A lecturer in Robot Wars

Dr Myra Wilson, a lecturer in Computer Science, was invited to become a judge for the BBC TV programme, Robot Wars. This programme features remote controlled robots which battle each other during five minute bouts to become the eventual series champion. Myra and her fellow judges (Noel Sharkey, University of Sheffield, and Martin Smith, University of East London), are called upon to decide the winner should both robots still be working at the end of the bout.

The atmosphere behind the scenes at the recording of the programme was good. Many of the competitors (roboteers), were family groups who had spent a lot of their spare time designing and building the robots. Many roboteers also give freely of their time to organise charity events around the country. Much thought, time and effort went into the participating robots. Some were seeded due to their performance in the previous three series, but some had already fought through several battles in the weeks before the filming just to get to the heat stage. This led to some excellent battles for the TV show.

It was interesting to experience the different world of TV production. The filming ran very smoothly, given the inherent problem of robots trying to destroy each other, but still being available to fight again later in the day. The programme is watched by a wide range of viewers which hopefully will give a boost to the general interest in both Robotics and Engineering, especially in the young.

Myra has also participated as a technical expert in the filming of the second series of Techno Games, broadcast during Science Week in March. Techno Games, funded by BBC Education, features robots participating in olympic games type challenges, such as the sprint, rope climbing, and swimming. A large number of schools took part in the series, providing many entertaining events.