Petunia

Not to be confused with Season 4.0 drop-out of the same name.

Petunia
Participation Information
Reboot Seasons	World Championship III World Championship IV World Championship V (Withdrew) World Championship VI (Not selected) World Championship VII (Not selected)
Team Information
Team	Team P.C.P.
Team Members	Mischa de Graaf (Captain) Ralph van de Langenberg Ysbrand Otjes (WC III) Jeroen van Lieverloo (WC IV)
From	Anna Paulowna, The Netherlands
Associated Robots	Reality, Tough as Nails (Jeroen van Lieverloo)
Robot Statistics
Weight	250lbs
Weapons	Crusher Flamethrower (WC V-Present)
Statistics correct as of its most recent appearance on the show, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

Petunia is a heavyweight robot from The Netherlands built by Team P.C.P. which competed in BattleBots World Championship III and IV.

It is a two-wheeled, wedge-shaped robot armed with a powerful hydraulic crushing claw as its primary weapon, which also acts as a self-righting mechanism. Petunia is partially invertible, capable of driving on its back end, although its claw was rendered ineffective when the robot was inverted, and it had to use its weapon to self-right when it was completely upside-down. Its crushing weapon boasted ten tonnes of crushing force, and crushed into its own wedge for maximum damage output, at the expense of range. As its name suggests, Petunia is designed to resemble a flower, as confirmed in their appearance during BattleBots Resurrection. More specifically, Petunia's name derives from the septic tanker truck seen in the Stephen King novel, Christine.

Petunia during World Championship III hero shots.

In its debut season, Petunia was able to pick up three wins, including a knockout over veteran Brian Nave and Captain Shrederator as well as a victory over future Most Destructive Robot Award winner ROTATOR. However, it was not selected to progress to the tournament bracket.

Petunia during World Championship IV hero shots.

Returning for World Championship IV, Petunia appeared largely the same, though now had rounded edges to the top of the wedge and bolder, aesthetics to clear up any misconception of it looking like a bird, despite previous flower-related introductions from Faruq Tauheed. The team picked up fellow Dutch native and experienced builder Jeroen van Lieverloo, who competed with Reality in World Championship III. Petunia again failed to make the championship bracket, with two of its three wins coming from exhibition matches.

Petunia was originally accepted to return for World Championship V in the initial roster revealed to Facebook Supporters in early 2020. The image presented showed cartoon fire coming from the tip of the beak, suggesting it was to be armed with a flamethrower inside its beak, similar to Mohawk. As proven by a May 2021 weapon test video, this was indeed the case. However, due to international travel restrictions enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Team P.C.P. were forced to withdraw, stating their intention at the time to compete again the following year.

Team P.C.P. reapplied for World Championship VI in 2021, but were ultimately rejected.

In September 2022, the team publicly revealed on Reddit that their application for World Championship VII had been turned down, confirming that Petunia had once again not been selected.

Petunia in October 2022.

Petunia in January 2022.

Petunia showing off its flamethrower addition.

Petunia's reveal to Facebook Supporters in early 2020.

Outside BattleBots

PacifieR (top) and Petunia (bottom) pictured together.

The concept of Petunia was originally designed for Series 9 of Robot Wars under the name PacifieR, but later withdrew from the show. It was functionally identical to what became Petunia, but sported a lighter blue on its wedge, which did not quite protect the entire sides of the bot, as well as different illustrations. Team P.C.P. had previously fought in the Dutch series of Robot Wars with vertical spinner PulverizeR, becoming champion of the second series and qualifying for both the European and Third World Championship events as a result. Parallel to the show, an upgraded PulverizeR also competed at three Dutch Robot Games events between 2001 and 2003. It then appeared at the 2005 European Championship and 2006 UK Championship, but only appeared sporadically at live events.

While not a part of Team P.C.P. for the majority of their time in the sport, team member Jeroen van Lieverloo originally competed Dutch Robot Wars with X-Bot and Impact in its first and second seasons respectively, but did not achieve much success. He also competed as a member of three-part multibot √3², which made its heat final before ironically losing to the aforementioned champion PulverizeR. After failing to qualify for Series 7 of Robot Wars with a second version of Impact, Jeroen van Lieverloo became part of fellow Dutch entrant Gravity, which made the semi-finals before losing to reigning champions Tornado.

A month after the team's 2022 rejection, the latest version of Petunia was publicly displayed at the Flanders Expo FACTS convention in Ghent, Belgium, alongside Reality and Toe Kicker. This incarnation, forming a display outside the Dutch Robot Games arena, sported a new interchangeable lifter/crusher nicknamed 'K.E.I.T.H.'. Petunia was again displayed on 25 May, 2024 at a convention hosted by Dutch engineering company HBM Machines.

Robot History

World Championship III
Petunia vs. ROTATOR Petunia's armor is damaged by the spinning disk of ROTATOR. Petunia takes ROTATOR to the killsaws. Petunia fights back against the weaponless ROTATOR. Petunia's BattleBots debut came against Victor Soto and ROTATOR. The match began poorly for Petunia as it took early damage to its armor and weapon from ROTATOR's dual discs. Fortunately for Petunia, ROTATOR soon lost power to its weapons and was practically defenseless. Petunia managed to grab a hold of ROTATOR near the wheel with the intention of taking it to the BattleBox hazards. However, ROTATOR spun around to try and cause damage but there was no damage to Petunia. Petunia continued its grabbing strategy by grabbing ROTATOR near the middle of the robot. As the fight drew to a close, Petunia got one last attack on ROTATOR and brought it to the killsaws, causing damage to ROTATOR's tire before time ran out. Despite the early damage from ROTATOR, the judges awarded the win to Petunia.
Petunia vs. Monsoon Petunia's hydraulics are damaged. Monsoon sends Petunia flying through the air. Monsoon watches on as Petunia is counted out. Next up for Petunia was British entry Monsoon. As the match began, Petunia was quickly hit hard in the back by Monsoon's vertical spinner, causing hydraulic fluid to leak from the machine. Petunia was then thrown over but landed upright. After a third hit, smoke began to pour from Petunia, but Monsoon's weapon also stopped working. As the match progressed, Petunia's smoke turned into fire as the lithium polymer batteries suffered damage on the last impact. Monsoon briefly also stopped moving as the hydraulic fluid made the BattleBox floor slippery in that area. However, once Monsoon proved it was still mobile, Petunia was counted out and the British bot took the win by KO.
Petunia vs. Captain Shrederator In its third Fight Night match-up, Petunia faced veteran shell spinner Captain Shrederator. Petunia traps Captain Shrederator against a Screw mount. Petunia immediately drove into the BattleBox center, turning right to follow a rapidly-spinning Captain Shrederator in a circle. A head-to-head exchange allowed it to briefly deflect the Team LOGICOM machine upwards, prompting Captain Shrederator to head to the upper perimeter. Petunia weaved back into Captain Shrederator's weapon, which sent it spinning over a set of Killsaw slots. Retracing its position, it kept chasing Captain Shrederator regardless, weathering more blows from its shell spinner. This pursuit allowed Petunia to box Captain Shrederator between itself and the center-left Screw mount - the resulting deflections sent the latter flying towards the red square, while removing one of its own weapon teeth. Chris Rose: "...uh oh! Shrederator's not moving!" Kenny Florian: "Petunia's gonna start to crush down!" Chris Rose: "Let's see! Ten tonnes of pressure on that tip..." — As Petunia tries to gain purchase on a stunned Captain Shrederator Petunia pushes and pierces an immobile Captain Shrederator. With Captain Shrederator's drive and weapon incapacitated, Petunia nudged and began ramming it against the lower-left Screw. After an unsuccessful attempt, it finally got underneath, clamped and maneuvred Captain Shrederator to the lower-right Pulverizer, while piercing through its top armor. "Oh, he's crushin' it! This is exactly what Mischa said they have to do, Kenny! Perfect execution of his game plan!" — Chris Rose as Petunia gets a bite on Captain Shrederator The Pulverizer slammed down on both competitors' weapons; smoke began pouring as Petunia's beak also punctured one of Captain Shrederator's batteries. "And what's this?! Petunia's cracked him open! There could be battery smoke, Kenny!" — Chris Rose as Petunia punctures one of Captain Shrederator's batteries After dragging and pushing Captain Shrederator towards the center, Petunia released the American machine, celebrating a knockout win with a wheelie as its opponent eventually caught fire. With this result, its Fight Night record improved to 2-1. Chris Rose: "Kenny, a couple good pops from Captain Shrederator, but Petunia was really in control, pretty much throughout, right after that hit." Kenny Florian: "Yeah, this Dutch team is really impressive! Look at that, using the Box to its advantage. And here you see Petunia ram Captain Shrederator with that big wedge, stunning him near the Screws. And this allows Petunia the time to get underneath him and clamp down with that powerful claw, eventually puncturing Shrederator like a can opener, and sealing the all-American team's fate. What a performance by this Dutch team!" — Post-match analysis from Chris Rose and Kenny Florian
Petunia vs. Yeti Petunia gets tossed onto the screws by Yeti. Petunia was drawn against the previous year's semi-finalist, Yeti. The Dutch machine was off to a poor start as they were quickly thrown onto their back, but was able to right itself. Petunia took another hit that threw it onto its beak, where it momentarily could not escape. In a showing of good sportsmanship, Yeti freed Petunia. However, they had now lost the tip to the crushing beak, rendering it largely ineffective. Petunia continued to fight but was chased down by Yeti's relentless assaults. Petunia was forced to self-right again after being thrown over, but was now only driving in circles. After one last hit, Petunia stopped moving near the screws and was counted out, giving Yeti the win by KO.
Petunia & Predator vs. Bale Spear & Double Dutch Petunia grapples with Double Dutch. Petunia also took part in an untelevised 2v2 Tag Team match alongside Craig Danby and Predator, where it faced Bale Spear and Double Dutch. The fight began rather evenly as none of the four robots were able to gain an advantage on their opponents. Petunia then targeted Double Dutch, attempting to clamp down on its top panel as its own weaponry was no longer working. However, attempts to do so led to Petunia lifting its own body arena floor, which made it difficult for it to drive. As the match ran down, Petunia was continuing to fight with Double Dutch as Bale Spear and Predator had stopped moving. Time ran out and the judges awarded 1 point and a unanimous 3-0 decision to The World and Petunia and Predator.
World Championship IV
Petunia vs. WAR Hawk Petunia is attacked in front of the drivers' booths. First for Petunia was a match against veteran Rob Farrow and WAR Hawk. Both robots were rather tentative out of the gate, maneuvering around one another and getting in a few light hits. However, Petunia took the first big hit from WAR Hawk's primary weapon and was thrown into the arena barrier. WAR Hawk continued to attack Petunia several more times, finding itself landing underneath the pulverizer, which added to its concerns. Petunia's drive had been impacted by the assault, and was subsequently counted out, giving WAR Hawk the win by KO.
Petunia vs. Marvin Marvin deflects off the front of Petunia. Petunia's next fight was against newcomer Marvin. For this battle, Petunia opted for its longer beak for more reach. When the match began, Petunia took attacks from Marvin, sending sparks flying but causing no damage. Petunia then got under Marvin from behind and bit down before moving it around the arena. Petunia let go and maneuvered around a bit before biting down on Marvin again, this time taking them into the arena barrier before letting go. Marvin was now having drive issues and Petunia found itself upended against the arena barrier for a bit before recovering. With only seconds left in the fight, Petunia then grabbed Marvin again, taking it to the screws, which tore off one of Marvin's weapon teeth. Both robots survived to a judges' decision, which ruled unanimously for Petunia.
Petunia vs. Hydra Petunia is wedged in place and unable to escape. Ditto. Next up for Petunia was the latest creation from Team Whyachi, Hydra. The fight commenced and Hydra initially missed with their flipper, allowing Petunia to try and get a bite in. Petunia got another chance when Hydra missed with its flipper again, but the Dutch robot was unable to capitalize. Petunia was then thrown through the air, but luckily landed upright before being tossed around once more. Petunia was very nearly thrown of the BattleBox but managed to bounce in, causing damage to the timer display in the process. Petunia was then thrown high into the air, and wedged itself between the wall and pulverizer as it landed. With no way to escape, Petunia was counted out, giving Hydra the win by KO.
Petunia vs. Valkyrie Petunia keeps Valkyrie in the corner of the BattleBox. Petunia was next placed against Leanne Cushing and Valkyrie. Petunia began the match well, withstanding the impacts of Valkyrie's blade. It was soon able to bring Valkyrie onto its back and push it towards the wall, causing Valkyrie to gyro on top of it and grind the disk on the wall. Petunia tried to bite down but Valkyrie's weapon was still spinning at top speed so they ended up taking a solid hit that sent Valkyrie into the other side of the corner and bent the beak on Petunia. Petunia then backed into the rear of Valkyrie to push it into the wall, but this proved to be a mistake, as Petunia took a hit from the disk in one of the most vulnerable areas, completely immobilizing it. Petunia was counted out, giving Valkyrie the win by KO, ending its season at 2-2.
Petunia vs. SubZero (Exhibition) Petunia checks in on an immobile SubZero. Petunia also participated in an exhibition match against veteran SubZero. The match was off to a poor start as Petunia was mostly running away without attempting to make any contact with SubZero. After a few light bumps, Petunia attempted to get a bite on SubZero but SubZero fired its weapon and got free. However, SubZero suddenly stopped driving just under the pulverizer so Petunia eventually grabbed it and took it across the arena floor before letting go. SubZero tried to move using only the momentum of its flipper but was counted out, giving Petunia the win by KO.
Petunia vs. BattleSaw vs. Jasper (Exhibition) Petunia gets to grips with BattleSaw early on. Petunia drives away as BattleSaw is disposed of. Petunia then slams Jasper into the arena barrier. Petunia also took on newcomers BattleSaw and Jasper in an exhibition rumble. However, as the match began, BattleSaw was quickly immobilized by Jasper so Petunia bit down on their track and pushed it aside, before going after Jasper. Petunia was able to get under Jasper but ended up also flipping itself over. Petunia righted itself and took light taps from the back of Jasper's hammer. Petunia then ran into the screws before again getting under Jasper and nearly flipping itself. Petunia was maintaining some dominance, shoving it into the arena barrier at one point as Jasper was mostly avoiding conflict. Petunia took a late shot from the killsaws before time ran out, but remained the aggressor throughout. The judges awarded Petunia a unanimous 3-0 decision.

Results

Competitive Wins/Losses

• Wins: 4
• Losses: 5

Exhibition Wins/Losses

• Wins: 2
• Losses: 0

Total Wins/Losses

• Wins: 6
• Losses: 5

Competition	Wins	Losses
World Championship III	ROTATOR (Undercard Match) Captain Shrederator (Undercard Match) Double Dutch & Bale Spear (Untelevised USA vs. The World Tag Team with Predator)	Monsoon (Undercard Match) Yeti (Undercard Match)
World Championship IV	Marvin (Undercard Match) SubZero (Exhibition Match) Jasper and BattleSaw (Exhibition Rumble)	WAR Hawk (Undercard Match) Hydra (Undercard Match) Valkyrie (Untelevised Undercard Match)

Faruq Tauheed Introductions

"This bot is all about flower power. It puts the maimin' in the stamen, the metal in the petal. Watch out, it's going in for the chlora-kill. It's PETUNIA!".

"It's a Little Bot of Horrors, inflicting pain and you're about to suddenly see more. Feeeed meeeee. It's PETUNIA!"

"A robot Toucan Slam with a beak that's on fleek and wings that sting. So naturally it's called... PETUNIA?!"

"This bot is crazy as a daisy but definitely not lazy. It's faster than most and will turn you into compost. Get ready to be greenhouse gassed by PETUNIA!"

"If you're a birder who's into murder, then break out the by knocks for this bot. He'll fly into the ring with all sorts of power and yeah, he's also named after a flower, PETUNIA!"

"From the Netherlands, where they ride bikes and build dikes. Amster-damn this bot is doooope! It's PETUNIA!"

"If this Dutch bot was a pop music duo, it would be called Holland Oates. Its crusher is a mean meter, he's a man eater. Whoooa, here she comes! Here to ruin ya, it's PETUNIA!"

"When I hear the words death, destruction, suffering, blood-baths, and carnage, one name comes to mind. PETUNIA!"

"From the Netherlands, here for the flower fans, you better tiptoe around this tulip or it'll crush you and its powerful grip. Say good afternoon-ia to PETUNIA!"

"Excuse me, judges. Can we have separate checks, please? For this fight, we're going Dutch. I'll pay for me and you'll pay with your life. Here to split you in half, it's PETUNIA!"

"The dirty bird from Holland so that makes it Dutch. If there were two of them, would they be called Dutches? Either way, you're gonna need crutches. It's PETUNIA!"

See Also

• PulverizeR (Robot Wars)
• PacifieR (Robot Wars)
• Team P.C.P. on Facebook
• Team P.C.P.'s website

Trivia

• Petunia was named after the tanker truck used to defeat the titular antagonist in Stephen King's novel Christine.
• The team's name, P.C.P., stands for Peace, Club, PacifieR.