Inside a four-by-four arena, miniature warriors scrap it out in battles of metal and occasional sparks. Outside the fight zone, people group together to watch the tiny robots scramble for victory. The fighters bounce off each other and sometimes soar through the air. This is the Nor’easter Robot Combat Club. “There’s competition but it’s also very friendly,” said club founder Eric Robichaud. “We’re essentially having fun. We like to make stuff, we like to break stuff.” The club, which is based in Moncton, provides an outlet for Atlantic Canadians to flex their creative and mechanical muscles as they build robot fighters that weigh no more than 150 grams. Robot combat, like many fighting sports, features several weight classes. Robichaud, who officially started the club last fall, said they went with 150 grams (also known as fairyweight) since it allows participants to easily 3D print parts. The next weight class above them, antweight, is one pound. “We’re looking at plans of maybe larger arena walls to go up to next weight class of one pound,” Robichaud said. “We’re starting at the bottom.” Pandemic origins Like so many people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Robichaud found himself stuck at home with little to do. A lifelong fan of battling robots, he went down a “YouTube rabbit hole” and rewatched old episodes of shows like Robot Wars and Battle Bots. Robichaud soon discovered newer videos of robots putting up their mechanical dukes and how to make miniature competitors. “It was clear this sport was still alive and well in an amateur circuit,” he said. “I looked at the world map of events and saw a glaring hole in the Maritimes. “I thought it could be a project.” Throughout 2020 and 2021, Robichaud bought material to build an arena and contacted organizers from other clubs around the world for tips on getting started. “It was a build it and they will come process,” he said. “We researched everything. It’s just like going to school.” Robichaud built the four-by-four arena over a summer and spent another year advertising the club and finding people who were interested in competing. Major growth Robichaud hoped at least four machines would compete in the club’s first official event last fall, but when the doors opened, they welcomed 10 robots into the arena. “It feels fantastic,” Robichaud said. “It’s probably the thing I’m proudest of in my life in terms of work projects. It was such a big endeavour and not a sure thing. There’s no history of robot combat in this area. “At our first tournament last year I was in a room with a bunch of strangers and now they’re all my friends.” Robichaud said many people who come to watch their tournaments often want to make their own robots. “There’s a good pipeline of people who watch and get interested and sometimes they’re at the next tournament,” he said. “It’s very organic. “Robot combat fans are passionate because it’s such a niche hobby.” Robichaud, who has a robot that looks like a clown with a big hammer, said they are always looking for new builders to compete in tournaments. It notes it’s a sport with a wide appeal since anyone with a bit of curiosity can do it. “Our builders range from 13 years old to a retiree,” he said. “If your machine works, you’re welcome in the box. People are looking for community. “The advice I always give to folks is come to an event if they can, read up about it, most importantly reach out to us. We adore helping newcomers. I am not an engineer. If I can do it, anyone can do it. It’s not as intimidating as it may seem.” Future As the Nor’easter Robot Combat Club approaches its one-year anniversary, Robichaud and his team are hoping to build a second arena that would be easier to disassemble and transport outside of Moncton so they can reach more competitors. “I am immensely proud of the club’s success and growth, but none of this would be possible without our team of dedicated builders and volunteers who believe in the club as much as I do, and want to see robot combat thrive in Atlantic Canada,” Robichaud said. “Seeing them, and our fans, come out and support this dream has been one of the great joys of my life.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
