format. Event organizer, Kurtis Wannner of Finger Tech Robotics pulled the event together in a truly well organized tournament.
January 19th, 2004
Congratulations to the IEEE RC Kilobots for putting on an exciting event at the University of Saskatchewan's "Spectrum" show. Spectrum is an event open to the public that features the College of Engineering. The Kilobots event used a double round elimination format for its 22 competing robots.
The big winner of the 2 day event was team Rumble Robotics, with Travis Schmidt at the controls, "Rink Rat" had lost in an earlier round but pushed, shoved and wedged his way through to the finals. Travis Schmidt and Rink Rat went head to head against Team Guava Movement and combat robot "Duel Do-Alls of Doom" aka 3D. With Brendan McLlure at controls of 3D, a full gallery of spectators roared as Rink Rat forced 3D out of the arena in the final remaining seconds of the two bout match up.
Brendan McLlure of St. Albert Alberta, despite the loss in the final round still managed to capture 2nd place with 3D and 3rd place with his second combat robot "Guava".
December 16, 2003
WBX has been accepted into the RFL as a provisional member. We are looking forward to working with the RFL to promote combat robotics and doing what ever we can to help the sport grow.
November 9, 2003
The RFL Technical Regulations for WBX have been updated for 2004. As well, the associated general pneumatics pdf files are available for download. All three files can be accessed from the Regulations page.
October 30, 2003
Great News for WBX!
Robot-Power has offered to provide WBX with sponsorship. Although details of the sponsorship remain to be worked out, WBX is excited about the offer and hopes that they will be able to live up to the expectations of Robot-Power.
Robot-Power is dedicated to providing and supporting economical electronic control products for robots of all sizes. Products are currently split into two families supporting large and small combat robots. Robot-Power offers assembled and tested units, various kits and bare circuit boards to provide the widest possible range of economy and convenience for their customers. Robot-Power is also a source for Open Source Motor Control (OSMC) software, and a collaborator in the "OSMC Project" which began in 1998.
The Robot-Power web site and online store can be found at www.robot-power.com
Robot Power
Providing economical control products for robots of all sizes.
