Robot Weapon Comparisons

As any fan of Robot Wars or BattleBots knows, the weapon that a robot has is one of the most important factors if it is to succeed. There are many weapons that are banned by the makers of both programs as being to dangerous such as lasers and flamethrowers, however, there are still plenty of destructive weapons available to keep everyone happy.

Motorised Lifting Arms:

In the rules for both BattleBots and Robot Wars, a robot can win the fight if the other robot stops moving, this can be achieved by turning the robot onto its back so it can't move. Motorised lifting arms are lifting devices powered by electric or petrol powered motors, they are slow, weak and not really worth bothering with. Also, many robots now have the ability to run both ways up or turn themselves back over. (This feature is more common in Robot Wars than BattleBots) Having said all this, one of the most successful robots in BattleBots is a motorised lifter so they can be effective if combined with good driving.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--6/10 Robot Wars--3/10

Pneumatic Flippers:

Similar to motorised lifting arms except these are powered by compressed gas instead of a motor, and as a result are almost instant to act and are very powerful. Another factor with pneumatic flippers is that, even though a robot may be able to run both ways up, throwing it several feet into the air may break something inside it and cause it to stop moving.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--8/10 Robot Wars--7/10

Circular/Chain saws:

The idea of these weapons is to cut through a robot's armour and damage something inside in order to stop it moving. Most robot's armour is much to strong so these weapons are obsolete.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--2/10 Robot Wars--2/10

Fly Wheels:

A fly wheel is a spinning disc with most of it's mass towards the outside of the blade and one or two 'hooks' sticking out from it. When the wheel contacts an opponent, the 'hooks' stick in the armour and rip off big chunks of metal. If the blade is vertically mounted, it can be used to flip an opponent onto it's back. In BattleBots, fly wheels are very common so most robots have very strong armour, this makes flywheels more effective in Robot Wars.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--7/10 Robot Wars--8/10

Motorised Axes:

The idea of an axe is to penetrate an opponents armour and hopefully damage a component inside which renders the robot immobile. Motorised axes are too weak. Don't bother.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--2/10 Robot Wars--2/10

Pneumatic Axes:

Similar to motorised axes except powered by compressed gas, these are much more powerful and can do some serious damage.

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots--7/10 Robot Wars--7/10

Hydraulic Crushers:

Hydraulic crushers use liquid, forced through pipes at high pressure, to slowly push a spike or claw through an opposing robot with several tonnes of force, causing huge damage and immobility. Hydraulic crushers are rarely built well and are often rubbish, but when they are made correctly can cause serious damage. (The most successful bot in Robot Wars' history is a hydraulic crusher.)

Effectiveness rating: BattleBots (rarely seen)--8/10 Robot Wars--9/10

Well, there it is, a short review of the most common weapons seen in robotic combat, now get designing you!