Norbert was a middleweight robot built by Team Tin Can Robotics which competed exclusively in the 2004 NPC Charity Open.
It was a wedge-shaped design which could run either way up. Norbert was also equipped with two rear spikes. It performed decently in competition, winning two matches but falling in the losers bracket.
Norbert's first match was against Red Square. At the beginning of the match, both robots charged at each other and Norbert drove over Red Square, which had its flipping arm lowered. Norbert did this several more times as it struggled to win the ground game against Team Whyachi's middleweight. Red Square got underneath Norbert again and tried to flip it over this time, but was not successful. With half of the fight remaining, Red Square landed a flip on Norbert and tossed it onto its back. Norbert was still able to drive thanks to its invertible design, and the fight continued. Red Square was consistently able to get underneath Norbert and as a result, Red Square won on a judges' decision.
Norbert vs. Bot Named Sue
Norbert uses its spikes to ram Bot Named Sue.
Norbert was now in the losers bracket and faced Bot Named Sue. Both robots went straight at each other, each trying to get under and push the other. At one point, Bot Named Sue lost drive in the right wheel and was left driving in circles. Norbert won on a judges' decision and advanced to the next round.
Norbert vs. Death Drum
Norbert takes on Death Drum.
In the next round, Norbert faced Death Drum. Norbert was quick out of its starting square as Death Drum held back, and Norbert was able to slide its wedge in underneath its opponent. Death Drum's primary weapon spun slowly, catching Norbert slightly and causing little damage. Both robots duelled in the middle of the arena and Death Drum scuffed the wedge of Norbert. The wedgebot was able to drive underneath again and shove Death Drum into the wall. One of Norbert's tires had been punctured, but it was still able to control its opponent, who was now barely mobile. Death Drum stopped moving completely and Norbert won by knockout.
Norbert vs. Floor Jack
Floor Jack gets in underneath Norbert.
Advancing to the next round, Norbert now met Floor Jack, a similarly-designed two-wheel drive robot with a sloped front. For this fight, Norbert added a third, central spike positioned lower than the others. The two robots drove around one another and then went head-to-head, but neither robot was able to use their wedge to full effect. This was until Floor Jack got to the side of Norbert and slid underneath momentarily, but Norbert escaped unharmed. Both bots returned to the middle of the arena, but Floor Jack got underneath the front of Norbert this time, shoving it against the barrier. The remainder of the fight consisted of the two robots circling one another in the corner of the arena, looking for an opening to attack. Both robots were mobile after three minutes and Floor Jack won the match on a judges' decision. As such, Norbert was eliminated from the tournament.
