Summary
In this episode of Star Talk Sports Edition, host Neil deGrasse Tyson and his guests discuss the world of combat robots. They interview Ray Billings, founder of Hardcore Robotics and creator of the successful combat bot named Tombstone. Ray explains the engineering and physics involved in designing a successful combat robot, including the importance of battery technology, material science, and understanding duty cycles. The conversation also touches on the history of combat robots, including the popular TV show BattleBots. Overall, the discussion provides insight into the world of combat robotics and the intense competition involved.
The conversation also delves into the strategy behind designing and operating robots in the arena, including the advantages and disadvantages of different types of weaponry and energy transfer. They also touch on the use of technology, such as autonomous robots, in the competition. The conversation ends with speculation about the potential for Battlebots to become an official Olympic sport.
The context also explores the filming process of the BattleBots tournament, where robots fight against each other. The tournament lasts for two to two and a half weeks, and as it progresses, the time between matches decreases. The competitors are allowed to make changes to their robots as long as they comply with safety rules and do not exceed the weight limit. The design of the robots changes as the weight decreases, and certain strategies that work for heavier robots do not work for lighter ones.
The conversation also highlights the benefits and limitations of robots, particularly in the context of BattleBots. They discuss how pushing robots to their limits can lead to the creation of better and more reliable products. They also explore the possibility of non-lethal weaponry in the form of robots that can disarm others without killing them. However, they note that certain actions, such as throwing a net or using an electromagnetic pulse, are forbidden in the rules of BattleBots.
Overall, the conversation highlights the excitement and potential of robots in various industries, including entertainment and warfare, while also acknowledging the need for rules and safety measures. The BattleBots tournament is also used as a tool for community engagement and education, especially in schools, where kids learn engineering skills and math concepts through the sport. There is potential for military applications of the technology used in BattleBots, but there have been no official contacts from the military regarding this. The durability and sturdiness of the robots are continuously improved through the development of motors, drive systems, and motion control.
