Robots clash in Hamilton as BotBrawl hosts final showdown of 2025

This year’s final BotBrawl full combat event took place today and was full of sparks, metal and a whole lot of noise.

The bots’ mission is to turn metal into mincemeat as they take part in this weekend’s full combat event — organized by BotBrawl Robot Fighting League — their final showdown of 2025, a milestone year.

“We’re celebrating the first decade of BotBrawl and we’re looking forward to the next decade,” said Andrea Valenzuela, vice president of the BotBrawl Robot Fighting League.

Over two days, Robodrome Rumble attracted 50 robots competing for BotBrawl glory at the Centre for Robotics Excellence in Hamilton.

The combat area is secured by two layers of bullet-proof glass to keep everyone safe when the action kicks off.

One of the bots goes by the name of Dragonfly. Its master, Leo, got ready to compete Sunday afternoon, making sure his bot throws up sparks while destroying his opponent.

Today’s matchups feature bots in the one-pound antweight and three-pound beetleweight categories.

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William Whorms, who’s been competing at BotBrawl for three years, says his three-pounder named “Ipseity” is equipped with a 200-gram blade that can spin at 400 miles per hour — giving it a maximum potential energy of about 800 joules.

“Which is larger than some small caliber bullets just to put things in perspective,” said Whorms.

In other words, his bot is built to deliver serious kinetic damage.

For Benjamin Gautam, his game plan heading into the arena with his robot “Tamarack” is simple.

“Calm yourself down first, obviously. It’s very nervous when you step into the box,” said Gautam.

Doing the most damage — that’s the ultimate goal for every bot rolling into the box. And while the hits are brutal and the sparks are flying, the competition stays friendly — especially between rounds.

“Everyone’s gonna be willing to lend you their tools. If you have an issue, people will help you build your robots,” said Whorms.

Winning robots take home sponsored prizes which include parts, gift certificates and special awards.

Beyond the fierce arena scene, the bigger mission for the league is to create an inclusive place for engineers, tinkerers, creators and dreamers to build, battle and be inspired.

“The robots, they fight in the box, but really it’s a vehicle to promote STEM education and creativity,” said Valenzuela.

BotBrawl’s full-combat battles leave no bloodshed, just parts shed.

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