Outside of the Box

March NHRL Preview on Outside of the Box | Featuring the 30lb and 3lb Weight Classes

It is nearly time for the next NHRL qualifying event on March 2nd! There are two segments in this episode - one highlighting an anticipated rematch with Matt Bores of Emulsifier and Corey Nason of Catalyst who are two of the heaviest hitters in the field as well as a segment featuring Julian of Mako and Alex of Zane to speak about the beetleweights and the challenges that come with putting together a more unique design. This is a fun one so be sure to check it out!

STEM Spotlight | National STEM Challenge Champion Lino Marrero

It is time for another interview with one of the National STEM Challenge Champions and this time it is with Lino Marrero who refers to himself as a "serial inventor". His latest invention, the Kinetic Kickz 2.0 is what made him a Champion. It is a shoe insert that can collect wasted energy from walking or running and use it to power devices. Lino spoke about iterating on this invention as well as the history of some other things he has invented over time. We also talked about how he felt to become a Champion and about attending the National STEM Festival in April.
Be sure to check out the National STEM Festival where our brightest young minds will get to showcase these projects April 11-13 in Washington D.C. You can visit https://www.nationalstemfestival.com/ for more details.

STEM Spotlight | National STEM Challenge Champion Clarisse Coelho

Some time ago I spoke with Kari Byron about the National STEM Challenge where young people could submit entries in which they have come up with innovative solutions to everyday issues. In this interview, I spoke with one of those amazing young people - Clarisse Coelho. Her project involved the study of beta-glucan in mushrooms and how we can use that to help boost our immune systems. I talked to Clarisse about the development of her project and how she feels about being selected as a Champion.
Be sure to check out the National STEM Festival where our brightest young minds will get to showcase these projects April 11-13 in Washington D.C. You can visit https://www.nationalstemfestival.com/ for more details.

2024 Western Allied Robotics Season Preview on Outside of the Box

As part of my season preview series, it is time to take a trip out west as I spoke to Rob Farrow of Western Allied Robotics about their plans for this year. We talked about some of the events they have planned in their home base area in the Northwest, plus the joint effort with RoboGames to bring even MORE robot combat action in April. Hear all about this league that has been around since close to the very beginning of combat robotics!

Outside of the Box Valentine's Special!!

If you are like me and love LOVE, you will adore this short video featuring your favorite builder couples in combat robotics. The couples answer some fun questions including who their favorite robots are aside from their own, what their favorite weapon type is and which one of them would win in robot combat if they fought each other. Hear what they all have to say and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

2024 Bristol Bot Builders Combat Robotics Season Preview on Outside of the Box

Those who know me well know that I have a TARDIS-shaped spot in my heart for my robot friends in the UK so of course I had to do a Season Preview with Joe and Craig from Bristol Bot Builders. We talked about everything from fighting robots in a pub, being able to bring in more competitors from other parts of Europe, and the balance of trying to accommodate more competitors while also putting on a quality event. It is always a great chat with our friends across the pond. Hear what they had to say on this fun episode!

Talkin' Nerdy w/ Tom & Lindsey from FOX TV's The Floor

To kick off Valentine's week, I have a new episode that features a couple of fellow nerds who fell in love after sharing the stage as contestants on FOX's trivia show The Floor. If you are a lover of knowledge, like me, you will enjoy this deep dive into both of their journeys getting cast and eventually competing in duels on The Floor. We also talk about how they eventually got together and what prospective contestants should know if they are interested in competing in future seasons. This episode is a true celebration of the pursuit of love and knowledge. Check it out and keep watching The Floor on FOX and Hulu.

Sam McAmis of Gruff on Bot Buddies | BattleBots | Outside of the Box

Flame on! As a lover of flamethrowers, it was only a matter of time before I had Sam McAmis from Gruff on to chat about his tanky robot with a giant flame. We talked about how Gruff came to be as well as what has and continues to influence changes to the bot. I brought up one of my favorite fights when Gruff donned a hammer versus Slammo, reflected back on some of their fights from World Championship VII, and how it has been getting into smaller robot competitions with his son in Florida. Check out this hot episode!

Motorama 2024 Preview with Jon Durand

It is getting very close to mid-February, which means it is time to get hyped for Motorama, which Jon Durand describes as a Super Bowl type of event for combat robotics. We talked about everything you need to know as both a competitor and a spectator including tips for getting to the event as well as things like food and what else you can see there. I also had Jon take a trip down memory lane and recall some of his favorite and most memorable robots/fights that have come to Motorama.
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NHRL January New Bots Recap with Kevin & Matt of BattleTots

As someone whose bots are inspired by designs from BattleBots, I was a huge fan of Team Pandamonium's 12lb entry BattleTots at NHRL's January event. We talked about the event overall and how things went in all weight classes, plus why multibots work so much better in the beetleweight division and Kevin & Matt teased the addition of more BattleTot friends in the future!