Servo - August 2012

People of B ts

Meet the Robot Riot Teams

● by Andrea Suarez

The first annual Robot Riot attracted 38 robots to Miami Beach from Puerto Rico, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Competitors ranged from 13-60 years of age, including five teams that fought their first robot at this event. Among these new builders was Hugh Savoldelli, who surprised everyone by winning the Antweight division undefeated! Here’s what the teams had to say:

How did you start building robots?

“After seeing Robot Wars live in 1996, I was hooked. Built my first robot for ‘97 Robot Wars. Got destroyed by Jamie Hyneman. Decided I had to beat him so I came up with Nightmare, but never got to fight him.” — Jim Smentowski, Team Nightmare (Florida).

“I started when I saw someone building their 120 lb walker at an R/C car race when I was 12. I have been building since I was 15.” — Eric Mueller, Team Hazardous Robotics (Minnesota).

“I built my first robot when I was nine years old and competed at NERC/ Motorama in PA. I also built small combat robots in grades 4 and 5.” — Greg Bales, Ransom Everglades (Florida).

“I’ve always liked to build machines and take electronics apart since I was very young (four years old). I’m homeschooled. I took private classes with an engineer for two years and learned a lot about and built a Boe-Bot. Last fall (2011), I started taking classes with Bill Garcia at StarBot. This is my first competition.” — Adrian Botran, Team Adrian (Florida).

“I started as part of a college extra-curriculum activity. Participated in various BotsIQ competitions with Team Metal Twisters 120 lb Rhino. After graduation, I liked it so much

Team RoboCAV’s toolbox has paintbrushes next to their screw drivers! (Photo by Jaime Balzac).

Why do you build robots?

“I can’t help it! Seriously, watching a creation come “to life” from idea to completion.” — Jim Smentowski, Team Nightmare (Florida).

“I love the design challenge and the skill aspect of driving.” — Eric Mueller, Team Hazardous Robotics (Minnesota).

“Fun to see robot carnage, preferably the opponent’s!” — Win Halelamien, Ransom Everglades (Florida).

“Because it’s pretty exciting, that feeling of competence. What I like most is to learn new things and how these mechanisms could be used for many things in our world.”

— Onassis Jr. Romero, Team RoboCAV (Puerto Rico).

“Building robots allows me to release the pent-up “artist” in me in a creative and exciting medium, while also providing a social break and creating new avenues for me to learn. Besides, it’s a cool resume add-on.” — Paul Grata, Busted Nuts Robotics (Florida).