Norwalk Havoc Robot League

National Havoc Robot League (NHRL), formerly the Norwalk Havoc Robot League, is a robot combat organization in Norwalk, Connecticut, which holds tournaments of cage match fights between hobbyist competitors. Kelly Biderman is the current CEO of the organization.[1]

History

Austin McChord founded NHRL shortly after leaving Datto in 2018.[2] 18 competitors participated in the first event later that year. In 2021, McChord moved the organization to its current headquarters in South Norwalk. The facility also hosts a museum collection of past combat robots from multiple weight classes.[3]

Events

NHRL hosts six tournaments each year which are open to all competitors.[4] Robots are separated into weight classes of 3, 12, and 30 pounds. They compete in 1 versus 1 matches in enclosed arenas with double-layer polycarbonate walls and a negative pressure fire suppression system.[3] Common weapons used by the competing robots include spinning blades, flipping devices, butane flamethrowers, and hammers.[5] More unorthodox weaponry includes liquid nitrogen, airbags, and jet engines. Winners at each tournament receive cash prizes[6] and are invited to a championship event held at the end of each year.[4]

In November 2022, McChord announced that he would donate $1 million to STEM charities chosen by that year's finalists in the championship tournament.[3][7] An additional $1 million of grants were made to collegiate robotics teams in 2023.[7][8]

References

  1. "The NHRL is a combat robotics league where remote-controlled machines are designed to go head-to-head". Sports Business Journal. January 12, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  2. Chapman, Nancy (May 13, 2022). "Norwalk photos: Rock 'em Sock 'em". Nancy on Norwalk. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  3. McGown, Justin (January 2, 2023). "National Havoc Robot League finds global audience". Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journal. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  4. "Events". NHRL. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  5. Liotta, Jarret (March 20, 2023). "200 robots battle in competition that attracts 'some of the smartest minds' to Norwalk". The Hour. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  6. Abraham, Christian (July 25, 2021). "In photos: Norwalk Havoc Robot League holds combat competition". The Hour. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  7. Lucariello, Kate (November 22, 2022). "Robot Combat League Founder Announces $2 Million in STEM Education Grants". Campus Technology. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  8. Kacapyr, Sal (March 27, 2023). "Combat Robotics flips competition, eyes upgrade with grant". Cornell Chronicle. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
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