Robots battled it out for the UK National Combat Robot Championship.
The event took place at the University of Chichester’s Tech Park in Bognor Regis, drawing roboteers from across the country for a day of high-energy mechanical combat.
It was organised by university lecturer Gareth Anstee, a former Robot Wars Live winner and the current UK National Combat Robot Champion.
Engineering students played a key role in bringing the event to life, helping to design and build the combat arena and its control systems, like the Robot Wars TV show.
Jack Lloyd, an engineering student, said: "I jumped at the opportunity to help design the lighting and trap controls for the Robot Combat arena.
"I grew up with Robot Wars. Chichester gave me the opportunity to get hands-on with an exciting practical project that I could see come to life and appreciated by some of the biggest names in the sport.
"I don't know of any other universities offering opportunities like this."
Mr Lloyd said the project has already helped him build a professional portfolio and apply his classroom learning to real-world challenges.
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Two students even entered their own robots into the national competition.
Although neither defeated their lecturer, both performed well against seasoned competitors.
Mr Anstee successfully defended his title at this year’s championship.
He said: "After winning my first UK Championship last year, it was hard to know if another would come any easier.
"There was a big step up this year in the quality throughout the field, and after being undefeated last year there were some early losses to contend with from some amazing new robots.
"Luckily, Revolt was able to pull through and get into a stride, but has certainly taken a lot more damage than it has ever done before.
"I look forward to defending the title again at Chichester next year hopefully, but if the competition takes another step up – it’s going to be a challenge to get to the finals again."
He said: "Competing in combat robotics has opened so many opportunities for me. Every event pushes my engineering, creativity and problem-solving skills further."
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