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. 1 2 3 McGown, Justin (January 2, 2023). "National Havoc Robot League finds global audience". Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journal. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "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. 1 2 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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