The arena is full. The anticipation is building. The energy is palpable. The battle is imminent. Then, you hear it. The iconic voice booming, “Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to rumble!?”
John Remar, the executive producer and referee of BattleBots®, has felt that energy and heard that announcement more times than he can count. But for him, it never gets old. Why? “It’s a spectacle. It’s primal. It’s sensational. It’s an instinct in us that dates back to the beginning of time—back to the gladiator days. It was a spectacle to see a gladiator fight, and BattleBots® is a modern-day version of that.”
Robotics is a unifier. It taps into the innate human attraction to competition, ingenuity, and the thrill of the unexpected. To further understand the captivating nature of robotics, we sat down with John to get the inside scoop on the gateway between BattleBots®, creativity, and innovation.
Where creativity meets competition
You might hear robotics and think about overly-technical AI or a sterile lab. But it’s so much more than that—especially the way BattleBots® does it. BattleBots® has taken the innovative nature of robotics and transformed it into a spectacle akin to the competitiveness of a hometown rivalry, the adrenaline of game seven, and the pride of the Olympics.
As John puts it, “The ingenuity of what people can create and the outcome of what happens when two creations are up against each other is exciting! As a referee, a lot of times I think fights are going to go a certain way, and they end up completely different, which makes BattleBots® completely unexpected and fantastic.”
The competitive nature of BattleBots® is what fuels innovation. With the glory of victory in mind, teams ideate, design, engineer, tinker, redesign, and test well before the competition begins. And for that to happen, teams must put together a roster of talent from all backgrounds. They need coders, artists, engineers, strategists, and more to make the magic happen. In order for a team (and their bot!) to run like a well-oiled machine, they must sharpen their creative skills and hard skills alike, including:
- Engineering precision: designing a functional, competitive robot requires technical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Creative design: robotics are as much about aesthetics and personality as they are about function
- Strategic thinking: every battle is a test of tactics, quick decision-making, and adaptability
- Community collaboration: behind every bot is a team of engineers, designers, and strategists working together toward a common goal
- Competition and sportsmanship: whether in victory or defeat, robotics competitions teach perseverance, respect, and the right way to handle wins and losses
As John tells us, “Robotics makes science and technology tangibly exciting. It’s hands-on. It’s thrilling. It’s the future.”
Robotics is a gateway to the future
With those skills in mind, know that there are so many entry points to robotics, no matter what your child’s passion is. If they love sports and the thrill of victory, they’ll love driving a bot into battle. If they love to problem-solve and tinker, they’ll love to code and engineer a robot. If they love to create and transform their ideas into a physical product, they’ll love being in charge of the robot’s aesthetic.
If you’re wondering how to support your child’s interest in robotics, John’s advice is clear, “Get them involved. The sooner, the better. Tap into that curiosity and provide the opportunity.” Early engagement in robotics not only builds technical skills but also fosters critical thinking, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that benefit kids far beyond the arena. John says, “Kids will naturally continue to progress, but you have to expose them to it. Whether it’s a LEGO or a model or a kit or camp, the more exposure, the better.”
Ready for the next step in your child’s robotics journey?
Here are a few avenues to consider:
- Join a robotics club: many schools and communities offer FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, or BattleBots®-inspired teams
- Explore BattleBots® Camps or private lessons: as the exclusive education partner of BattleBots®, iD Tech is proud to offer in-person and online programs you can’t find anywhere else
- Explore robotics toys and kits: beginner-friendly kits like LEGO or Team Witch Doctor let kids experiment with building and coding at home
- Attend a robotics competition: seeing the excitement firsthand can inspire kids to dive into the world of robotics
- Watch BattleBots®: there’s no substitute for the lights, camera, action of a full BattleBots® production, so tune in here to see the spectacle
The robotics world is your child’s for the taking. Empower their journey today!
TL;DR
Robotics isn’t just engineering and coding—it’s a primal, sensational spectacle of creativity, competition, and innovation. BattleBots® executive producer and referee John Remar compares it to modern-day gladiator battles, where engineering meets adrenaline.
From designing and strategizing to teamwork and sportsmanship, robotics fuels critical skills that prepares kids for the future. Whether they love to build, create, or compete, there’s a place for them in the robotics world. Empower their journey with a robotics club, BattleBots® Camp, or an at-home kit. The key is to start early, tap into that curiosity, and let them discover the thrill of robotics!