Robot Combat League type TV Show

Ready to meet our new robot overlords?

Here’s Syfy’s 12 giant fighting robots that star in its upcoming new series Robot Combat League. In the show, human-controlled state-of-the-art robots pummel each other in a boxing ring until one is destroyed. Hosted by WWE’s Chris Jericho, Robot Combat League invades Syfy on Tuesday, Feb. 26. For much more on the show, see our original story here that has all the details about the show’s origin and format. After all, you’re not here for words. You’re here for bots. Here’s the rogues gallery of fighters, four on each page, followed by the network’s first teaser trailer. Each bot has their own official trading card-style description from Syfy. (I like Brimstone and Game Over).

BRIMSTONE: Steel and leather are the materials of choice for this robot — a mechanical brute with unstoppable pummeling power. The all-important brain/computer is housed inside a triple thick hammer-finish dome that is three times tougher and heavier than the armor of any other robot in the league. The gleaming gloves and thug boots are made of the same heavy steel alloy. For speed and agility, its arms and legs are protected by tough leather armor, which is light and flexible to offer excellent mobility. The smooth surfaces of the robot are made to deflect attacks by causing them to glide off the body armor. But an exposed mid-section allows opponents to open gaps and possibly damage internal mechanisms.

SCORPIO: This robot is built from fiberglass and aluminum. Like a real insect’s spike-like hairs, Scorpio features metal spikes that are firmly fixed to its skeleton. These spikes can be used to deflect its enemies’ blows, and at the same time turn its entire body into a weapon. However, its lightweight armor makes the robot more prone to attacks.

STEAMPUNK: Although more crudely constructed than its counterparts, Steampunk’s over-sized shells help it withstand attacks to any part of the body. This is possibly the most versatile robot on the show, and can endure attacks to any part of its body. However, its heavy armor slows its rate of attack.

MEDIEVAL: Inspired by the valiant knights of a bygone era, Medieval is built from steel with chain mail coverings and metal crests that create additional layers of protective armor during battle. One of the robot’s unique features is its shield, which offers superior defensive capabilities and a possible strategic advantage against opposing robots. Heavy armor makes Medieval one of the strongest and best protected robots in the competition, but the added weight limits speed and range of motion.

GAME OVER: The skin for this robot was built using steel that has been stitch-welded together. The robot also features a 24” video monitor embedded in its upper torso, with a screen protected by a clear Lexan panel. The heavy armor of this robot offers excellent protection and is designed to allow for a wide range of motion, resulting in better attack mobility. However, an opponent with a high degree of accuracy can attack open gaps and destroy internal mechanisms.

DRONE STRIKE: Based on bleeding-edge military hardware, this robot is the most tightly engineered of the robot fighters. Features include stainless steel armor laminated with ballistic nylon in a digital camo-pattern, giving this robot a distinctive appearance. The midsection includes shock-suspended armor bands that completely encircle the critical valve and hose assemblies, while the large multifunction head/turret pans and tilts. Unique to this robot are the barrel weapons, which are devastating to opponents. With a strong center of gravity, this robot has great balance and is extremely difficult to knock around. However, some of the armor features create mobility issues.

STEEL CYCLONE: Sleek and deadly, the shell is 18” gauge steel with a high quality automotive finish. The low profile circular head, which houses a camera and high intensity light that scans side-to-side, makes it the shortest of the fighting robots at just over seven-feet-tall. This robot is sleek and light, making it fast and deadly with a dynamic range of motion for increased attack poses. And without an exposed head, it is more difficult for opposing robots to land attacks. However, it can only rely on its speed and strategy to overcome a stronger adversary.

ROBO HAMMER: Built for speed using reclaimed parts from top of the line vehicles, Robo Hammer is fast and fierce with devastating acceleration. A variety of exposed hoses and non-vital mechanical parts on the body armor lessens the impact of opposing robot hits without allowing damage to internal structures. While the lightweight body armor on Robo Hammer lets the robot move freely and deliver lightning-fast punches, it also leaves the robot open and vulnerable to attacks.

CRASH: Crash features a shock-mounted roll cage which can absorb high impact attacks. Its smoked titanium panel and roll cage armor is lighter, but still offers good range of protection. Light and fast, this robot is ready for rough action, but the roll-cage can restrict range of motion, making Crash more prone to attacks.

COMMANDER: This robot is the mechanized infantry of the future. Commander is a heavy-armored trooper rigged for combat, featuring tank tread feet for extra traction on the floors inside the ring — which are often slick with the oil-blood of opponents. The head pans and tilts on a servo-actuated neck mechanism, and includes a helmet-cam similar to those used by the US military. This robot has superior overall protection and strength, but its extra armor and pack limits speed and range of motion.

A.X.E.: The head of this robot is shaped like an axe, which can be used to smash other robots. Cameras mounted in two holes on either side of the blade capture all the action during combat. The robot also features heavy armor to protect it during close range attacks. However, the heavy armor restricts range of motion and ground speed.

THUNDER SKULL: Thunder Skull’s tight-fitting body armor has been stitch-welded together to offer great overall protection and power. This robot has a clear resin dome that covers a tiny “skull,” which can be seen moving around with a life of its own. However, even with a protective dome, the head is vulnerable to opposing robot attacks. In addition, the hulking upper body of the robot makes Thunder Skull more top heavy, which could create issues with center of gravity and balance during close-quarters combat.