In this episode of the Havoc Rundown, we head to Australia as part of our “Around the World” summer series to spotlight one of the most creative forces in the southern hemisphere: Ben Hayton of Team Panic Robotics.

Ben shares the evolution of Australia’s combat robotics scene—from grassroots antweight events in backyard sheds to national featherweight championships—and what makes the Aussie bot community so unique. We explore differences in design philosophy, resource challenges, the joys of putting on a show, and why MDF arena floors change everything.

We also dive into Ben’s prolific catalog of bots (including the squeaky hammer-bot “Squeak” and the toaster-themed “Breakfast”), how he balances building and content creation, and his dream of building a robot on-the-fly with only what he can find at a local store.

Whether you’re a longtime viewer of Team Panic or curious about how combat robotics looks outside the US, this episode offers insight, laughs, and plenty of robot inspiration.

Guest
Ben Hayton – Founder of Team Panic Robotics

Team Panic Links
Team Panic Wiki: https://ultimate-robot-archive.fandom.com/wiki/Team_Panic
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamPanicRobotics

Background Music
"Street Life" by Johnny Gorillas – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/street-life/135338
"Raindrops" by Ariel Shalom – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/raindrops-instrumental-version/134999
"Evening Elegance" by Avni Vibes – https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/evening-elegance/131780

Havoc Rundown Links
All our links and socials: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the UK’s robot combat scene with two key voices behind Robot Rebellion: event organizer Gareth Anstee and head judge Ryan Bratley. Together with Justin and the Havoc Rundown crew, we explore how Robot Rebellion brings a uniquely British flavor to the sport, how their events have grown through grassroots passion and clever branding, and why their episodic YouTube content is setting a new bar for robot combat storytelling.

We discuss everything from the challenges of venue partnerships to the art of judging fights fairly—and even share some laugh-out-loud moments, like the saga of inflatable bananas and a rogue robot supervisor named Mortis. Plus, Ryan and Gareth drop advice for international builders, cultural differences in robot design philosophy, and which UK bots you need to be watching.

Whether you're a seasoned NHRL fan or curious about the global combat robotics scene, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.

Guests
Gareth Anstee – Founder of Robot Rebellion
Ryan Bratley – Head Judge of Robot Rebellion

Robot Rebellion Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobotRebellionUK
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobotRebellion

Featured Music
"Home Cookin’" by Jimit: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/home-cookin/136470
"Sunset" by Ben Handler & Randy Sharp: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/sunset-creative-cut-chill/136488
"Level Up" by Aves: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/level-up/137094

Follow Havoc Rundown
All our links: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

In this episode of the Havoc Rundown’s "Robots Around the World" series, the crew sits down with Tim Bouwens, the builder behind BattleBots' Ominous and the NHRL standout Wajoo. Broadcasting from the Netherlands, Tim shares his journey through nearly two decades of combat robotics—starting with antweights, building a four-wheel-drive featherweight that’s still winning, and eventually reaching global stages like NHRL, China, and BattleBots. We dive deep into the Dutch combat robotics scene, including its transformation from backyard hangouts to organized events with steel-floored arenas and crowdfunding-powered infrastructure. Tim also breaks down how Wajoo ended up so impossibly thin, why modular design is essential for international travel, and what makes the European competition culture unique. The crew covers everything from arena floors to lithium battery chaos at airports to Lars—the mythical collector who owns a heavyweight museum in his upstairs apartment. We also dig into Tim's experience as the president of Dutch Robot Games, the rise of the Netherlands as a competitive hub, the future of fire meta in robot design, and how touring bands and robots sometimes share the same road cases. Packed with insight, chaos, and cultural crossover, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how combat robotics is growing worldwide.

Lars’ Robot Collection: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/56319454480/search/?q=lars%20weaving%20bakker⁠

Featured Music:

• Silent Night by Aves: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/silent-night-beats-to-study-to/76754

• Summer Groove by Avni Vibes: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/summer-groove/131778

• Body in a Half Light by Gvidon: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/body-in-a-half-light/51896

Support & Follow:

• Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/havocrundown

• Havoc Rundown Merch, Discord, Socials: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

We’re kicking off our Robots Around the World summer series with a visit to the Great White North! In this episode, we sit down with Team Unforeseen Consequences, the Canadian builders behind the terrifying melty brain robot Demon Core. We talk about how they got started, what makes the Canadian combat robotics scene unique, and how they engineered a 30lb bot that sounds like something out of a sci-fi nightmare.

We dive into their experience at NHRL, their last-minute flight fiascos, the joys of testing terrifying machines in small garages, and how they plan to evolve Demon Core after a strong showing in June. There’s plenty of technical talk, great laughs, and a heated debate about the best poutine in Canada (spoiler: Costco fans, rise up).

Plus, we answer your listener questions, discuss scaling melty brains to larger weight classes, and hear some incredible stories about inspiring the next generation of builders.

🎵 Music by:

• “Baby” by EG404

• “Crème” by Barrell

• “Forgotten Dreams” by Aves

📲 Links & Support:

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

• Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/havoc-rundown-tee/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553209148845

On this episode of Havoc Rundown, the team dives into the June NHRL event to recap the most explosive moments from all three brackets. From Monkfish’s relentless run in the 3s, to Full Court’s suffocating dominance in the 12s, to Red Storm’s suplex-powered 30lb championship win, it’s a full breakdown of the chaos, upsets, and highlights that defined the event.

Special guest Kevin Milczewski joins the Rundown to talk all things control bots—from his suplex-savvy design choices in Red Storm and Timber Viper to his sportsmanship in the finals and strategies for lifting (and flipping) house bots. He also answers a jam-packed Listener Mailbag with questions about drivetrain design, dual-jaw lifters, robot testing rituals, and why he almost welded a chair to his heavyweight.

Also in this episode:

• Fantasy League shakeups and surprise MVPs

• The evolving fire bot meta and how teams are starting to counter it

• A discussion on Kill Switch, Dutch Oven, and other bracket standouts

• Thomas’s airbag-free conspiracy theories and very serious questions about Timber Viper’s timber-vipe potential

🎧 Music in this episode:

• Ryan Montbleau – “Break the Silence”

• Aves – “Forgotten Dreams”

• Shinto – “Dinner”

Grab merch, support the show, and follow us at https://linktr.ee/havocrundown
Thanks to our partner Just Cuz Robotics – https://justcuzrobotics.com/

The June 7th NHRL event is almost here, and the Havoc Rundown crew is breaking it all down! We’re joined by fantasy league front-runner Dan Dischino for a stat-packed episode featuring Ryan’s chaotic new game “Over and Under,” where the house is out for blood. We preview the June event by weight class, spotlighting returning legends like Dutch Oven, Megatron, Red Storm, and fan-favorites like Big Frank and Monkfish. From flame bot meta shifts to melty brain enthusiasm, we dig into evolving strategies, emotional storylines, and what it takes to draft a championship team. Plus, listener questions, rabbit mascots, and the emotional core of combat robotics. This is the most stacked episode yet—don’t miss it.

Special Guest:
Dan Dischino – Fantasy League Leader, Team Brandeis

Segments:

• 🎲 Game Corner: “Over and Under”

• 🔍 June NHRL Preview

• 🎙️ Five in Focus: Interview with Dan Dischino

• 📬 Listener Mailbag

  
  

Music Featured:
🎵 Sunshine Rider by Dor-c
🎵 Oblivion by Benny Bronco
🎵 On My Own by Sedley Beats

🎧 Follow us, grab some merch, or join the fantasy league: linktr.ee/havocrundown

This one’s for the family bots and fantasy league fanatics! In this jam-packed episode, we dive into the unforgettable May NHRL Event, spotlighting Sad Octopus’s phenomenal semifinal run and the Garen family behind the bot. Cameron, Patrick, and Nora join us to share their journey—from foam wheels to custom casting, from test matches at home to taking down Cold Snap.

🦑 We also break down other major May storylines:

• The rise of fire bots and how they’re reshaping the meta

• Fantasy League shakeups and Ryan’s redemption arc

• Standout performances from Chaos Upright, Waddles, Open Hell, and more

• Prime Time surprises and the ever-evolving competition landscape

🎮 Ryan brings back the Name Game in Game Corner (spoiler: the house gets some points), and we close things out with our biggest Listener Mailbag yet—shoutout to the community for top-tier questions.

💡 Five in Focus gets personal with the Garen family, touching on design origins, sibling rivalries, and what it’s like to build and battle together.

🎶 Music in this episode:

• "Will You Dance With Me" by Lalnea

• "Good Morning" by Barrell

• "Better" by Aves
  🎧 Music licensed via Artlist.io

📌 Links Mentioned:

• Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

• Cameron and Nora’s YouTube (DuckBots): https://www.youtube.com/@DuckBots66

🙌 Subscribe, share, and join our Discord for live event chatter, fantasy league updates, and more from the world of combat robotics.

In this no-guest chaos episode of Havoc Rundown, the full crew returns for a jam-packed May NHRL preview. Things kick off with Ryan’s Game Corner and its debut segment, The Price is Fight—a Price is Right-style game guessing bot build costs, spare parts, and some hilariously overpriced eBay listings. From there, it’s on to Mayhem in May, with fantasy draft predictions and bots to watch including Kratos, Sweet Tooth, Colossal Avian, Buzzkill, Chainsaw Massacre, and hover-melty newcomer Open Hell. The team dives deep into trends like the rise of flame bots, college team surges, and what to expect from a packed 12lb field. A new segment, Pass the Question, throws the hosts into a round-robin of bizarre questions—ranging from rude animals and Mortal Kombat robot picks to cross-country road trips. Finally, the listener mailbag delivers more absurdity with zombie survival plans, sandwich debates, and robot-themed board game pitches. Whether you’re tracking your fantasy team or just here for the banter, this episode brings the full-force chaos.

🎵 Background Music:

• “Squoosh!” by Jimit: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/squoosh/126734

• “The Beat Detector” by Novembers: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/the-beat-detector/97421

• “Cruise Control” by LOLEK: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/cruise-control/78793

  
  

  Follow Us:

  • Discord: https://discord.gg/5NU3YVznhB

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havocrundown

  • Linktree (for merch & more): https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

  
  

This week on The Havoc Rundown, we’re joined by none other than Tim Hebert—robotics educator, NHRL fan favorite, and the brilliant (and slightly chaotic) mind behind Chubby Unicode. That’s right, not Unicorn—Unicode. Tim talks with us about driving his bot with everything from a dance pad to a drum kit, and how experimental control systems can actually hold their own in the cage.

We break down the April 5th NHRL event with over 150 bots and some of the most emotional and unexpected moments we’ve ever seen—including Chainsaw Kitty’s legendary run. Plus, we dive into some serious fantasy league drama (Dan is running away with it), and the whole crew gets tested in Ryan’s Spelling Bee of Doom.

Later, we put Tim through our Five in Focus deep-dive questions and end the show with our now-iconic Rapid-Fire Build-Off, where bot pitches are built around pure chaos and random word prompts.

Massive thank you to Tim Hebert for joining us, sharing his story, and giving us all a reason to believe a drum kit can be a weapon of mass disruption.

Want to keep up with our latest episodes, fantasy league updates, merch drops, and more?

👉 https://linktr.ee/havocrundown

Follow us on your favorite social platform and don’t forget to tag us during events or while you’re watching the latest fight stream!

Background Music Featured In This Episode:

• Put On Your Fire by Cosmonkey
  🔗 https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/put-on-your-fire/120462

• Attikan Roast by Steven Beddall & Mansij
  🔗 https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/attikan-roast/103837

• Finale by MILANO
  🔗 https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/finale/96343

All music licensed via Artlist.io

In this special episode of Havoc Rundown, the crew welcomes an all-star lineup from the MIT Combat Robotics Club ahead of the April NHRL event. From bold design philosophies to open-source accessibility, this conversation dives into what it takes to build competitive bots under pressure—while juggling coursework, team dynamics, and the love of the sport.

Each builder brings their own unique flavor to the fight, and you’ll get an inside look at six exciting bots being prepped for the arena. Plus, things get competitive in our Game Corner with a round of Name That Bot, putting the MIT crew’s trivia skills to the test.

If you’re into design innovation, builder culture, or just love a good rivalry, this episode’s got something for you.

🎉 Special Thanks To Our Guests from the MIT Combat Robotics Club
Huge thanks to the brilliant MIT team for joining us and sharing their builds:

• Ryan Duarte – Budgetboi, an open-source 12lb bot designed for maximum accessibility

• Abi Dixon – Killer Queen, a striking new contender with creative weapon architecture

• Anhad Sawhney – Kratos, featuring a custom axial flux motor for peak performance

• Miles Roper – Traiano, a hammer saw bot built with precision and power

• Tom Nguyen – Marshmallow, returning with smart design and tactical flexibility

• Carlos Lopez – Underdawg, a bot with heart, grit, and sharp engineering instincts

We loved having you all on the show—good luck in April!

🔗 Follow Us & Join the Community!
Stay locked in with everything Havoc Rundown—from fantasy league updates to bot breakdowns:

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🎶 Music Credits
This episode features royalty-free tracks from Artlist:

• Paving the Way by Danny Shields
  Listen here

• Hands Held High by Aves
  Listen here

• Pine by Joley
  Listen here