As much as the BBC promotes digital creativity and implores engineering, it’s ironic that the BBC has decided to axe a valuable inspiration and entertaining show that showcases ingenuity, during the UK year of engineering. Proof in itself, that the BBC does not care about getting a new generation inspired and excited for engineering, and more.

Robot Wars has been a proven inspiration to many in the UK, as well as entertainment for whole families and more. The BBC has practically robbed opportunities and inspiration from young girls, children, the disabled, and more. At a time when the world is encouraging diversity in STEM, it’s a backward step to remove a show that’s inclusive and encouraging for anyone to pursue STEM.

Just to rub salt in the wound, I found this on Twitter, and quite frankly it feels like a slap in the face to diversity in STEM.

The BBC runs an interview with Noel Sharkey, Professor of Robotics and AI at Sheffield University and head judge of Robot Wars, talking about how a male dominated sector is the cause of biased AI, around the time the BBC canned Robot Wars.

This is a slap in the face as the BBC wants to talk about the issues of a male dominated tech sector, as a means to make it more diverse, yet they’ve happily removed a proven diversity and equality vehicle in Robot Wars. To complain about the male dominated tech sector while removing a show that encourages diversity in the fields of STEM.

Amazingly, a lot of people have given similar viewpoints, a harrowing image of what the removal of Robot Wars means to children and more. It’s saddening to read but it shows how careless the BBC are on removing a show that promotes engineering and technology.

There are many more, including how disappointed parents are that a major inspiration for their children has been taken away, and how upset children are, but that last tweet in particular speaks a level. Ellis Ware explains how the original series of Robot Wars has inspired him, and has brought direction in life. The following words say a lot about what will happen with STEM with its removal.

I hate that this may not be possible in the UK ever again.

That in itself is quite heavy, but it’s true. What it means is the inspiration of STEM, including diversity in STEM, will stifle and many never see such a thing in the UK, because a STEM vehicle has been carelessly treated and removed by the BBC.

I myself have been inspired to do something new, by applying my web skills to hardware making small robotics, and learning more about electronics. Had it not been for Robot Wars, I severely doubt I would be doing it today.

With that in mind, it makes me wonder how many feel a similar way, and how many have not had the chance to be inspired. How many women or girls have had their inspiration stolen from them? How many disabled people have now had their opportunity robbed of making them feel able? How many children could it have encouraged to pursue technology? How many people have become disillusioned in STEM and technology since something they love has been taken away?