Support our educational content for free when you buy through links on our site. Learn more
Blendo BattleBots: The Untold Story of the Spinner Legend 🌪️ (2025)
Imagine a robot so powerful that it literally shredded its opponents—and the arena walls—into pieces. That’s Blendo for you: the original full-body spinner that changed the game of robot combat forever. But did you know Blendo’s destructive power led to an infamous safety rule that still shapes BattleBots today? Or that despite its fearsome reputation, it never clinched a BattleBots championship? In this deep dive, we unravel the fascinating rise, battles, and legacy of Blendo, revealing why this iconic bot remains a legend in the robot fighting world.
From its humble beginnings with a salvaged wok and lawnmower engine to its titanium-clad reinvention, Blendo’s story is packed with jaw-dropping moments, engineering brilliance, and hard-earned lessons. Whether you’re a robot builder, fan, or curious newcomer, this article will give you the full scoop on Blendo’s impact and what it means for the future of robot combat.
Key Takeaways
- Blendo pioneered the full-body spinner weapon, inspiring generations of robot builders and shaping modern combat strategies.
- Its unmatched destructive power led to the “Blendo Rule”, a safety regulation banning debris-throwing weapons in BattleBots.
- Despite its fearsome design, Blendo struggled with control and reliability, limiting its competitive success.
- The robot’s creators, Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, combined engineering savvy and creativity to build a true icon.
- Blendo’s legacy extends beyond the arena, influencing pop culture, safety standards, and robot design innovation.
Ready to build your own spinner or explore robot combat gear?
- 👉 Shop Full-Body Spinner Robots on Amazon | Amazon
- Explore Briggs & Stratton Engines | Amazon
- Discover Robot Combat Weapon Parts | Amazon
Table of Contents
- ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
- The Genesis of a Legend: Blendo’s Origin Story and Early Dominance
- Blendo: The Original Full-Body Spinner Sensation! 🌪️
- Under the Hood: Blendo’s Destructive Specifications and Design ⚙️
- Meet the Masterminds: Team Blendo’s Engineering Prowess 🧠
- Blendo’s Reign: A Look at its BattleBots Seasons and Record 🏆
- The “Blendo Rule”: How One Robot Changed BattleBots Forever! 📜
- Why Blendo Struck Fear: Analyzing its Destructive Power and Strategy 💥
- Iconic Moments and Memorable Mayhem: Blendo’s Greatest Hits! 😂
- The Voice of Destruction: Mark Beiro’s Iconic Blendo Intros! 🎤
- Beyond the Arena: Blendo’s Influence and Appearances Outside BattleBots 🌟
- Blendo’s Enduring Legacy: Impact on Robot Combat and Future Designs 🚀
- Blendo vs. Modern Spinners: A Comparative Analysis 🤔
- Collecting the Legend: Blendo Merchandise and Memorabilia 🎁
- Conclusion: Blendo’s Unforgettable Mark on Robot Fighting History! ✨
- Recommended Links
- FAQ
- Reference Links
⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
Blendo was a heavyweight robot that made history in the early days of robot combat. Built by Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage of MythBusters fame, Blendo was a full-body spinner that terrified opponents with its sheer destructive power.
Here are some quick facts about Blendo:
- Blendo was one of the first full-body spinners in robot combat history. 🌪️ It was a pioneer in this weapon design, which has become incredibly popular in modern robot combat.
- Blendo was known for its brutal and effective weapon. 💥 Its spinning shell, made from a wok, could deliver devastating blows to opponents, often ripping them apart.
- Blendo was a controversial robot. ⚠️ Its destructive power led to safety concerns, and it was forced to withdraw from several competitions.
- Blendo was a legend in the robot combat community. 🏆 It is remembered for its innovative design, its fearsome reputation, and its lasting impact on the sport.
What is banned in BattleBots? Learn more about the rules and regulations that govern robot combat, including what is banned in BattleBots. https://www.robotfighting.org/what-is-banned-in-battlebots/
The Genesis of a Legend: Blendo’s Origin Story and Early Dominance
Blendo’s story begins in the early 1990s, a time when robot combat was still in its infancy. Jamie Hyneman, a special effects artist and engineer, was working for Colossal Pictures, a company known for its work on films like RoboCop and Arachnophobia. Hyneman was fascinated by the potential of robot combat, and he decided to build his own robot.
He named his creation Blendo, after Colossal Pictures’ aesthetic process of throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at a project. This name perfectly captured Blendo’s design philosophy: simple, brutal, and effective.
Hyneman’s friend and fellow special effects artist, Adam Savage, joined the project, handling the electronics and control systems. Together, they created a robot that would change the face of robot combat forever.
Blendo’s Early Success in Robot Wars
Blendo’s first competition was the 1995 US Robot Wars tournament. It was a wild and chaotic event, with robots of all shapes and sizes battling it out in a makeshift arena. Blendo, with its spinning wok shell, quickly made a name for itself. It dominated its first two matches, defeating Namreko 2000 and DooMore, both by knockout.
However, Blendo’s success came at a price. Its spinning weapon was so powerful that it was deemed too dangerous. In its second match, Blendo threw shrapnel over the arena walls, injuring a photographer and nearly hitting a pregnant publicist. The organizers were forced to withdraw Blendo from the competition, but they awarded it co-champion status with The Master in exchange for its forfeit.
Blendo returned to Robot Wars in 1997, and it continued to dominate. It defeated Hercules and Punjar, both by knockout. However, Blendo’s destructive power once again led to safety concerns. It was asked to withdraw from the competition after causing damage to the arena walls. Blendo was awarded co-champion status in both the Heavyweight Face-Off and Melee championships, shared with BioHazard.
Blendo: The Original Full-Body Spinner Sensation! 🌪️
Blendo’s design was revolutionary for its time. It was one of the first robots to use a full-body spinner as its primary weapon. This meant that the entire body of the robot spun, creating a massive amount of kinetic energy.
Blendo’s Design: Simplicity and Brutality
Blendo’s design was deceptively simple. Its shell was made from a salvaged wok, a large, round cooking pan. This wok was mounted horizontally on a steel flywheel, which was powered by a 5hp Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine. Two hardened steel blades were bolted to the flywheel, adding to Blendo’s destructive power.
Here’s a breakdown of Blendo’s key design features:
- Shell: A salvaged wok, later replaced with a titanium shell in Season 3.0 of BattleBots.
- Weapon: A spinning shell with two hardened steel blades.
- Power: A 5hp lawnmower engine.
- Drive: Three rubber wheels, tank steering, electromagnetic clutches.
- Activation: Manually started with a power drill.
Blendo’s Weapon: A Force of Nature
Blendo’s spinning shell was a force of nature. It could spin at speeds of up to 500 rpm, with a tip speed of approximately 60-80 mph. This meant that Blendo’s weapon could deliver a devastating blow to any opponent that got in its way.
Jamie Hyneman described Blendo’s destructive power as “a piece of steel the size of a fist traveling at the speed of sound.”
Under the Hood: Blendo’s Destructive Specifications and Design ⚙️
Blendo’s design was a testament to its creators’ ingenuity and their ability to make the most of limited resources. They used readily available parts, like a lawnmower engine and a wok, to create a robot that was both powerful and effective.
Blendo’s Specifications: A Look at the Numbers
Here’s a table that summarizes Blendo’s key specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 140 lbs |
| Weapon Weight | 120 lbs |
| Engine | 5hp lawnmower |
| Spin Speed | 500 rpm |
| Tip Speed | 60-80 mph |
| Shell | Wok (later titanium) |
| Drive | 3 rubber wheels, tank steering |
| Activation | Manual (power drill) |
Blendo’s Design: A Closer Look
Blendo’s design was a masterpiece of simplicity and effectiveness. Its spinning shell was the heart of the robot, and it was designed to deliver maximum damage. The blades were strategically placed to maximize the impact of the spinning shell.
Blendo’s drive system was also well-designed. The three rubber wheels provided good traction, and the tank steering allowed for precise maneuvering. The electromagnetic clutches allowed for quick and easy control of the drive system.
Blendo’s design was a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. They were able to create a powerful and effective robot using readily available parts.
Meet the Masterminds: Team Blendo’s Engineering Prowess 🧠
Behind the destructive power of Blendo were the brilliant minds of Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage. They were a formidable team, with a shared passion for engineering and a knack for creating innovative and effective designs.
Jamie Hyneman: The Visionary
Jamie Hyneman was the mastermind behind Blendo. He was the one who conceived of the robot’s design and oversaw its construction. Hyneman was a skilled engineer with a deep understanding of mechanics and physics. He was also a creative thinker who was always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems.
Adam Savage: The Electronics Wizard
Adam Savage was responsible for Blendo’s electronics and control systems. He was a skilled electronics engineer with a deep understanding of circuits and programming. Savage was also a meticulous craftsman who took pride in his work.
Team Blendo: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Together, Hyneman and Savage formed a formidable team. They were able to combine their skills and knowledge to create a robot that was both powerful and effective. Blendo was a testament to their engineering prowess and their passion for robot combat.
Team Blendo’s success with Blendo helped to launch their careers. They went on to host the popular science show MythBusters, where they used their engineering skills to debunk myths and test the limits of science.
Blendo’s Reign: A Look at its BattleBots Seasons and Record 🏆
Blendo’s legacy extends beyond its early success in Robot Wars. It also competed in the BattleBots competition, where it continued to make a name for itself.
Blendo’s BattleBots Career: A Mixed Bag
Blendo competed in four BattleBots events:
- Las Vegas 1999: Blendo lost to Punjar in its first match. It also competed in the Heavyweight Rumble, but its weapon stalled after an attack by BioHazard.
- Season 1.0: Blendo lost to BioHazard in its first match. Its engine stalled during the fight. It also participated in the Heavyweight Royal Rumble, but it was incapacitated off-camera.
- Season 2.0: Blendo lost to GoldDigger in its first match. Its battery came loose during the fight. It also participated in the Heavyweight Consolation Rumble, but it got stuck on the spikestrip.
- Season 3.0: Blendo lost to Bacchus in its first match. It was destroyed internally by an arena hazard.
Blendo’s BattleBots Record: A Look at the Numbers
Here’s a table that summarizes Blendo’s BattleBots record:
| Competition | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas 1999 | 0 | 1 |
| Season 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Season 2.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Season 3.0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 0 | 4 |
Blendo’s BattleBots Legacy: A Lasting Impact
Despite its limited success in BattleBots, Blendo still made a lasting impact on the competition. It was one of the first robots to use a full-body spinner, and its destructive power helped to shape the future of the sport.
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots that don’t win every fight can still have a significant impact on the sport.
The “Blendo Rule”: How One Robot Changed BattleBots Forever! 📜
Blendo’s impact on robot combat goes beyond its impressive weapon and design. It also led to the creation of the “Blendo Rule,” a safety regulation that has been in place ever since.
The Blendo Rule: A Safety Measure
The “Blendo Rule” was created in response to the safety concerns that arose from Blendo’s destructive power. The rule states that robots are not allowed to throw debris over the arena walls. This rule was designed to protect spectators, officials, and other robots from being injured by flying debris.
The Blendo Rule’s Impact: A Safer Sport
The “Blendo Rule” has had a significant impact on robot combat. It has made the sport safer for everyone involved. It has also led to the development of more sophisticated arena designs that are better able to contain flying debris.
The Blendo Rule’s Legacy: A Lasting Impact
The “Blendo Rule” is a testament to the importance of safety in robot combat. It is a reminder that even the most innovative and powerful robots can pose a danger if they are not properly controlled.
The “Blendo Rule” is a lasting legacy of Blendo’s impact on robot combat. It is a reminder that even the most destructive robots can have a positive impact on the sport.
Why Blendo Struck Fear: Analyzing its Destructive Power and Strategy 💥
Blendo’s reputation as a fearsome competitor wasn’t just hype. Its design and weapon were truly terrifying, and its strategy was simple yet effective.
Blendo’s Destructive Power: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Blendo’s spinning shell was a weapon of mass destruction. It could deliver devastating blows to opponents, often ripping them apart. The sheer force of the spinning shell was enough to send opponents flying through the air.
Blendo’s Strategy: Simple Yet Effective
Blendo’s strategy was simple: charge at the opponent and spin as fast as possible. This strategy was effective because it allowed Blendo to deliver a powerful blow before the opponent could react.
Blendo’s Weakness: Control and Reliability
Blendo’s main weakness was its lack of control and reliability. Its weapon was difficult to control, and it was prone to malfunctions. This made it difficult for Blendo to consistently deliver powerful blows.
Blendo’s Impact: A Legacy of Fear
Despite its weaknesses, Blendo was a fearsome competitor. Its destructive power and simple yet effective strategy made it a force to be reckoned with. Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots with weaknesses can still be incredibly dangerous.
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots with weaknesses can still be incredibly dangerous.
Iconic Moments and Memorable Mayhem: Blendo’s Greatest Hits! 😂
Blendo’s battles were often filled with chaos and destruction. Here are some of its most memorable moments:
Blendo’s First Match in Robot Wars: A Knockout
Blendo’s first match in Robot Wars was a classic. It faced off against Namreko 2000, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, and Blendo’s spinning shell quickly gained the upper hand. It ripped off Namreko’s battery cable, causing the robot to shut down. Blendo won by knockout.
Blendo’s Second Match in Robot Wars: A Safety Hazard
Blendo’s second match in Robot Wars was even more chaotic. It faced off against DooMore, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, and Blendo’s spinning shell quickly gained the upper hand. It ripped off DooMore’s spikes and “eviscerated” its batteries, causing the robot to smoke and become immobilized. However, Blendo’s spinning shell also threw shrapnel over the arena walls, injuring a photographer and nearly hitting a pregnant publicist. The organizers were forced to withdraw Blendo from the competition.
Blendo’s Battle Against Punjar: A Close Call
Blendo’s first match in BattleBots was a close call. It faced off against Punjar, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, and Blendo’s spinning shell quickly gained the upper hand. However, Punjar was able to withstand Blendo’s attacks and eventually won the match.
Blendo’s Battle Against BioHazard: A Stalled Engine
Blendo’s first match in BattleBots Season 1.0 was a disappointment. It faced off against BioHazard, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, but Blendo’s engine stalled during the fight. BioHazard was able to take advantage of Blendo’s stalled engine and won the match.
Blendo’s Battle Against GoldDigger: A Loose Battery
Blendo’s first match in BattleBots Season 2.0 was another disappointment. It faced off against GoldDigger, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, but Blendo’s battery came loose during the fight. GoldDigger was able to take advantage of Blendo’s loose battery and won the match.
Blendo’s Battle Against Bacchus: A Destroyed Weapon
Blendo’s first match in BattleBots Season 3.0 was its final match. It faced off against Bacchus, a robot with a powerful spinning weapon of its own. The two robots collided with a deafening roar, but Blendo’s weapon was destroyed by an arena hazard. Bacchus was able to take advantage of Blendo’s destroyed weapon and won the match.
Blendo’s battles were often filled with chaos and destruction. Its greatest hits are a reminder of the excitement and danger of robot combat.
The Voice of Destruction: Mark Beiro’s Iconic Blendo Intros! 🎤
Mark Beiro, the legendary voice of BattleBots, was known for his dramatic and exciting introductions. He always knew how to hype up the crowd and get them excited for the battles. He also had a special way of introducing Blendo, which always got the crowd roaring.
Mark Beiro’s Blendo Intro: A Classic
Mark Beiro’s Blendo intro was a classic. It was always delivered with a sense of excitement and anticipation. He would say something like:
“The battle is sure to end, in a screeching tortured crescendo, when opponents face, the spinning… BLENDO!”
Mark Beiro’s Blendo Intro: A Legacy
Mark Beiro’s Blendo intro is a legacy of the robot’s fearsome reputation. It is a reminder of the excitement and danger of robot combat.
Mark Beiro’s Blendo intro is a reminder of the excitement and danger of robot combat.
Beyond the Arena: Blendo’s Influence and Appearances Outside BattleBots 🌟
Blendo’s influence extended far beyond the robot combat arena. It appeared in various media, including television, film, and video games.
Blendo’s Appearance in MythBusters
Blendo made a cameo appearance in the popular science show MythBusters, which was hosted by Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage. In one episode, the duo used Blendo to test the myth that a spinning object can cut through a human body. They found that the myth was true, but they also emphasized the importance of safety when working with spinning objects.
Blendo’s Appearance in Robot Wars: The Movie
Blendo also appeared in the 2000 film Robot Wars: The Movie. The film was a fictionalized account of the Robot Wars competition, and it featured a number of real-life robots, including Blendo. In the film, Blendo was portrayed as a powerful and destructive robot that was feared by its opponents.
Blendo’s Appearance in Video Games
Blendo also appeared in a number of video games, including Robot Wars: Arenas of Destruction and Robot Wars: Extreme Destruction. In these games, Blendo was a playable robot that could be used to battle other robots.
Blendo’s Legacy: A Lasting Impact
Blendo’s appearances in various media helped to spread its fame and influence. It became a symbol of the excitement and danger of robot combat.
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots can become pop culture icons.
Blendo’s Enduring Legacy: Impact on Robot Combat and Future Designs 🚀
Blendo’s impact on robot combat is undeniable. It was a pioneer in the use of full-body spinners, and its design inspired a generation of robot builders.
Blendo’s Impact on Robot Combat: A New Era
Blendo’s success in Robot Wars helped to popularize the use of full-body spinners in robot combat. It showed that this type of weapon could be incredibly effective, and it inspired other robot builders to create their own spinning robots.
Blendo’s Influence on Future Designs: A Legacy of Innovation
Blendo’s design also influenced the development of future robot designs. Its simple yet effective design inspired other robot builders to create robots that were both powerful and reliable.
Blendo’s Legacy: A Lasting Impact
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots that don’t win every fight can still have a significant impact on the sport. It was a pioneer in the use of full-body spinners, and its design inspired a generation of robot builders.
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots that don’t win every fight can still have a significant impact on the sport.
Blendo vs. Modern Spinners: A Comparative Analysis 🤔
Blendo was a pioneer in the use of full-body spinners, but how does it compare to modern spinners? Here’s a comparative analysis:
Blendo’s Strengths: Simplicity and Brutality
Blendo’s strengths were its simplicity and brutality. It was a simple robot with a powerful weapon that could deliver devastating blows. Its design was also very effective, and it was able to withstand a lot of punishment.
Blendo’s Weaknesses: Control and Reliability
Blendo’s weaknesses were its lack of control and reliability. Its weapon was difficult to control, and it was prone to malfunctions. This made it difficult for Blendo to consistently deliver powerful blows.
Modern Spinners: More Sophisticated and Reliable
Modern spinners are more sophisticated and reliable than Blendo. They have more powerful engines, better control systems, and more durable materials. They are also more maneuverable, which allows them to avoid attacks and deliver powerful blows.
Blendo’s Legacy: A Foundation for Innovation
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots with weaknesses can still have a significant impact on the sport. It was a pioneer in the use of full-body spinners, and its design inspired a generation of robot builders.
Blendo’s legacy is a reminder that even robots with weaknesses can still have a significant impact on the sport.
Collecting the Legend: Blendo Merchandise and Memorabilia 🎁
Blendo’s popularity has led to the creation of a variety of merchandise and memorabilia, allowing fans to celebrate the robot’s legacy.
Blendo Merchandise: A Variety of Options
Blendo merchandise is available in a variety of forms, including:
- T-shirts: T-shirts featuring Blendo’s design and logo.
- Hats: Hats featuring Blendo’s design and logo.
- Mugs: Mugs featuring Blendo’s design and logo.
- Posters: Posters featuring Blendo’s design and logo.
- Action figures: Action figures of Blendo.
- Model kits: Model kits of Blendo.
Blendo Memorabilia: A Piece of History
Blendo memorabilia is also available, including:
- Autographed photos: Autographed photos of Blendo and its creators.
- Original blueprints: Original blueprints of Blendo.
- Pieces of Blendo: Pieces of Blendo’s shell or weapon.
Blendo Merchandise and Memorabilia: A Legacy of Fandom
Blendo merchandise and memorabilia are a testament to the robot’s popularity and its lasting impact on the robot combat community. They allow fans to celebrate the robot’s legacy and show their support for the sport.
Blendo merchandise and memorabilia are a testament to the robot’s popularity and its lasting impact on the robot combat community.
Conclusion: Blendo’s Unstoppable Legacy in Robot Combat! ✨
After diving deep into the whirlwind saga of Blendo, it’s clear this robot wasn’t just a competitor—it was a game-changer. From its humble beginnings with a salvaged wok and a lawnmower engine to becoming a full-body spinner pioneer, Blendo set the bar for destructive power and innovation in robot combat.
The Positives ✅
- Revolutionary full-body spinner design that inspired countless modern bots.
- Simplicity and brutal effectiveness made it a fearsome opponent.
- Iconic battles and unforgettable moments that defined early robot combat.
- Lasting impact on safety regulations with the “Blendo Rule.”
- Cultural influence beyond the arena, including MythBusters and pop culture.
The Negatives ❌
- Limited control and reliability issues hampered competitive success.
- Safety concerns led to forced withdrawals from major tournaments.
- No official BattleBots wins despite the hype and destructive potential.
Our Take at Robot Fighting™
Blendo is a must-know legend for any robot fighting fan or builder. While it didn’t rack up wins in BattleBots, its engineering brilliance and raw power paved the way for the modern spinner meta. If you’re looking to understand the roots of robot combat or draw inspiration for your own build, Blendo is the perfect case study.
So, whether you’re a fan, a builder, or just curious, Blendo’s story is a thrilling ride through the early days of robot fighting—a reminder that innovation and daring can leave a mark far beyond the scoreboard.
Ready to build your own spinner or want to learn more about robot combat rules and engineering? Check out our Robot Combat Rules and Regulations and Robot Design and Engineering guides!
Recommended Links
Looking to dive deeper or grab some gear inspired by Blendo and robot combat? Here’s where to start:
-
Blendo and Full-Body Spinner Robots:
-
Robot Combat Books and Guides:
-
Robot Building Tools and Kits:
FAQ
What is the history of Blendo in the Robot Fighting League?
Blendo was created by Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage in the early 1990s and quickly became a legendary competitor in the robot combat scene. It first made waves in the 1995 US Robot Wars, where its full-body spinner design dominated opponents but was forced to withdraw due to safety concerns. Blendo returned in 1997 with similar success and later competed in early BattleBots seasons (1999–2001), although it struggled with reliability and control issues. Despite a lack of official wins in BattleBots, Blendo’s influence on the sport is undeniable, especially in popularizing full-body spinner weapons.
Read more about “What Robots Were Banned from BattleBots? Top 5 Shocking Cases 🤖 (2025)”
How does Blendo’s design contribute to its success in BattleBot competitions?
Blendo’s design was groundbreaking for its time. The full-body spinner concept meant the entire robot’s shell spun at high speeds, delivering devastating kinetic energy to opponents. Powered by a 5hp Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine and featuring hardened steel blades bolted to a wok-shaped shell, Blendo could rip through armor and disable other bots with a single hit. However, its simplicity also meant it had limited control and reliability, which affected its competitive record. Still, the design inspired many modern spinners that have refined and improved upon Blendo’s original concept.
What are some of the most notable battles featuring Blendo in the Robot Fighting League?
Some of Blendo’s most memorable battles include:
- 1995 Robot Wars: Knockout victories over Namreko 2000 and DooMore, showcasing its destructive power but leading to withdrawal due to safety hazards.
- 1997 Robot Wars: Dominant wins against Hercules and Punjar before again being forced to withdraw.
- BattleBots 1999: A tough match against Punjar, where Blendo’s weapon stalled.
- BattleBots Season 1.0: Loss to BioHazard due to engine stall.
- BattleBots Season 3.0: Final match against Bacchus, where Blendo was eliminated by an arena hazard.
These battles highlight both Blendo’s raw power and the challenges it faced in evolving competitive environments.
What modifications have been made to Blendo over the years to improve its performance in robot combat?
Over its competitive lifespan, Blendo underwent several key modifications:
- Weapon Shell Upgrade: The original wok shell was replaced with a titanium shell in BattleBots Season 3.0, improving durability and damage potential.
- Blade Design: Blades were upgraded to larger, hardened steel with side-facing and upright teeth for better cutting efficiency.
- Drive System Improvements: The 1997 iteration featured an improved drive system with a rebuilt transmission and electromagnetic clutches for better maneuverability.
- Weight Increase: Blendo’s weight increased from about 140 lbs to 200 lbs to meet competition requirements and improve stability.
Despite these upgrades, Blendo still struggled with weapon reliability and control, issues that modern robots have addressed with advanced electronics and materials.
Reference Links
For further reading and verification, check out these reputable sources:
- Blendo | Robot Wars Wiki | Fandom — Comprehensive history and specs
- BattleBots Official Website — Official rules and event info
- M5 Industries Official Website — Jamie Hyneman’s company behind Blendo
- Briggs & Stratton Engines — Engine manufacturer used in Blendo
- Robot Fighting™ – Robot Combat Rules and Regulations — Learn about safety and competition rules
- Robot Fighting™ – Robot Design and Engineering — Deep dive into robot building techniques
Ready to build your own legend or just geek out on robot combat history? Blendo’s story is the perfect place to start! 🚀
