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Quantum is a heavyweight robot built by Team Robo Challenge, which competed in BattleBots World Championship IV as well as World Championship VII.

Quantum is a sleek, four-wheel drive bot armed with a deadly crushing beak weapon boasting 35,000lbs of force, and upwards of 50,000lbs towards the back. Its beak used an innovative hydraulic system which allowed the jaws to close immediately and clamp down on opponents, and upon making contact, changing pressure to function as a more conventional crusher. Towards the back of the robot is a self-righting mechanism similar in design to that seen on Witch Doctor and HyperShock.

2019 hero shot quantum

Quantum during World Championship IV hero shots.

Quantum's powerful drive comes from four brushed LEM motors, which were specifically chosen over brushless equivalents for additional precision. However, its armor was relatively thin during its debut season - 3mm thick titanium.[1] However, its shock-mounted front plow was considerably more durable, ranging from 4-6mm HARDOX steel. Quantum performed well in its debut season, winning its first ever fight and ending with a 2-2 record. It then won its play-in battle against a powerful undercutter in Valkyrie, but lost in the Top 16 to a former Giant Nut winner in Tombstone.

Its name derives from the James Bond film franchise, specifically the 2008 release Quantum of Solace. This was also the case with their similarly-designed heavyweight for Chinese competitions, Spectre.

"Names are always tricky, and we never planned on a Bond theme. They just sort of suited what we built!"
— Grant Cooper on naming Quantum[2]

A new version of Quantum was set to appear in the 2020 season, but later withdrew due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

Team Robo Challenge then planned to return for World Championship VI with Quantum, but decided against it, partly due to family commitments and partly due to not wanting to show up with the same bot as two years prior. However, the Coopers outlined their intention to return for World Championship VII with a new and improved version of Quantum.

On October 6, 2022, BattleBots confirmed Quantum's return for the forthcoming season in an official 'Pre-Season Power Rankings' list shared on social media feeds, ranked #30.[4] Quantum was also revealed in a video made by the Skorpios team, where it was shown to have printed plastic 'hairs' on specific parts to resemble quills for a more sinister appearance according to James Cooper. The team confirmed in January 2023 that Quantum had been totally rebuilt for the competition, only sharing the same drive motors and hydraulic system with its 2019 build. Quantum's head was considerably more durable than before, and could now crush with considerably greater force.[5]

Quantum WC VII hero shot

Quantum during World Championship VII hero shots.

Quantum's self-righting mechanism had also been completely revamped, offering greater protection for its hydraulic cylinder which powers the crushing weapon. Despite having not competed in BattleBots since World Championship IV, Quantum proved it was still a serious contender for the Giant Nut as it became the first World Championship VII competitor to achieve a 4-0 Fight Night record. Shatter! captain Adam Wrigley named Quantum as his favored Giant Nut winner for the season following his team's tournament exit to Riptide, but the Cooper brothers fell disastrously short in the Round of 32 to Ribbot after it was upended from both its crusher ripped apart and being unable to self-right from the damage it sustained.

Team Robo Challenge confirmed that Quantum would fight once more in an exhibition battle, and remained coy about entering future BattleBots seasons.[6]

"We're really pleased at how well the machine performed throughout the season. The first ever 4-0 crusher and that really gives us confidence that we can bring upgrades to try and keep a crusher competitive. Let's see what the future holds…"
— Team Robo Challenge on Facebook following their exit from World Championship VII

Outside BattleBots[]

Quantum is an evolution of the team's entry to both seasons of the Chinese television show King of Bots - Spectre. Team Robo Challenge won the first season outright, but seven successive wins were not enough to secure Spectre glory in Season 2 as it lost in the Attrition War team battle to Vulcan.

On September 2, 2023, Quantum made an appearance at RoboNerd in Wolverhampton, the United Kingdom.

Robot History[]

World Championship IV[]

Quantum vs Blacksmith

Quantum Blacksmith

Quantum with a hold on Blacksmith.

Quantum Blacksmith s4

Quantum sinks its teeth into Al Kindle's bot.

Blacksmith quantum separation s4

Quantum and Blacksmith are separated off-camera.

Up first for Quantum was veteran Al Kindle and Blacksmith. Quantum was immediately able to clamp down and grip its opponent, biting into Blacksmith's top armor. However, Blacksmith had extra top armor made of AR500 steel, which made it difficult for Quantum to release due to the damage Quantum had caused to the armor, though the Blacksmith team believed Team Robo Challenge were intentionally not letting go, sparking controversy. The match was paused as both robots were separated off-camera. When the fight resumed, Quantum bit down again and spun its tires, trying to let go, causing its tires to etch blue circles on the arena floor. Sometime later, Quantum got another bite on Blacksmith and paraded it around the arena. Much like the first time, Quantum was unable to let go, so the fight was stopped and the judges were called in to make a decision. Despite not being able to release Blacksmith, the judges awarded Quantum a unanimous 3-0 decision.
"It was the way AR500 in particular reacts to being punctured. It splinters and grips on to the teeth like barbs."
— James Cooper explains the science behind why Quantum could not let go of Blacksmith

Quantum vs Lock-Jaw

Quantum vs lock-jaw

Quantum threatens to bite Lock-Jaw.

Next for Quantum was a match against another veteran, Donald Hutson's Lock-Jaw. As the match got underway, Quantum looked for an opening but found that Lock-Jaw was making that difficult and was thrown into the air. Quantum took another attempt at Lock-Jaw and was unable to get much of an opening as they were thrown into the air again. Quantum then got close to biting Lock-Jaw's weapon but Lock-Jaw slipped away and delivered another hit that caused Quantum to start smoking and stop moving. Quantum was thrown onto its back by its opponent and was counted out, giving Lock-Jaw the win by knockout.

Quantum vs DeathRoll

Quantum Death Roll

Quantum bites down on DeathRoll's weapon mount, snapping a belt.

Quantum's next opponent was the Australian representatives, DeathRoll. Quantum went with its trademark twin teeth on its and additional armor to protect itself from DeathRoll, but took several hits in the opening moments of the fight. However. Quantum managed to bite down just to the right of DeathRoll's weapon and break off a weapon belt. However, DeathRoll had multiple weapon belts so this did not affect its weapon functionality. Quantum then found it getting hit and tossed twice by DeathRoll's weapon; once towards the wall, then towards the screws. Quantum had little offense due to a bent up front wedge from one of the two hits, then found it in more trouble as its teeth were bending inwards to each other. Quantum had suffered further, losing its right drive chain and armor, having its left armor dented, its right rear wheel and left drive chain. Quantum was now unable to move and was counted out, giving DeathRoll the win by KO.

Quantum vs. DUCK!

Duck Quantum

Quantum takes DUCK! to the screws.

Quantum clamps down on DUCK! once more.

Quantum clamps down on DUCK! once more.

Up next for Quantum was against Hal Rucker and DUCK! In response, Team Robo Challenge opted for their wedge configuration. As the match started, both bots came out slowly to feel each other up and position themselves to get the advantage. DUCK! gained the early advantage, getting its beak under Quantum, but the British crusher backed off before DUCK! could lift it. Quantum took advantage of this and drove DUCK into the wall, but missed with its crusher. Quantum finally got DUCK! into its teeth when it came off the wall, then drove DUCK! into another wall and bit down. While holding DUCK!, Quantum was getting attacked by DUCK's lifting arm from above, but this didn't phase Quantum at all. In response, Quantum was able to lift DUCK! completely off the ground, but was getting off balanced by DUCK's lifter, before shoving them into the screws. DUCK! finally got free, but Quantum was back on the hunt, this time grabbing DUCK's plow and forcing it to not work while trying to bite through the top again. Both robots jostled for position again, with DUCK! flipping itself onto Quantum's head before Quantum bit down in such a way that DUCK's plow was under Quantum, lifting both robots wheels off the ground. This remained for a bit as some smoke leaked out of DUCK! before they both got back down and Quantum bit down into one of the pivots for DUCK's lifting arm. Quantum shoved DUCK! into a corner once more as it bit down as DUCK! once again lifted both of them to get their wheels off the ground. DUCK! continued flipping, but Quantum bit down again, pushing DUCK! into another set of screws. Quantum held DUCK! there for a bit as some fire leaked out of one of the bite marks, before Quantum dragged DUCK! out and tried going for another set of screws. DUCK's fire got a bit worse as it was getting slammed into the screws once more by Quantum and eventually behind them. The screws reversed after a bit and DUCK! got free, only to have Quantum bite behind the plow once more and prevent DUCK! from leaving and bit down into the body to leave another set of bite marks. The fight ended soon after and the judges awarded a unanimous 3-0 decision for Quantum.

Quantum vs. Valkyrie

Valkyrie Quantum

Valkyrie goes for the jugular.

Quantum was closing in on the Top 16, but was placed against Leanne Cushing and Valkyrie. For this all-important battle, Quantum opted for a single-toothed crushing beak to compliment a stronger front wedge. As the match got underway, Quantum was mostly having sparks shaved off before Valkyrie got flipped due to the gyroscopic forces of their weapon. Quantum then lost the tooth on its crushing beak and proceeded to grab Valkyrie and parade it around the box. Valkyrie soon lost the use of its weapon and Quantum promptly placed them in the gap behind the screws where Valkyrie could neither escape on their own nor get help from the screws. Valkyrie was counted out, giving Quantum the win by KO and a spot in the Top 16.

Quantum vs. Tombstone

Tombstone vs Quantum

Tombstone delivers a crippling shot to Quantum.

As the No.13 seed, Quantum had to fight the No.4 seed, Ray Billings and the 2016 champion, Tombstone. As a result, Quantum opted for its anti-horizontal spinner wedge, but as the match began, Quantum was immediately thrown onto its back by Tombstone in the first hit. As Quantum self-righted, it landed on top of Tombstone's weapon support and took damage to its underbelly and wheel. It was no longer moving and was counted out, ending Quantum's run and giving Tombstone the win by KO and a place in the quarter-finals.
Quantum Best Design 2019

The Cooper brothers are presented with the Best Design Award.



At the end of the season, Quantum and Team Robo Challenge won the Best Design Award, which was voted upon by fellow BattleBots teams.

World Championship VII[]

Quantum vs. Captain Shrederator

After a two season hiatus, Quantum finally made its BattleBots return in World Championship VII. Its first Fight Night opponent was the veteran shell spinner Captain Shrederator.

Captain Shrederator Quantum grab 1 wcvii

Quantum bites into Captain Shrederator's shell.

As the fight began, it was Quantum who attempted the box-rush, forcing Captain Shrederator to drive into the wall as it escaped. Although the shell was spinning, Brian Nave's bot was cornered and bounced into the barriers again, halting its weapon. This allowed Quantum the opportunity to attack, and the British bot slid its front wedge under Captain Shrederator. It carried the shell spinner to the pulverizer, which landed several blows, and clamped down again. Quantum drove Captain Shrederator across the BattleBox this time, using its speed to chase down its opponent as Brian Nave attempted to drive his robot away from danger. However, it found itself in the same corner as before. Quantum bit down again, sinking its fangs through the UMHW cover as well as its aluminum frame underneath.

Captain Shrederator Quantum grab 2 wcvii

Captain Shrederator is carried across the BattleBox.

Captain Shrederator was picked up and driven across the length of the arena once more, as Quantum took it to the screws and then the short corner. Its dominance continued, ramming Captain Shrederator into the barrier nearest the drivers' booths before sending it to the screws of the Upper Deck. From then, it became evident that Captain Shrederator's primary weapon had been disabled from its opponent's repeated attacks. Keen to win by knockout, Quantum bit down, sinking its fangs into the top of Team LOGICOM's bot once again.

As it charged across the BattleBox, Quantum raised its head and lifted Captain Shrederator off the floor, allowing the screws on the opposite end of the arena to chew against its baseplate. With little offense of its own, Brian Nave was unable to drive away before Quantum gripped it, its teeth crushing vital internal components. As the teeth pieced the shell on this occasion, it caused an audible popping sound.

Quantum dashed across the arena, ramming Captain Shrederator into the arena again as a fire began to erupt from within the shell spinner, suggesting heavy damage to its internals. With one final clamp, smoke began to emit from Captain Shrederator and it was mercifully counted out, marking the Cooper brothers' first win since their return.

Quantum vs. Gruff

Quantum's second Fight Night draw put it up against Gruff, which had initially won over RIPperoni. Both competitors were looking to achieve a 2-0 record by this stage. For this match, Shatter! captain Adam Wrigley joined Chris Rose and Kenny Florian as a guest fight analyst. As Gruff was not armed with a spinning weapon, Team Robo Challenge equipped their machine with a single tooth to maximize its crushing power, as well as baking trays to withstand the heat from its opponent's flamethrowers.[7]

Quantum Gruff Grab

Quantum initiates its first attack, grabbing onto Gruff's right side bite blocker.

Quantum immediately drove around the side of and pressured Gruff towards the bottom-left corner. Undeterred by the twin flamethrowers of its opponent, it pinched Gruff's front-right corner, lifting it onto its side in the process.

Quantum rammed Gruff at high speed into the screw mounts and spiked bumpers, all while sinking its tooth into the Floridian machine a few more times.

Quantum Gruff WCVII (3)

Quantum attacks Gruff from the side.

As it prepared to ram Gruff again, Quantum inadvertently drove into the bumper, though Gruff's evasion demonstrated that it was now seemingly immobilized on one side. Quantum soon collected and maneuvered Gruff across the killsaws, once again appearing to withstand the latter's right flamethrower.

Quantum Gruff WCVII (2)

Quantum weathers attacks from Gruff's flamethrowers.

Both robots drove past each other in a head-on joust, only for Quantum to again give chase on Gruff. This resulted in the UK machine being briefly tipped upwards by Gruff's forks, though Quantum would proceed to ram Gruff into one of the Upper Deck screws.

Gruff Quantum WCVII teaser

Quantum gets lifted briefly by Gruff.

The screw carried Gruff up onto the Upper Deck itself, with Quantum positioning itself to collect the former as soon as it was able to weave itself back onto the BattleBox floor. In a bid to outdrive its opponent, Quantum retreated across the BattleBox and circled around a pursuing Gruff. The two competitors locked weapons, though again Quantum outpushed and got underneath Gruff in an effort to push and clamp down on it once more. Having pushed Gruff across the BattleBox perimeter, Quantum bumped into a floor seam, disrupting its momentum and allowing Gruff to slide away. Quantum reversed to the bottom killsaws, and slowly approached Gruff as the latter strafed across the left perimeter and red square. It was through these moments where it bumped and again scooped Gruff up from the side, allowing both robots to grapple each other at the halfway point.

Quantum Gruff Crush

Quantum pierces down on Gruff from the front.

Both competitors rammed each other against the screw mounts and walls, all while Quantum repeatedly gripped and pierced Gruff's flat top panels. Upon letting go, Quantum immediately shuffled and seized Gruff from the right-hand side, ramming it into the bumpers and over the killsaws. Once a smoking Gruff tried to turn away, Quantum pounced on its left side, nudging, ramming and pinching Gruff while the latter's lifter flailed around in mid-air. Quantum - having rendered Gruff's drive virtually incapacitated - rammed its struggling opponent a few more times before biting down on its left flamethrower mount and rear-left armor. This attack enabled it to momentarily lift Gruff off the BattleBox floor, before nudging it a few more times to check for further signs of mobility. As one of the referees counted Gruff out, Quantum gave a victory salute using its srimech, collecting its second Fight Night win and a 2-0 record in dominant fashion.

Quantum vs. Black Dragon

Looking to continue its winning streak, Quantum's third Fight Night opponent was World Championship V semi-finalist Black Dragon. Quantum returned to its dual-tooth set-up as its Brazilian opponents had equipped Black Dragon with additional UMHW armor.

Quantum black dragon WC VII

Quantum bites down but Black Dragon pushes back.

In the starting seconds, both competitors slowly approached each other until Quantum almost sunk its teeth onto the eggbeater of Black Dragon. The latter swerved away and retaliated with a grinding assault on the side of Quantum. The Cooper brothers' crusher hooked its teeth behind the eggbeater and shoved the Brazilian machine to the corner. But not long after, they found themselves being overpowered in the pushing contest against Black Dragon. Both robots separated after Quantum was slammed into the screws of the Upper Deck.

Quantum vs BD (1)

Quantum bites one of Black Dragon's wheel.

Quantum swiftly crept from behind and grappled one of Black Dragon's vulcanized rubber wheels and sent it to the pulverizer. It released its opponent after that successful attack. However, Black Dragon fled and returned to strike to the front of Quantum. Soon after, they gained distance from each other and remained cautious in their approaches. The eggbeater weapon grazed against Quantum before it was halted by the crushing jaw. Another back and forth pushing contest ensued before Black Dragon escaped. Team Robo Challenge started pursuing its opponent until their wedge took a bump from an uneven part of the floor. Black Dragon then drove up the wedge, but could not cause significant damage to the British crusher.

Quantum vs BD (2)

Quantum fails to release its hold after clamping down on the weapon of Black Dragon.

Yet again, Quantum successfully sunk its teeth down on the spinning weapon and tried its best to control Team Uai!rrior's robot. The opposing team requested for a release but Quantum was unable to let go due to a loose solenoid wire.[8] Timeout was called and Trey reported that the robots could not be pried apart, so the match went to the judges.

Judges black dragon quantum WC VII

The judges assess both robots before making a decision.

All three judges took the opportunity to enter the BattleBox to assess damage caused to both robots. Quantum earned another victory by unanimous decision, continuing its win streak at 3-0.

Quantum vs. Emulsifier

The only machine now standing between Quantum and a 4-0 Fight Night record was Bots FC's tracked spinner Emulsifier.
"This next fight is critical for us really, to make sure that we come out of it in one piece. Emulsifier's weapon is really savage. The key for us is to just get hold of it, and once we can get hold of it, we can relax for a few seconds and think about what we do then."
— Grant Cooper
Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 1

Quantum charges down Emulsifier.

Bots FC, in an attempt to maximize engagement on Emulsifier's flywheel, decided against using any wedges or forks, also fitting HARDOX 450 top plates to prevent Quantum from biting down on either side of the weapon.[9] Responding to their opponent's decisions, Team Robo Challenge elected to use their anti-horizontal wedge configuration, along with the twin front teeth. Upon its entry into the BattleBox, Quantum briefly sported a Bots FC scarf across the back of its crusher head.

Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 2

Quantum bites down on Emulsifier's track.

Quantum immediately rushed out to initiate a head-on collision between the two heavyweights. This resulted in Emulsifier ripping its left-front tooth out, though the Coopers' machine immediately pivoted around to shove Emulsifier back into an Upper Deck screw mount. In doing so, Quantum bit down on Emulsifier's left track, surviving retaliatory chips from the latter's flywheel while spinning and dragging it around. The UK entry released its grip near the bottom-left killsaws, leading to another head-to-head exchange where Emulsifier inflicted more blows to its wedge and crushing head.

Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 3

Quantum suffers a blow to its head.

Unfazed, Quantum pushed and tried to grab Emulsifier a second time, while the latter was struggling to keep its flywheel rotating at maximum speed. In the process, it maneuvered and almost tipped its opponent onto its back against the spiked bumper, while trying to pierce one of the protective HARDOX 450 plates. However, this attack - and a resulting bump - shook Quantum's remaining front tooth off, forcing Team Robo Challenge to rely on the smaller, more potent teeth behind as Quantum again pinned Emulsifier against the bumper. As Emulsifier tried to drive forward, Quantum reversed, clamped and rammed it disc-first into the bottom-left corner. Taking advantage of its opponent's emerging track issues, it attacked again from the front-right and snapped one of Emulsifier's defensive plates clean off.
"...they are locked on. Heck, who NEEDS teeth? Quantum's gonna try and gum Emulsifier to death! Absolutely incredible what this robot can do in the Box, Kenny!"
— Chris Rose, as a partially-toothless Quantum clamps and controls Emulsifier

Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 4

Despite losing both teeth, Quantum continues to control its opponent.

Quantum, during the same attack, clamped down on Emulsifier's right track, while repeatedly ramming, pulling and pushing it around in the corner. Though again releasing its grip, it slammed Emulsifier into the bumper again, and repeated a similar clamp and ram attack while Emulsifier's spinner was rotating. Quantum kept pinning and grabbing hold of Emulsifier in the corner, while at the same time preventing the disk from spinning up consistently. As both robots became locked in an embrace, the Coopers' machine steered its opponent around and back into the corner. Quantum was kicked upwards by a glancing hit from Emulsifier's disk, while narrowly dodging a strike from the nearby red square pulverizer. This had the effect of allowing Emulsifier to get underneath and knock Quantum into another bumper, though Quantum immediately turned round to push Emulsifier back across the BattleBox, twice coming close to tipping it over again.

Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 5

Both robots tussle by the Upper Deck.

With the battle over half-way complete, both robots were now near the center. Quantum took more glancing blows from Emulsifier's spinner while trying to line up another angle to clamp down from. Ramming Emulsifier into the right-hand Upper Deck screw mount, it seized the former and dragged it back into the center. Smoke began pouring from behind Quantum's right-rear wheel as it gently pushed its opponent forwards, then let go, leaving Emulsifier seemingly immobilized. Quantum turned round and approached Emulsifier, raising and lowering its srimech in celebration of a looming knockout win.
"Right, leave him there! Leave him there! Leave him there!"
— James Cooper, shortly after Emulsifier first becomes immobilized
Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 6

Quantum celebrates as Emulsifier is immobilized.

A count-out was started by referee John Remar, as Bots FC's Matt Bores left his control area in an attempt to regain radio signal. With two seconds remaining, Emulsifier sprang back into life. Quantum set off and rammed Emulsifier immediately; turning round, it absorbed and was thrown into the air by an impact from the latter's disc. Landing on all four wheels, Quantum resumed its initial strategy, forcing Emulsifier upwards from the front and causing it to land on a piece of nearby debris. The debris - as later discovered by Bots FC after the match - was one of its own front teeth, which had become stuck to a magnet used to improve Emulsifier's traction.[10]

Quantum Emulsifier WCVII 7

Emulsifier suddenly stops once again.

Having high-centered Emulsifier as a result, Quantum briefly nudged its opponent, before staying close to it as the second immobilization became apparent. With nine seconds on the clock, a second countdown was initiated for Emulsifier, though it was too late to confirm an instant knockout win for the already-jubilant Team Robo Challenge.
"Emulsifier is gonna earn some damage points, but I gotta think this is Quantum's fight."
— Kenny Florian, during post-match replays

With the match going to a judges' decision, the panel unanimously ruled in favor of Quantum. This enabled it to become the first World Championship VII competitor to achieve a 4-0 Fight Night record, with Chris Rose inferring that it had guaranteed itself a place in the main championship as a result.
James Cooper: "It was really nip and tuck. They put some really big impacts into us, but... you get to the point with Quantum where you're like "just shove the head into the disc! Just whatever it takes. Just stop that disc!" [laughter]"
Grant Cooper: "It's a relief. I'm glad that we've still got a machine to carry on in the competition."
— The Cooper brothers reflect on a tough, but dominant battle from Quantum

Upon returning to the pits, Team Robo Challenge examined the damage inflicted by Emulsifier. Along with the teeth and 'large chunks' of the crusher head being removed, both the rear chassis and mount for the hydraulic pump were found to require repairs as well.[11]

"It was a fantastic fight against our great friends. The relief when they stopped for what felt like a life time. then they get going with only seconds left! The last big impact cracked the hydraulic pump mount. The rear chassis was cracked too but we were extremely happy with how Quantum performed against one serious spinner.

4-0 is an enormous achievement for us, especially being a crusher. But none of that matters now, 4-0 makes no difference in the Round of 32!
"
— Team Robo Challenge - Spectre & Quantum Facebook page[11]

Quantum vs. Ribbot

Entering the Top 32 as the No.5 seed, Quantum looked to continue its unbeaten run against the No.28 seed, Ribbot. Again, its crusher utilized twin front teeth. Before the match, Grant Cooper noted the 'tenacious', 'fast' and 'nimble' combat style of his and James' opponent, the brothers having earlier watched it compete in its four Fight Night bouts.

"For us, every spinner is a huge concern, and that's why we have such an aggressive strategy... get the jaw on them as quickly as possible. Get that disk stopped, because the consequence of getting just the lightest lick on the side of the robot is pretty catastrophic. Win or lose... if we go out there and we terrify the opponent, that's the big win for us."
— James Cooper
Ribbot Quantum WCVII

Ribbot immediately becomes caught in the killsaw slot.

Both robots started tentatively, with Quantum initiating an early charge at Ribbot and briefly pushing it from the front. Sparks flew as it took glancing hits to the front end from Ribbot's disk, at which point the latter shot forwards and caught itself on the bottom-left killsaw slots. Quantum reversed, then briefly nudged Ribbot from the side, lifting David Jin's machine off the floor in the process. Ribbot's inner-left fork remained lodged in the killsaw slot, trapping it in place.
"It was an odd one for us. They seemed to get stuck in the floor very early which felt very similar to us being stuck in Blacksmith. It's a really underwhelming feeling especially after all the work both teams put into competing and being there. So we didn't want to win a fight after 5 seconds with no contact but at the same time we have to be sporting and not go in for an unnecessary kill."
— Team Robo Challenge – Spectre & Quantum Facebook post[6]
Quantum Ribbot WCVII 1

Quantum clamps down on Ribbot.

Not wanting to have their opponents eliminated instantly, the Coopers positioned Quantum directly behind Ribbot. Quantum attempted to clamp down, eventually getting hold of Ribbot as it tried to escape and dug itself further into the killsaw slots. The UK entry pierced through the back of Ribbot's top cover along with the armor plate beneath it, the crusher operating at low pressure at this point.[6] According to David Jin, this had come close to piercing a drive motor located within that corner. With Ribbot still stuck in place, Quantum maneuvered to the former's left side and raised its srimech, as James Cooper suggested to Grant to leave Ribbot in place. Seconds later, Ribbot finally broke free, reversing away as Quantum chased and caught a floor seam.

Another tentative head-to-head exchange quickly followed, with Quantum briefly being pushed back by Ribbot. Quantum spent the next few moments circling around Ribbot, but was unable to find a suitable angle to attack. Two front-on rams from the Team Robo Challenge machine allowed Ribbot to get underneath using its forks, then throw Quantum into the air with two rapid blows from its flywheel. Significant damage was inflicted to both Quantum's front wedge and baseplate, the latter now missing its middle panel. Quantum, landing on its crusher head, tumbled onto its back and self-righted, only to take further damage to its left-rear corner from a charging Ribbot. Seemingly unfazed by this, Quantum rammed Ribbot once more as the two competitors found themselves in the lower perimeter.

Ribbot Quantum WCVII KO hit

Quantum is flipped over and breaks its hydraulic sysyem.

Quantum kept driving aggressively, trying to push Ribbot from the front while clamping down on its opponent's spinner. However, Ribbot again won the ground game, using its forks and Quantum's engagement to flip the British machine onto its back a second time. The same attack also caused critical damage to Quantum's crusher, separating the head from its own hydraulic ram. Quantum sustained more damage as Ribbot landed a final hit to its right-hand side, leaving it perched on its now-severed crusher.

Quantum Ribbot KO WCVII

Quantum is counted out.

Despite activating its srimech, Quantum could not self-right from that position, though its movements briefly convinced David Jin that it was still active. As Jin threatened to inflict further damage to his and Grant's machine, James Cooper asked Team Ribbot to 'back off'; Jin acknowledged Cooper's request and kept Ribbot away from the now-incapacitated Quantum. Quantum was promptly counted out by David Sanfilippo, eliminating it by knockout and ending its World Championship VII campaign at this stage.
"In hindsight we should've had the jaw right behind them so if they came free they went straight into the jaw. [O]ther than that I feel we did the right thing and I hope that in future opponents will treat us with the same respect."
— James Cooper, commenting on the strategic error and sportsmanship displayed by Quantum[12]

Though taking heavy damage to its weapon – including a 'chunk' ripped out of its hydraulic ram - Quantum was found afterwards to still be fully functional.

Quantum vs. Double Tap (Exhibition)

While a lack of spare components precluded it from potentially appearing in BattleBots: Champions II, Team Robo Challenge confirmed their participation in a further exhibition match,[13] filmed as part of Vengeance in Vegas II. Their opponent was later revealed to be rookie bot Double Tap.

Quantum vs Double Tap VIV2 1

Quantum bites down on Double Tap.

The match began with Quantum performing a speedy box-rush while Double Tap dodged the incoming onslaught and began to spin up. Quantum quickly stopped the blade and got around to Double Tap's back, biting down before slamming it into the corner of the arena.

Quantum vs Double Tap VIV2 2

Double Tap is pinned by the Upper Deck.

Quantum released but immediately crushed the back of Double Tap again - this time near the Upper Deck. Double Tap then suffered another attack from Team Robo Challenge's machine as it was dragged from the corner.

Quantum vs Double Tap VIV2 3

Quantum drives Double Tap into the corner and under the pulverizer.

Quantum clamped down again before driving Double Tap into the corner and underneath the pulverizer, which damaged Double Tap's primary weapon on impact. Double Tap was no longer moving but Quantum shoved Jonathan Collazo's bot across the BattleBox as Double Tap suffered more hits from the opposite corner's pulverizers.

Quantum vs Double Tap VIV2

Quantum lifts Double Tap in the air.

Now past the 1:30 mark, the damaged horizontal spinner on Double Tap was off-balance and the robot started to shake whenever it tried to spin. Quantum bit down near its weapon, hoisting Double Tap into the air momentarily before clamping down on the blade itself. There appeared to be little life in Double Tap's weapon now too, as the fight entered its final minute.

Quantum vs Double Tap KO VIV2

Quantum celebrates as Double Tap is immobilized.

The dominant Quantum continued to bully Double Tap around the BattleBox, opting to leave it underneath the pulverizer and retreating to celebrate. Double Tap was counted out and Quantum was eventually declared the winner by knockout with just four seconds remaining.

Results[]

QUANTUM
World Championship IV
Fight Nights
3-2
Fight Night #1 vs. Blacksmith Won (JD)
Fight Night #2 vs. Lock-Jaw Lost (KO)
Fight Night #3 vs. DeathRoll Lost (KO)
Fight Night #4 vs. DUCK! Won (JD)
Play-In Match vs. Valkyrie Won (KO)
World Championship Tournament
#13 Seed, Round of 16
Round of 16 vs. Tombstone (4) Lost (KO)
World Championship VII
Fight Nights
4-0
Fight Night #1 vs. Captain Shrederator Won (KO)
Fight Night #2 vs. Gruff Won (KO)
Fight Night #3 vs. Black Dragon Won (JD)
Fight Night #4 vs. Emulsifier Won (JD)
World Championship Tournament
#5 Seed, Round of 32
Round of 32 vs. Ribbot (28) Lost (KO)
Exhibition Matches
1-0
Exhibition Match vs. Double Tap Won (KO)

Competitive Wins/Losses[]

  • Wins: 7
  • Losses: 4

Exhibition Wins/Losses[]

  • Wins: 1
  • Losses: 0

Total Wins/Losses[]

  • Wins: 8
  • Losses: 4
Competition Wins Losses
World Championship IV Blacksmith
(Undercard Match)
DUCK!
(Undercard Match)
Valkyrie
Lock-Jaw
(Undercard Match)
DeathRoll
(Undercard Match)
Tombstone
World Championship VII Captain Shrederator
(Undercard Match)
Gruff
(Undercard Match)
Black Dragon
(Undercard Match)
Emulsifier
(Undercard Match)
Double Tap (Exhibition Match)
Ribbot

Honors[]

QUANTUM
World Championship IV
Best Design Award

Faruq Tauheed Introductions[]

"This bot's crusher is scarier than Dracula. Its name is half the title of a show with Scott Bakula. I know these rhymes were a bit of a leap, but you know you want them. It's QUANTUM!"

"It looks like a beauty, but bites like a beast. It's come to be our guest, be our guest, put this robot to the test. It's QUANTUM!"

"It's so pretty, it doesn't need makeup, but that bite's so hard, it'll really make you wake up. I'm crushing on QUANTUM!"

"This bot's named for a James Bond movie and like a Bond girl, it's a beauty. Dr. No it's not a mirage, it's an espionage and I spy with my little eye that someone's going to Live or Let Die. The name's Tum... QUANTUM!"

"From the UK, it's the killer ranked at #13 and that's unlucky... for you. He's like the British pound, cash money. It's QUANTUM!"

"From Birmingham, UK, his name starts with a Q, and now, he's coming for you. It's QUANTUM!"

"From Birmingham, UK, this thing lives out near Big Ben, which means it's almost time to die. Ring the bell for QUANTUM!"

"From Birmingham, United Kingdom, serving blowfish and chips, it's QUANTUM!"

"He'll be Fangin' with Mr. Cooper, and these dudes should really scare you when he sticks those Sister, Sister fangs. Tia, you won't live to see Tamera. No Tyler Perry in this House of Payne, just the scariest bot you've ever seen-a. He'll go all smackers till you're smart and yelling, 'Damn, Machina!' It's QUANTUM!"

Trivia[]

  • Quantum is the only competing heavyweight robot to start with the letter Q.
    • The first robot in BattleBots history to start with a Q was superheavyweight Queen Bee, which ended up forfeiting. Fellow British entry Quasar ultimately did not compete in the show.
      • Outside of this, there were two Robot Wars applicants who failed to qualify for the show's classic era, named Q and Quack Attack.
  • Quantum was one of the heaviest robots in the modern era to still remain under the 250lb weight limit. According to the team, just a few coins would have put Quantum overweight in 2019.
  • James Cooper rendered the visuals for fellow British team Cobalt in World Championship IV.
    • Team Robo Challenge and Team Cobalt became good friends over BattleBots and various UK events over the years, with Cobalt's Dave Moulds serving as best man for Grant Cooper's wedding.
  • Team Robo Challenge were supplied high grade titanium by Whiplash during the 2018 season.

See Also[]

References[]

Navigation[]

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