Making a show about fighting robots into something exciting should be simple. When the words “robot”, “combat”, and “league” are combined, they create emotions only rivaled by the combination of “car wash” and “Eva Mendes.”
However, leave it to Syfy, a channel that had already succeeded in making the search for Bigfoot boring, to create the most lackluster show about punching metal that you’ll ever see.?The first episode of Robot Combat League premiered yesterday, and it let me down in nearly every way possible.
If you’re watching this show to learn the technical aspects of what makes the perfect fighting robot, you’ll be disappointed. Robot Combat League tries to make the robots sound like advanced pieces of machinery, but it doesn’t take a genius to describe your robot as having “sharp blades on hands” or “shields on elbows.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moDl2eWicqk
The robots are advanced for no other reason than for the fact that the people watching couldn’t build them. They’re not spectacular pieces of engineering. But don’t tell that to the guy that designed them, Mark Setrakian.
Mark can barely contain his enthusiasm for the lumbering things he’s created. He has an intensity that makes it seem like he’s seeing different robots than we are, and he’s got the boner to prove it. He states that every robot has its own personality, which makes me even more unsettled about the guy, because someone this into robots has no choice but to next create some that are built to crush all those narrow-minded human fools that surround him.
There are about a dozen robots and they’re each controlled by pairs of the lamest people ever. We understand that they’re lame, because, out of all the things they ever said during the filming of the show, the editors never fail to pick the worst possible things. Mostly, it’s a nerdy guy seeing his robot’s fists and squealing “We have knives!” or just a nerdy guy making an unintelligible sound.
It’s kind of funny though to see all the pilots, especially during the reveal of the robot, Brimstone, which is a robot apparently modeled after what happens when a trash can is born with fetal alcohol syndrome, show the greatest expression of joy that I’ve ever seen a real person display on TV. They’re gonna get to fight some fucking robots. Little do they know that “fight” in Robot Combat League is just a synonym for “bump pleasantly.”
There are two pilots for each robot, but the contestants might as well try to control the robots by thinking about rubbing host Chris Jericho’s hair rather than actually strapping into the suits. One person controls the movement and the other controls the punches, and rarely do they match up to form any kind of graceful action.
The fights mainly consist of two robots slowly swinging around each other’s bodies as they perform a dance step that I’d like to call “Please don’t hit me. I’m a mentally disabled robot.”
It also doesn’t help that some of the show’s participants throw punches like their trying to coax their cat off a mantle, but it’s impossible to punch anything properly when your arms are attached to what looks like a cheap cosplayer’s “Ripley at the end of Aliens” suit. Also, there’s commentary done for each bout, and with action of this variety, everything the commentators say usually ends up being “Look at that robot hit that other robot! Goddamn, ESPN. I have kids to feed.”
The fight at the end of the first episode is between two robots called “Crash” and “Steel Cyclone.” It starts off impressively with Steel Cyclone’s foot breaking off immediately and with the first round ending because Crash starts spewing liquids from his arm after a gentle love tap from Cyclone.
The second round is much more furious, with both robots trying to give each other one-armed side hugs until Steel Cyclone just dies, probably to avoid the shame he would bring to his fellow robots upon reporting the loss to Megatron.
Will I watch Robot Combat League again? Probably. But not for the robots. The best show to feature artificial, semi-human shapes being nasty to each other is already Cougar Town. No, I’ll be watching to see if Chris Jericho can maintain such perfect hair. Is it real? Is his hair a robot? I can’t wait to find out!
??
Doug says
The fights are obviously unentertaining in realtime, judging by the rapid editing to make it seem action packed. I was hoping for something good as well, but it just seems like another overly produced, scripted, ‘reality show’. It’s robots, controlling robots, controlling robots.
Kyle Samuelson says
Is this an Onion news article? If sounding like an ignorant jackass is your goal, than your very successful at it. The only valid point you have is the lack of technical explanation. As a contestant, I see you clearly you don’t understand the show at all, nor appreciate the unique cutting edge technology and entertainment value of machines fighting to the death. Your just aimlessly slandering the most epic show, and the intelligent men and woman that made it happen. Your butt-hurt for not being part of the exclusive RCL cast crew, go make a better show, then talk shit all you want!
Daniel Dockery says
Dear Kyle,
Thanks for your letter. You make valid points and it’s because of these valid points that I will accept your invitation to make a new show. It’s called “Fighting Robots That Fight Like They Were Advertised To And Not Like They’re Making Fun Of The People Watching Them.”
-Daniel
steve sanders says
I knew the show was in trouble the minute they had them come out on long pole instead off walking on thier own.
You-Suck says
Your article made no valid points at all. It comes across one sided and full of shit. The show is actually very groundbreaking and quite entertaining.
Justin Golding says
My god Jericho’s hair is flawless
chris rehnke says
Right on Kyle!!! You are my favorite cast member! OG RCL 4-life!!!!
Zombie says
Hahahaha hilarious man good artical I was expecting real steel instead got really stupid
chris rehnke says
We are not intending to make fun of anyone – we are creating a show that will entertainment to our viewers. The technology that was created by Mark Setrakian is second to none. Battle Bots was cute but this is something spectacular. Even George Lucas himself was impressed by the technology. I know you just want to troll and create some buzz so I want to thank you for the exposure! Remember we air Tuesday Nights on Syfy – Imagine Greater!
George Sawyer says
Actually, the ‘pole’ is a t-bar designed to give them a broad enough base to withstand the the force of a punch without falling over. They still move on their own.
A. Williams says
Your points would be better served if you spent more time talking about why you had the expectations for the show that you did and why those expectations should matter or be shared by others. While it’s true that these robots aren’t NASA-grade, they still are the most advanced humanoid fighting robots ever set against one another. The engineer from NASA’s JPL that worked on Curiosity seemed excited enough to be on the show. If he’s all for it, why should anyone else let a perceived lack of technological splendor hinder their enjoyment? The robots are what they are. They don’t have to be Data from ST:NG to be interesting to watch.
Legion says
Kyle, I understand it must be exciting to be part of a show based around such a cool concept, but you are deluding yourself. Anyone who has seen the pilot episode knows that not only are the robots not doing ANY damage to each other, the “injuries” the robots suffer are completely scripted. Practically every punch(the descriptor “love tap” is entirely accurate) erupted in a shower of sparks, which are obviously faked. There’s a reason why the show is edited so you see more of the crowd than of the actual fights, and even then every shot is carefully edited. I want this to be a real life “Real Steel” just as bad as you do, but that’s just not the case. If I was you I would be mad at the scripting of the fights, since that would negatively affect your ability to win the prize money. But then again, you are a paid actor so it shouldn’t surprise me that you disregard any common sense being applied to this show.
Anonymous says
I cannot speak for the show for how it appeared on air, or for chris’s hair, however I worked with these robots personally. They are custom built, fairly advanced, very impressive machines. Think of it this way: Engineer a system that allows a complete noob to puppeteer a machine weighting hundreds of pounds, controlling a couple dozen actuators, sensors, lighting, etc, in realtime while it takes a beating by another machine being controlled the same mannor- While all of it’s systems have to work reliably, on a tight schedule, while containing 2000 pounds of fluid pressure.
In regards to what Mark said about “personality.” Their guts & chassis are all identical- while each character has it’s own designed armor/fists/weapons that gives both advantages and disadvantages evenly.
I’ll says this here too- I’ve heard complaints about the flights being scripted or fake due to the sparks & explosions as an example- As stated in a interview from Mark- The only thing that was “fake” or simulated, was the pyro. Hydraulic fluid leaks from damaged actuators are real, as well the fights – are of course -unscripted. Hell I didn’t even know in what order and how they decided which robots were fighting for the first rounds until watching the first episode.
Finally, the fights – at least in realtime – were actually very entertaining and exciting- There were moments where we were giddy like children watching these things tear each other apart- smiles and laughter all around. I can’t wait to see what the cameras captured in the rest of the season.
Trent says
It felt like I was watching a Rock’em Sock’em Robots game being played… very, -very- slowly.
What a painful failure.
Ian Sanderson says
The article brings up a few good points. That being said, I feel that the over-use of sarcasm in it was a little discrediting, and on top of that, seems like it’s intentionally trying to “rile-up” fans of the show for more views. (And from what the comments section looks like, I’d say it was pretty successful at that.) I watched it, and I liked it for what it was. Sure, it was a gimmicky, over-produced mess sometimes, but that’s not the point. If you wanted to see the cutting edge of science in the robotics field, just use Google. But to watch 7-8 foot-tall robots beat the living tar out of each other, well, you got it. And another thing, I didn’t really appreciate the hate on the guy who built the robots. Making fun of him for really caring about the things he spent months building doesn’t sit very well with me. Hell, I’d be attached to anything I built over a long course of time, even if it was just a trash can on an RC car with a pair of chrome truck-testicles on the back.
Roy says
This article is so funny I was choking. The description of the robot fights was way more entertaining then the actual show itself.
Jeff says
Your article is dead on. These so-called robots are a joke. The winner will be the lucky one that doesn’t break a hydraulic fitting and bleed out. They might be okay for a special effects in a movie, but they are woefully under engineered. The screws that hold on the roll cage foarmor for Crash were incredibly small for the impacts that they could experience.
Merv says
I can’t believe the people who are a part of the show bothered to comment.
This show is a steaming pile of crap. I hadn’t heard anything about this show prior to watching, only saw the title was like like “oooh, fighting robots”.. Needless to say, it wasn’t more than a few minutes before I started fast forwarding through the crap to the actual fight.. and it was crap. This show will be cancelled, because it is utter crap. I was expecting something like Battlebots or Robot Wars.. Not this stupid “Real Steal” crap. This show will die soon, because it is crap.
Chris Jericho's Hair says
I’ll never tell you my secrets :p
Blake says
Yeah! Who are you to give your opinions on a thing? A person??? ?????/?
no really, who are you.
Blake says
Can people make fun of things without being called ‘butt hurt’? So, you’re part of the cast? or the crew? Or something?
Did you know that a person can criticize a thing without having to go and create a thing of their own that equals the thing that they’re criticizing?
All you’re doing is making Daniel seem more in the right by the way you’re addressing him.
Also: ‘the intelligent men and woman’ is there only one woman?????
??????????
Blake says
don’t you guys have rock’em sock’ems to build?
why are you ganging up on a (probably now incredibly famous) article writer?
Do your robots run on ‘pwning n00bs’?
Blake says
Seriously. I’m insanely jealous.
Blake says
I think Daniel went a bit soft on ’em, to be honest. This is like daniel-lite. Half the calories, half the snark.
Kit Brown says
Hi, my name is Kit Brown and I support Daniel Dockery for Robot Combat League Season 2.
777 says
>People mad at scripted fights
>People mad at premade robots
>People mad that companies aren’t breaking million dollar state of the art robots
>People mad that it’s a fake reality TV show
>People mad, just mad.
Why? Wrestling is fake, with shitty fake drama and shitty acting, nobody gives a shit and enjoys it for it’s campy value.
Total Drama Island uses the reality TV format to present their show, lots of people like it.
Bipedal robotics are still in their infancy, of course they won’t walk. You’d have to be retarded to think they were going to.
Nobody is going to pay millions for two Petmans and then have them break each other so they can pay millions again to fix them again.
It’s a matter of understanding that this is the limits of our current era. If you want fighting humanoid robots, this is all you will get in years. Robots rigged to break so they can be fixed with a minimal investment and reality TV format, because, that makes shows easier to present to retarded TV suits.
Being mad that this is not some impossible show you had impossible expectations for is just…
Kyle Samuelson says
Legion: Your even more ignorant and inaccurate than the publisher of this inflammatory article, at least the Onion has taste (pun intended). I do not particularly watch Syfy because of stupid shows like ghost hunters and finding bigfoot. Quite frankly I have never enjoyed a single show on the channel, so I understand why you might be suspicious of the integrity of the show. Robot combat league is special and unique for a long list of reasons. It is completely unscripted; any and all words that any contestant said in the show is from their free will, there was no script and no teleprompter, except for Jericho. Obviously the sparks are fake, thats the only Science-fiction part. Fights where controlled by the contestants (obviously), how the hell can the producers even influence the fight? Let alone actually controlling the outcome. You will soon realize how grossly wrong you are in the next upcoming episodes. “These robots don’t cause ANY damage to each other”, WRONG. There will be lots of dramatic robot deaths, all of witch are extremely exciting, not to mention the staggering cost of the damage the robots inflict on each other. Each fight is like crashing a brand new AMG Mercedes for the sake of entertainment, but more spectacular. There will be blood, lots of blood and gore (and by blood and gore I mean hydraulic fluid and armor debris). JUST YOU WATCH!
Steve Lopez says
“The technology that was created by Mark Setrakian is second to none. Battle Bots was cute but this is something spectacular.”
That’s hilarious. **HILARIOUS**. Battlebots had bots which did **actual damage** to each other, not the faked spark-throwing one sees on RCL. And Setrakian was the one Battlebots builder for whom losing was an absolute sure-fire bet. His bots were spectacular to look at, but couldn’t fight their way out of a wet paper bag — much like his creations for RCL.
Thank you for the monster laugh.
Paul says
RE: “…first round ending because Crash starts spewing liquids from his arm after a gentle love tap from Cyclone”.
If you look at the repair footage, you can see that that “gentle love tap” bent an aircraft grade, carbon-steel Rod that could lift up your car without bending. Ouch.
James says
The main positive thing I can say for this show after seeing the first episode, is that it’s a first step toward something that would be highly entertaing.
Listening to the two-person teams talk smack had the same amount of thrill as listening to a radio controlled car racer talking as if they’re the equivalent of an actual racecar driver.
Seeing the robots hit each other is roughly as satisfying as watching a monster truck crush a car. Semi exciting once or twice, but quickly loses the thrill.
I’m fairly certain I saw both feet of one of the robots off the ground simultaneously at one point, leading me to think the legs are more or less pointless, and the T-bar is providing the only means of forward and reverse movement for the robots.
The sparks certainly seem staged, and the hydraulic squirting seems like it could’ve been more or less prevented by some sort of protective barrier at those points, unless those are the planned source of drama.
All in all…. I may watch one or two more episodes since my DVR is catching it, but I’m certainly not excitedly anticipating them.
xs says
someone is mad.
Bill says
Chris Jericho, that alone will keep me watching the show.
Andrew Montanez says
Well written hate article Dan Mockery…
Atomsk says
check out other review sites they are out in force trying to defend and promote this crap the audience is clearly staged like thats not even worth debating the fights are just bumping into each other its garbage
James says
To 777 – I’m not “mad” at this show. It’s not as if I’m angrily watching, saying “Grrrrrrr…. they tricked me again!” I’m just not all that thrilled at the idea of tuning in to another episode. That can’t be blamed entirely on any one aspect. I can say the same for the new show Zero Hour. It sounded good on paper, but seems completely cheesy upon execution.
I just need some distraction until Defiance finally arrives. I know Joss won’t let me down.
James says
Ian S. Up above me said he would be proud of himself if he built a trash can on top of an RC car with a pair of chrome truck testicles on the back.
I see a new game forming already, with teams trying to score points by getting some sort of a ball into the moving testicle goal of their opponents.
Come to think of it….. that already sounds approximately 738% more exciting than these robots hugging each other.
James says
After some further consideration, I’ve decided they could have achieved better results by having two people driving Bobcats attack each other, with the goal of crushing a mounted target on their opponent’s vehicle. At least that would have had the operator right there in the action, with some degree of real danger, instead of standing on a platform while swinging their arms in very awkward looking movements.
Now there is an idea. Two teams of Bobcat drivers going at each other, trying to protect their scoring player who would be driving a Rascal while attempting to get inside the opposing side’s goal line…… with a ball of course. You can’t forget a ball….. or it just couldn’t call itself a sport.
Dibs on that idea!
Kyle Samuelson says
I can’t believe you people still think the damage is fake just because the pyro-charged sparks are. ROFL. Do you have eyes? Do you see the $7,000 hydraulic actuators that where destroyed with one solid punch from Crash? “love tap”, lol, I’m quoting your guys silly un-educated claims, it’s cute, keep the ignorance flowing.
Steve Lopez says
This is what you prople on RCL remind me of:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_qMpoKh3pU
except THAT show was DELIBERATELY funny.
James says
Regardless of whether or not the damage is real, or expensive to repair, it’s only on par with damage caused by two cars in a 7 mph accident in a parking lot. In other words….. more or less boring. Feel free to quote my undereducated opinion on that.
James says
Maybe I’m wrong. Did anybody leap from their couch yelling, “Oh, s#1t! Did you just see that $7000.00 hydraulic actuator take that hit!”
I didn’t. I’m just saying….
Jessica says
Okay, wow. You say you want something real like “Real Steel”, and you can correct me if I’m wrong, but was “Real Steel” even real? As far as I am concerned it was a MOVIE with CGI and starred Huge Jackman. So Real Steel is, I hate to burst your bubble, fake. I mean, unless you wanted it to be fake?? Robot Combat League is just the beginning. There is a reason why everything was done the way it was. It is not nearly as bad as what you say it is. I would have appreciated your article without all the negative remarks towards crew/cast and the professionals involved. You do not know them to make such harsh judgments nor have you created anything as brillant as what you reported on. Thanks
Jessica says
The title is simply Robot Combat League. If you were expecting Battlebots or Robot Wars, of course you would be disappointed. It’s a different show! lol
Jessica says
Actually, the robots are very capable of moving on their own. The T-bar is for support (if you watched the first episode, Mark explained the reason why have a T-bar). It wouldn’t be fun to watch a one hit KO now would it? And have you ever had both your feet off the ground simultaneosly? Yea, it happens…
Jessica says
Actually, You-Suck has every right to an opinion on a thing, a person as you do. Why else write and article? Why else comment on an article?
Jessica says
Great! You think it’s boring. Go watch another show! You guys cause just as much drama over the internet with your comments as a reality TV show. I’m seeing that Robot Combat League is doing it’s job. It’s got you all talking about it.
Mike E. says
The action could have been WAY faster and dramatic if these things had wheeled or tracked bases, and kept the humanoid torsos up top. That way there would have been some mobility and speed and action, instead of this lumbering bullshit. But no, it has to try and look like Real Steel. In real Robot Wars, there was all shapes and sizes of these things. These are all based on the same chassis. Also, Hydraulic actuators don’t cost $7,000. They cost from $85 to $500. Finally, Kyle, learn to spell. If anyone looks uneducated here, it’s you.
James says
Why don’t you take your own advice? Clearly you felt a desire to pop in here and add to the drama as well. Is your desire more relevant than ours because you apparently enjoy the slapping robots?
A television program’s job is not to “get people talking about it”. It’s job, if you can call it that, is to generate viewers to guarentee advertising dollars.
James says
Mike E. – I was thinking the same thing. They should have used a tracked vehicle base for the robots instead of the useless legs. The driver half of the two person teams could have actually used some clever manuevering to get behind their opponent, and deliver blows while keeping away from the fists of the other.
That would have sufficed until they can build a chasis that a human can actually operate from within ala Ripley fighting the queen in the Caterpillar Power Loader J-5000 at the end of Aliens.
Jessica – You’ll have to forgive me for coming here to engage in spirited discussion on a topic. I just retired from a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy. I have basically gone from being surrounded by 50 – 100 people from various backgrounds and age groups whom I could engage in conversations about popular culture with, to being surrounded by myself most of the day, and my 8 year old son in the evenings.
I deeply apologize for still needing some form of outlet for my opinions. It must be a terrible character flaw on my part.
Jeff says
I would bet that an industrial one armed robot could take out any of the RCL bots with one swing and then go back to its welding job with maybe only some scraped paint damage.
Merv says
I was expecting something like Robot Wars or Battle Bots, but I gave it a chance and it was craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap.
They should have done something like Robot Wars or Battle Bots, would have been a million times better than this steaming pile of crap called Robot Combat League.
Kyle Samuelson says
If they where on tracks or wheels, it would be a totally different machine, totally different show. Although it would be faster, and higher velocity punches, matches wouldn’t last nearly as long; the robots will destroy each other too quickly. The concept of RCL is humanoid fighting, Watching humanoid robots is unique, there is an empathetic connection between man and machine. When I see my robot take severe damage, I can sense it in a strange way, especially when the arms break, it’s a little disturbing watching a robot swing its limp arms. Robot wars or BattleBots is cool because the users made them, but you can’t tell me it’s more exciting, it’s just a couple boxes with wheels running into each other, nothing more than glorified RC cars.
Where the hell can you buy a hydraulic actuator for $85? 0_o The swap meet? http://www.cheapchinacrap.com? Not even… Just so you know, Lego pneumatic kits are over $100, that’s a toy. RCL went all out on these machines. There are 22 actuators per robot, and 12 robots. In the actuator, the piston alone is $1500, cylinder is $4500, not to mention the valves, solenoids or digital/analogue converters, etc. These robots are no joke, do the math, millions of dollars just in parts. Check your facts bro.
I design, build, program and test robots, I’m not a English major!
GP says
To Lovers and Haters of RCL:
There will be a Robot Combat League Premiere Party this Saturday, March 9th from 7pm to 10pm. If you have no plans, come check it out! There will be some RCL guys from the show battling robots with anyone who would like to challenge them.
For more information, check out: http://rollingrobots.com/blog/robot-combat-league-party
Jessica says
Actually, it’s getting great reviews :-)
Steve Lopez says
Jessica: “Actually, it
James says
ERMAHGERD!!!! REHBERTS!! HERDRURIC FRUERDS SPERTIN ERL UVER DER PRUERCE!!!
Sorry. I think an internet meme got ahold of me that time.
ERMAHGERD!!
Jack says
Cast / Crew coming in and calling themselves exclusive, much less accusing people of being jealous of not being part of the ‘exclusive’ cast is disturbingly like some stereotypical movie full of LA memes. It would help if these advocates knew the difference between your & you’re or were & where. You might be able to take the claims that the disenchanted viewers are uneducated.
Why not take the tactic of proving that damage is real- not caused by squibs or planned. If you are part of this ‘exclusive’ group- get them to release some YouTube promos showing damage close ups before and afters- or uncut fight footage. Quick cuts reek of ‘daylight’ – you familliar with ‘daylight’? The open space during blows between two people fake fighting- that you can only see from certain angles?
If these viewers are wrong and truly dont get it, why not promote your product instead of degrading yourself to someone spewing angsty replies because someone doesn’t understand. By getting so worked up you seem defensive the cat’s out early- doesn’t really help your case.
Jack says
Kyle,by the way, on parts costs, I am quite sure the costs paid were high for the parts. I am also pretty sure they were not bought with a bid process, or even remotely competitively priced, if you are paying 1500$ for a piston – which is essentially a machined metal rod, possibly with attachments.
James says
I forced myself to watch the second episode to see if it would be better now that the introductions are out of the way. It still doesn’t do anything for me.
After Commander literally collapsed in half, I believe it was Jericho who says, “I’ve never seen anything like that before in the robot combat league!”….. No shit! It’s only the second episode! He stated it as if this were a long-standing event. There’s probably over 9000 things you haven’t see yet in the robot combat league…. except sparks.
Kyle Samuelson says
There is no cat, and it’s not out of any bag. I don’t need to prove anything, the series should be enough for you all to eventually realize its legit, not to mention other intelligent critics. Granted the sparks are fake, just as special effects are in most action films. Check YouTube for behind the scenes robot repair periods, poorly edited by Syfy I should add. I am VERY passionate about robotics and education. As an educator, I just NEED to correct stupid people. it is uber frustrating dedicating a small portion of my life to this epic show, wait for producers to edit and put it together, then read a shallow article aimlessly slandering RCL just for…negative attention? You don’t have much arguing ground if your highlighting my spelling errors. I know there are people out there that would rather talk shit because they don’t appreciate nor understand robots or technology… HATERS GUNNA HATE!
GO TEAM STEAMPUNK!
James says
Bwahahahahahahahah! That’s funnny is what that is. That makes about the 12th person I’ve seen who has made a comment suggesting that the reason a person may not enjoy this program is due to not grasping the technology involved with robotics.
I greatly enjoy programs dealing with our increasing knowledge of the universe, while admittedly not understanding half of the concepts that astrophysicists deal with daily.
I enjoy many other programs which deal with areas that are far outside my area of expertise. The idea that I’m not enjoying two inanimate objects being rammed against one another because my mind doesn’t fully understand the technology involved is simply ludicrous.
LUDICROUS SPEED! GO!!!!! We’re going to plaid people!
Dirk Farthington says
Thid show os totally fake, a blend of CGI animatronics. The “contestants” look like they just grabbed the most diverse group they could get from central casting, the so called boxing is awful, the blows aren’t really landing and they are not being driven through, it is tap boxing you do in sparring to avoid hurting your partner. Instead of doing a show that is real which would make i interesting no matter how crude the robots, they went the pro-wrestling route. Anyone who thinks this show is real is trolling or completely ignorant.
Jim says
I don’t think this show is fake, but it is a set up. The robots are designed to “break” in what the producers feel is an entertaining fashion. Key parts of the bots are fragile. Most of the damage that is done is just as likely from the robots own movement as an opponents blow. Just in the first two episodes there is evidence of this.
First, during the training sequence the former college football player punches too hard and breaks the training bots arm. When they show a close up of the damaged flange, it is extremely thin for the type of force it would need to withstand. If this piece can break by throwing a punch, imagine the damage that landing one could do to it.
Second, the robot that breaks in half was damaged by the two torsos pushing each other, not a punch. The “punch” that the commentator would have you believe did the damage never touches it.
Third, almost all of the hydronic damage seems to occur when the damaged robot is throwing a punch. I think there is an idea that spraying fluid is good for ratings. I disagree as the robots become even less mobile when this happens, if that were possible.
I like the idea of this show, but there is a fatal flaw in its execution. This is a topic that appeals to nerds. Nerds are generally smart people. When you dumb something down, smart people don’t watch, see WWE.
James says
Kyle – you stated that as an educator, you just HAVE to correct stupid people, and then immediately defended your improper spelling. Double standards? It’s you’re, not your BTW. ;)
Xengab says
I’ve watched the episodes and well, if they aren’t scripted you’ve done a poor job because they DO seem that way to many.
If the fights are real and only the sparks are fake (which is fine), then why don’t we heard the clash/bang of metal on metal?
I was hoping this would be a cool show to watch, but my first thoughts were, wow how fake is this? Plus all the talking crap that goes on and the flashes to the people watching the fight rather than the actual fight.
It’s very hard to gauge how hard these robots are punching. And the teams, have they ever practiced together before? Just appears they are not in sync with one another.
If you could make it appear LESS staged (which is why I don’t watch wrestling) that would enhance the enjoyment for some of us viewers.
Jimmy Johnson says
Dear Kyle!
Besides the fact that you let RCL go to your head, almost as much as real steel (2011) went to Mark Setrakian’s… If the show had any REAL entertainment value, than why would there be any need for FAKE YELLOW sparks? Honestly I think that when they filmed the first episode without sparks, they realized that the show was indeed a true waste of time and money… so I’m guessing that, that’s when they (including your bitch ass) decided to polish their turd, and add some $5 sparks to the pieces of shit that YOU helped create… Am I right?
BTW nice job on becoming a “robotics mentor at a really cool kids camp” I guess RCL really set you up for success!
https://www.facebook.com/kyle.samuelson.1
BLASTED
Kyle Samuelson says
You can hear the metal on metal crashing, especially in 1st person robot view. Would you rather hear fake metal sounds? It is so loud during the fight, there is zero communication between the jockey and tech. Besides Chris Jericho is too busy commentating the fight.
The biggest problem I had with RCL is the lack of training. These machines have a ridiculous duty cycle. 10 minutes of training would need 1 hour of maintenance or more, so you can imagine it was difficult to give all 24 people just 10 minutes of training total, witch was total bullshit, and probably why fights seemed uncoordinated. But it’s the first season, it’ll get better, and contestants will be more skilled in the following seasons.
Honestly it’s refreshing to read semi-intelligent, anti-RCL comments, you have valid points that I recognize, it does look a bit cheesy sometimes. It is mind blowing to read that people think these bots are CGI, or that people think the robot deaths are planned or even fake in any way. Really, did not expect people to think that. You guys are like conspiracy theorists, go spend your time watching old moon landing clips and argue that it didn’t happen. If you hate RCL so much than STOP WATCHING IT. “I didn’t like the 1st, 2nd or 3rd episode, caNt wAiT fOr thE neXt s0 I kaN coMpla1n moAr!” <_< The technology must be too overwhelming for you people to comprehend it.
Kyle Samuelson says
James, I’m sorry your not enjoying the show, really. Go ahead and correct my spelling errors if it makes you feel better. Please don’t watch another episode so the world doesn’t have to read your complaints, thanks.
David Umstattd says
If by “different show” you mean “better show” then yes.
David Umstattd says
Please provide your evidence that the robot fights are scripted and fake. It seems to me you’re just making assumptions based on the fact that you want the show to be bad and then making conclusions based on the assumptions you’re pulling out of the air. Anyone who’s actually seen a few episodes should realize its real as hell (aside from the sparks which are added to signify when a robot has been struck in the torso as a help to the judges and the audience)
David Umstattd says
It would be nice if there were some way of improving the robots to not need to use the T-bar to keep from being Knocked over (or some easy way for them to get up) But we can’t expect everything from the first season. Hopefully the show is successful and the technology improves.
David Umstattd says
…I don’t think its boring… :-/
David Umstattd says
Yeah, Robot wars was also a lot lamer than this. The only real interesting thing about that show was that the drivers also designed the robots. Which could easily be incorporated into future versions of this show (so long as you have lots of rules about the shape and weight of the robot. Humanoid or nothing.)
David Umstattd says
You mean instead of having to use skill in making the machine walk with your hands? Humans don’t have wheels for legs so why should a humanoid robot be like that? They’re already pushing it with the T-bar which I hope they’re able to remove in future seasons.
David Umstattd says
Have you ever heard of something called anecdotal evidence? And how that’s a horrible standard to use?
Also this pieces of journalistic refuse doesn’t deserve to even be given the compliment of being called a “review”
David Umstattd says
Why must they prove the damage is real? The video evidence seems legit enough. You’re the ones who are making the ridiculous unfounded claims that everything is fake.
David Umstattd says
Citation needed
David Umstattd says
Yeah, certain parts of the human body are also designed to “break” (such as the ribs etc) obviously we must be fake as well.
James says
Kyle- I really don’t care how you spell any particular word. I was just having a bit of fun pointing out your about face on educational integrity. ;)
I’ve already stopped watching Robot Combat League, but I’m still enjoying the discussion. The first rule of Robot Combat League, is that you do talk about Robot Combat League. It’s actually been more enjoyable to me than tuning in.
I’m here for the same reason you are… simply participating from the other side of the fence. This is simply a bit of a break from my other hobby of sticking my nose into discussions about Bigfoot, and the men trying to find him while speaking as if they’ve already studied them in the wild for decades.
James says
And once again….. it should be “you’re”, not “your” in that first sentence you wrote to me. Come on educator. Bwahahaha
Sorry…. couldn’t help it.
chance Y says
We find this show truly entertaining! We don’t care what other people may think about it.
Jeff says
More hydraulic fluid squinting out of these stupid robots. I’m done watching this ignorance.
Mokou says
@Kyle
Not every word the wrestlers say in WWE is scripted ahead of time too and the matches have lots of ad lib too, are you trying to tell me it’s real life too?
@Jessica
You can’t be that dumb, can you? He’s talking about the fact that Real Steel actually LOOKS like the robots are fighting each other. RCL is just robots kind of nudging against each other as tons of obviously fake sparks fly everywhere.
Mokou says
The evidence? Watch the matches. The only way any robot does damage to the other is if one is engineered better. These slow impacts simply wouldn’t be able to damage a suitably defended robot.
Mokou says
Right, because that kind of damage TOTALLY can’t be faked, or made more likely with an intentional defect or anything. Do you believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny too?
Mokou says
Humanoid != bipedal. Or are you implying people in wheelchairs aren’t people?
Mokou says
I sincerely hope you’re not an educator if you can’t even get basic spelling and grammar right.
The best thing I can say is that this series is BORING. And this is coming from someone with a CS degree. I got excited about two iRobots chasing each other around a maze of Pepsi boxes autonomously (as part of our Artificial Intelligence class), but at least that had advantage of being on wheels, greatly increasing the speed. It doesn’t matter how much time and engineering went into the robots if they move like molasses.
Mokou says
You… are not familiar with anatomy, are you? Ribs are designed to break? REALLY? Oh crap, I better watch out. Next time I trip I make break my ribs – like they’re designed to – and puncture my lungs.
Joe says
i don’t think the show would be half bad if it weren’t for SyFy’s presentation.
calling those machines “cutting edge” is a bit of a stretch, and i know more than my fair share about robotics thank you very much (before the inevitable anti-anti-RCL response of “you don’t know anything about robotics!!!”, which i expect to happen anyway).
they were cool for what they were = robots built on a cable network’s new show budget with the understanding that the goal was to damage and/or break them eventually.
i think the competitors were probably genuine (i don’t know them of course). some were more annoying than others but some/all were likely hamming it up anyway. in other words, i don’t really expect a realistic impression of any of them via the show anyway.
but i didn’t get the impression any of them were faking anything per se.
the biggest issue was SyFy’s “let’s dump as much reality TV schtick as we possibly can on this show” production.
if they eased up on that and made the show more about the actual robots and their fights, they’d be getting a lot less complaints.
the actual portion of airtime being devoted to the robots/fights versus other schtick should be a hint that there’s a misstep in the production direction for a show that’s supposed to be about robots and their fighting.
James says
Chance Y – You claim not to care what other people think about the show; and yet you located a negative review on the internet, read it as well as comments following it I’ll assume, and then took the time to comment yourself. I think you care more than you’re letting on. Where’s Dr. Phil?
Roy says
I got a chance to check out the show this morning. I honestly wish I would have spent my morning punching myself in the balls. In the first few minutes I saw fake sparks, rigged erupting fluid lines, flailing not fighting, and a crowd that looked like they were paid for their individual scripted reactions. Tip to the creators – “You can’t fake stuff people, WE CAN TELL.”
xengab says
I did stop watching it. I just hoped it would maybe improve BUT if the issue is these people aren’t getting very much time to practice with the ‘bots’. They need to change that, my suggestions is maybe a computer program version they practice on that has the same movement as the actual bots.
Is it the noise that stops them from communicating between the jockey and tech? That’s not a smart move, it would improve things.
I’d also suggest showing the fight all the way not changing views. Or have picture in picture of crown reactions if they must be shown.
Things will only improve IF this production team listens to the issues people have with the show. I’m not a person taht watches Dancing with the stars or american idol or do you think I can prance. I love science shows (mythbusters, through the worm hole, etc) I dont want the fake/scripted stuff.
Phoenix says
The Bots gotta…. be lead around before they can um, crawl. Give it time. Real Steel will be a real thing before you know it, RCL is just another stepping stone to get there! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Frank says
Dumb show.
Steve Lopez says
Have you ever heard of something called a “one-liner”? And how it’s a wonderful way to reply to people like Jessica when they stick both feet into their mouths?
RclSucks says
Worst show ever.
Robots on sticks just stumbling round the ring is really gay.
Stuart says
This is not Real Steel…
This is Nascar with student drivers…
There is alot of wild swings…
But over time the swings are improving
Put gloves on 2 kids and let them go at each other and this is what it looks like…
Put gloves on 2 trained fighters and you get something totaly different…
Yes, it looks like pupets, but…
This is the first time the teams get to work with their robots…
If this goes forward, it should be the teams designing their combat robots, training with them, and then going into battle…
I have found this to be very intertaining, and I can see where this could become a new sport…
NC says
Just search on youtube for robo-one and you will see real humanoid robot combat. Way more entertaining and creative than these junkyard machines. Those robots can actually knock each other down and get back up – without a bar up their asses.
Billy jean says
Is this cancelled yet? When I watched it felt i so bad for syfi execs who will lose money on this show. They spent good money, the prodcution did a good job. I have made many many tv shows and after reading the comments from the cast here, I feel so sorry for the cast and crew who were tricked into thinking that the show would be both entertaining and that these robots were on the verge of cutting edge technology. I can imagine the editors grief and the rounds of notes from syfi. Their notes were: more dramatic music, sfx and more cuts to the crowd cheering so as to make the pacing faster and hope no one notices how slow and boring this fight is. When I heard that these robots were advanced, I was thinking, cool! Can’t wait to see it. But all they were, were limbs in the shape of a human with a hydraulic ram to provide movement. How is that advanced? Hydraulic rams used to move arms is older than anyone still alive.
And then there’s the people pointing out how this show Is the step in the right direction for robot shows and don’t hate on it because its new. Those people are ignorant of actually the writer of this article is meaning.
If they don’t air all the episodes they don’t have to pay the cast any reward money. If they aren’t going to make a second season, I wouldn’t be surprised if they cancel this show quickly and just take the loss.
Dylan says
I actually enjoyed the show. The first show was okay but further in the tournament it got a lot better. I did notice that the robots couldn’t throw a punch to the existent as the jockey but I would have exspected it to be perfect since I do deal with hydraulics and machinery like that (but not robots). But since the robots are hydraulic pressurized they shouldnt be able to spark and catch on fire so that I know is staged. But still I love to watch that show every Tuesday.
The Un-Gullible One says
Is this really the kind of fraudulent crap that the world’s self-proclaimed “nerds” and “geeks” call entertainment? Really? Not even my 3 year old daughter was fooled by this tripe. There aren’t even any actual “robots” on this pathetic show. Only a bunch of REMOTE CONTROLLED things, all built in the same shop by the same people. Real robots are autonomous. They operate on their own without any direct control by humans. Call this lame show “Remote Controlled Doo-Dad League” if you want, but drop the word “robot.” That is pure bull sh-it.
This is nothing but extremely staged and excruciatingly boring garbage.
robodude says
I competed in Battlebots events for 12 years. This show was the lamest show I have ever seen, sorry but I think all of my fellow contestants would agree. I tried to get Battlebots to create a new class using segways as the base chassis, a robo gladoiator with swords, sledge hammers, chain saws coming out the chest, shoulde rmount flame throwers, and battle shields for protection. Hi speed carnage and built by contestants….but nobody sees my vision. Now this show with slow moving pansy robots that are operated by people who no nothing about building them. Very poor choice.
Tacman says
Very disappointed. No continuity in the show, at the start losing an appendage would mark you the loser now in the finale the most damaged robot was the victor. Bad scoring by judges hint at a fixed outcome. Will not even bother IF there’s a 2nd season!
Rob says
if by “actual damage” you mean “rammed their opponent into a wall” in RCL robots were cut in half, had their arms broken, their fists and heads knocked off, etc. the most “damage” seen in battle bots or robot wars was the RC car had a few dents after the fight. show me one case were a battle bot was cut in half.
Rob says
I know. how dare they try something new. everyone knows news ideas are terrible, and you should just re-broadcast the same shows we watched as a kid. never mind the fact that EVERY remake ever made has been compared to the original, and since it was EXACTLY the same, people hated it.
you people really make me laugh. but it’s also really sad, as this kind of thinking is what has lead to a solid decade of remakes in movies and tv shows. in a nutshell, you are the problem with society.
Rob says
the “slow impact” you refer to does 2000 pounds of pressure. maybe they should have wasted 15 minutes having each robot punch a car show retards like you would realize that force = mass + acceleration, and that the acceleration is being provided to the accuators; giving the arm more punching force, reguardless of speed.
Rob says
the t-bar also provides a steady stream of hydrolic fluid. that way, you don’t have the robots run out of power after taking 4 steps. the other option is gaint backpacks filled with hundreds of gallons of hydrolic fluid. personally, I think the t-bar is a better option.
Rob says
“At least that would have had the operators right there in the action, with some degree of real danger,” because murder is legal if it’s on tv. now you are just being stupid. I’ve heard some retarded arguments against this show; but “they didn’t intentionally threaten the lives of the pilot” has to be the dumbest.
Rob says
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have 200,000 dollars to drop on building a gaint boxing robot. (that’s not including the cost for replacement parts either) yes, it would be nice if the teams got input on the overall design of the robot. (such as what kind of armor to use, the design of the head, etc) but the cost of the robots will still have to come from the show.
Rob says
“If the fights are real and only the sparks are fake (which is fine), then why don
Rob says
no one sees your vision because it’s impossibly complex. (key word being “impossible”) first off, a rc car with a pick axe probably only costs a few hundred dollars, if that, and can be thrown together in a single afternoon. (a weekend if you really want to take your time) the robots parts needed to swing around a sledge hammer are alot bigger, and therefor more expensive. (I’m not even going to touch your “shoulder mounted flame thrower” concept)
in a nutshell, you are delusional. you should be designing video games, as that is the only arena where such robots could conceivably exist.
Rob says
“robot” wars was controlled by humans, right? wasn’t battle “bots” also controlled by humans? you’re an idiot.
Poodleinacan says
The battles are entertaining… But it’s sad that the bots aren’t made by the contestants… At least, give them (people who can make robots) a certain of money and set of design rules, to build their bot. Then, the robots will be team made and the stakes wont just be 100,000$… There will also be the “destruction” of a loosing team’ bot (by destruction, mean that by loosing, their bot gets more damage than a wining bot).
… So, there will be much less bitching about “The 100,000$ (like if it wouldn’t be shared between the two) are IMPORTANT TO ME!!!” … But we never know… Some engineers might also bitch around…
Now it’s just “the tech” and “the mindless hitter who doesn’t know robots and the limited range of movement of their bot”.
But if people that know about robots and know the bot they built, fights would be much interesting.
Not Perfect says
I know I’m real late to this, but I loved this article, made me laugh, and I too despised the show. Big props to Mark Setrakian though, it does take some serious guile to build something so complex just to have it get smacked around like that
ThatGuyWithTheOpinion says
Anybody who thinks Battlebots is better than RCL is higher than bat pussy. I’d rather watch a bunch of fake sparks, piss poor control systems, 18 gauge steel armor, and rigged hydraulics get mangled over a bunch of ducting metal rc cars running into each other repeatedly.; Don’t believe me?? Go watch an episode. What was relatively interesting back then is just boring and difficult to watch now. I felt dumber after watching one match. Besides, the over all technical aspects during repair is rather fascinating. Unless you’re just daft to any type of mechanical inclination. Then I’d recommend going back to your corner and crying over how your favorite person got voted off of The Voice or Dancing with the Stars or whatever weak ass show you prefer.
Yeah Right says
Die soon deep shit! Daniel Cockery.
DGG says
Yes I build RoboOnes and they frankly aren’t normally used for fighting. They cost about $1000-$1500 each and are about 1 foot tall and made mostly of RC parts and plastic. Now make an 8 foot tall 800 lb. version of that swinging 50 lb weapons. You will be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and with AI millions to make one.
I don’t know about you but no creators I know are willing to spend that to make a TV show.
DGG says
There are no current ways to make a real robot of the immense size these are fight as creators haven’t even figured out how to make them stand and walk upright without a military budget behind them. To make the type of robot you are talking about would cost millions of dollars per robot. Most TV shows don’t make that much to pay for 12 of million dollar robots.
It’s true that every Robot combat show is not real robots. They are either RC cars bulked up or remotely driven vehicles. Artificial Intelligence is very boring. I make RoboOnes and get excited when I make them do very simple things. This enthusiasm I have for them would not be shared for someone expecting them to do battle in an arena.
If you expect real robots fighting using real AI come back in 50-100 years. That’s about the estimate of the time it will take for this to be “Entertaining”. These shows are 1st steps into learning the technology and what it will or won’t do. There is nothing like it out there now. So it was innovative. I can assure you that it will get better with time. The problem is too many people have massive expectations and to try to placate that, producers whose job is to sell a TV program thinks it is best to put fake sparks in. The rod/brace are necessary as no robot of this size can currently walk without falling down. No add a punch and they’ll definitely fall down. The idea of replicating the human balance system has not been solved yet except in some very expensive military applications.
Although I would like to see less of the contestants bios and speaking and more of the robots fighting, I understand that not much more is possible on a budget made for a TV show at this time.
DGG says
There are no current ways to make a real robot of the immense size these are fight as creators haven
Amrynn says
Thank you DGG. most people can’t appreciate that this is cutting edge. you want real steel, then watch the movie. if you think it’s a “love tap” then go stand in the middle of a car crash and tell me if that is enough to just brush off. any one of those robots could smash a human without much effort. millions of dollars were put into that and you are acting as if it’s two erector sets falling over. the T-bar is required, since this thing isn’t a Cubli. Don’t know what that is? look it up.