Switchback

Switchback
Participation Information
Reboot Seasons	World Championship VI World Championship VII World Championship VIII (Status pending)
Live	BattleBots Proving Ground BattleBots Faceoffs
Other Events	BattleBots: Champions I BattleBots: Champions II
Other Names	Switchback v2 (WC VII) Switchback v3 (WC VIII)
Team Information
Team	Team Midnight Invention
Team Members	Greg Needel (Captain) Christina Needel David Yanoshak Amanda Morrison Orion DeYoe Gabby DeYoe Frank Lima Scotty Allen Phil Luetchford Parker Holloway Wolf Thomas Noah Santoni James Nguyen (WC VII-Present)
From	Dallas, TX
Other Entries	Tetracide
Robot Statistics
Weight	250lbs
Power	12S LiPo battery
Drive	2x Custom brushless motors
Weapons	Articulating eggbeater spinner (WC VII-Present) Articulating drum spinner (WC VI-BB: Champions I)
Statistics correct as of its most recent appearance on the show, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

Switchback is a heavyweight robot built by Team Midnight Invention, which competed in BattleBots World Championship VI and VII.

It is a four-wheel drive robot manufactured from aluminum and AR500 steel. Switchback boasts a 10,000rpm spinning drum which swings on an arm with 180 degrees of rotation, allowing it to attack from the front or back. The arm itself utilized a brushless motor spinning a worm gear, which in turn spun a gearbox with heavy reduction to, in its debut season, swing up to 80lbs of disks from front to back in approximately three seconds, according to the team.

Switchback during World Championship VI hero shots.

The drum-like mass on Switchback was made up of a row of 6½lb AR500 steel disks, which were sandwiched together to form a larger spinning mass. Switchback was able to run their heaviest drum configuration, 80lbs of disks, at 250mph. Due to the modularity of its weapon, weight could be redeployed to their armor if deemed necessary ahead of a battle. At its heaviest, the drum could be made up of twelve identically cut disks. Switchback also featured custom-molded wheels for a bespoke finish and to fit the team's orange and black color scheme. Depending on the opponent, individual disks could be added or removed from the drum for when the team want to prioritize weapon speed or weight in the BattleBox. Switchback suffered an unfortunate loss to Gruff in its BattleBots debut, but redeemed itself with a knockout win over 2020 season Top 32 finisher Slammo!. However, a knockout loss to HUGE cost the team a place in the Top 32.

Switchback during World Championship VII hero shots.

The team confirmed upgrades to Switchback ahead of applying for World Championship VII in May 2022, dubbed Switchback v2. Team captain Greg Needel stated the new build would be an all-new construction, utilizing machined aluminum rather than steel, and not recycle any parts from the original 2021 season build. Switchback now sported a range of weapon and armor configurations, replacing the row of disks seen in its debut competition. Equipped with its eggbeater drum spinner, this proved effective in its first fight - a win over a rookie bot in Banshee. The team suffered a loss by knockout to the Australian spinner bot DeathRoll, but recovered to 3-1 after taking out Ominous and HiJinx, securing a Top 32 place for the first time. Switchback lost to Malice in the opening round of the tournament, but the team were widely praised for the improvements made for their second iteration.

Switchback also competed in BattleBots: Champions II, where it defeated fan favorite Kraken in the first round. However, it lost to eventual Slugfest winner SHREDDIT BRO! in Round 2.

In April 2023, Greg Needel confirmed progress on Switchback v3 ahead of World Championship VIII, another total rebuild from the previous season. Described as a "derivative of [Switchback] v2", the third iteration intends to improve the durability of the leading edges of the lifter, as well as reworking the power pack for its spinner. He also inferred an intention to attend Proving Grounds at BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon to practice the new build.

Greg Needel brought Switchback to BattleBots Proving Ground in September 2023, where it took on two robots built by Rick Russ - Swamp Thing and Hellfire. Switchback sported a brand new weapon stack and experimental wedgelet and fork options which the team looked to test over the weekend. Greg Needel also stated Switchback boasted "40% more power" than the version which competed in World Championship VII, due to new weapon motors, speed controllers and software changes. Although it first lost to Swamp Thing by knockout, Switchback redeemed itself with a knockout win the following day as Hellfire had to pull out.

In July 2024, the team confirmed their inclusion in the BattleBots Faceoffs event to be held in Fall. It will face Terrortops, Bloodsport, and HiJinx across October 25th-27th.

An early render of Switchback in 2021.

Robot History

World Championship VI
Switchback vs. Gruff Switchback's BattleBots debut came against the returning Gruff. They came into the fight with little in the way of alterations, though Switchback had purposely aligned their 6.5lb AR500 steel disks in the drum to evade Gruff's forks. Switchback captain Greg Needel had watched all of Gruff's previous fights in preparation for the fight. Sparks fly as Switchback's weapon makes contact with Gruff's armor. As it began, Switchback immediately spun up and delivered a shot as Gruff tried to slide underneath the rookie bot. Gruff successfully breached their ground clearance from the side and pushed Switchback against the barrier before allowing their drum to pop make contact with the floor and free their opponent. Gruff takes Switchback to the pulverizer. Gruff returned to the middle of the BattleBox and activated their flamethrowers as Switchback was momentarily held up in the killsaw slot, but this largely served to obstruct the view of Switchback's team as they lined up an attack with the drum. Gruff torches the rookie bot as it lays immobile. Gruff got underneath Switchback again and sent them to the pulverizer before freeing them, all while evading their primary weapon. Switchback was able to spin back up and naively charged in, flipping themselves over on impact. The team should have been able to use the arm to self-right, but the arm gearbox shifted inside the drive base and severed a crucial wire. Switchback could not self-right and was counted out as Gruff charred the rookie bot with their flames. Gruff took the win by KO, putting Switchback to an 0-1 start.
Switchback vs. Slammo! Switchback's second fight was against Slammo! in an untelevised match. For this battle, Switchback fitted just three disks to their articulating drum. Switchback gets its primary weapon into play. Greg Needel's bot raised its weapon in the opening seconds as it looked to counter Slammo!. It caught Craig Danby's bot side on and was able to cause sparks to fly, before doing the same to its front. Slammo! attempted to grab Switchback, but was only able to pinch one of their front wedglets. As such, it did not have the leverage to lift its opponent, let alone suplex it. Switchback lowered its drum and caught Slammo! out, knocking it away. However, neither robot was able to gain a foothold in the match. Switchback dropped its drum onto Slammo! again as it appeared to be struggling with drive issues. The rookie bot backed away momentarily before coming in again, but Slammo! was able to grip the weapon and prevent it from spinning up. Again, Slammo! was unable to lift Switchback and eventually let go. Switchback retreated before landing one last hit on Slammo!, which was no longer able to move. Slammo! was counted out and Switchback earned their first win of the season.
Switchback vs. HUGE Sitting at 1-1, Switchback met HUGE in the rookie team's third and final Fight Night battle. HUGE bounces into the air as a result of their own attack. Switchback opted against leading with its primary weapon as it turned to spin up. HUGE was able to smother its opponent, however, and landed a hit which led Switchback to momentarily stop. A second hit from HUGE flipped Switchback over completely but it righted itself with its arm, a feat which cost it earlier in the competition versus Gruff. The rookie team escaped the short corner, though not without taking another glancing hit from HUGE's vertical bar spinner. Switchback repositioned its arm in an attempt to hit higher up as both bots returned to the center of the BattleBox. Switchback is counted out. However, it appeared HUGE was no longer mobile on one wheel. It was still able to spin and maneuver towards its opponent, and delivered several blows to the top of Switchback again. After another hit, Switchback had lost a weapon belt and the disks on the arm were misaligned. Switchback slowed down before stopping altogether as a count began on Greg Needel's bot. HUGE took the win by knockout and at a 1-2 record, Switchback was denied entry to the Top 32.
BattleBots: Champions I
Switchback vs. Lucky Switchback also fought in BattleBots: Champions I, where it faced Lucky in the first round of its bracket. Switchback takes on Lucky. As Switchback drove around and spun up, Lucky evaded, reversing around the BattleBox. Switchback then landed a shot to the side of Lucky which appeared to lock drive on one side. Lucky fired its punching arm as it arced in place, but now Switchback was no longer moving. After swinging its arm over, it was able to drive away, but Lucky was now smoking. Switchback held off and Lucky was counted out, and Greg Needel's bot chalked up its second BattleBots win.
Switchback vs. Blacksmith Next up for Switchback was Al Kindle and Blacksmith, who beat Deadlift in the opening round. Blacksmith pins Switchback under the pulverizer. Switchback found itself backed into the short corner early on, and was then pinned under the pulverizer and suffered a shot from Blacksmith's hammer saw. Blacksmith upends Switchback. Blacksmith landed another blow which took a chunk out of Switchback's side supports before getting underneath and overturning it. Switchback was able to self-right, but fell into the path of Al Kindle's bot, which attacked again with its disk. Switchback is pressed against the Upper Deck. Switchback's weapon sprocket had been severely damaged by this point and could no longer swing its arm back and forth with the same efficiency. It also appeared to be struggling to drive, as it ran weapon-first into the Upper Deck and bounced away. Blacksmith met the rear of Switchback and fired its flaming hammer saw several more times, herding Switchback into the short corner again. Greg Needel's bot found itself under the same pulverizer as before, but only suffered gentle taps from the 100lb hammer. Switchback is counted out. Blacksmith used this to pin its opponent in place, however, and delivered further attacks to the weapon of Switchback, who struggled to escape the corner. With the clear aggression points to its name, Blacksmith opted to send Switchback towards the front of the Upper Deck, where its wedgelet became caught underneath the robot and stopped Switchback from moving. A count-out began, and Switchback was eliminated from the bracket at this stage.
World Championship VII
Switchback vs. Banshee Switchback's first Fight Night opponent of World Championship VII was rookie flipper Banshee. Switchback attacks Banshee from overhead. The fight began with Banshee dashing across the BattleBox, but missing with its initial flip. Switchback raised its articulating eggbeater weapon and gave chase, but was ultimately thrown over by Banshee. Although Switchback successfully righted itself, it appeared as though Switchback could not retract its arm, so opted to use it in its downward-spinning position. Both robots entered the short corner momentarily and Banshee landed another flip, but lacked the power to overturn Switchback again. As Greg Needel's bot grinded its eggbeater against the flipper of Banshee, one flip from the rookie robot actually repositioned the primary weapon on Switchback, and it could function as a traditional vertical spinner once more. Banshee first suffered a blow to the front of its flipper, and then overhead attacks from the pulverizer as Switchback got in underneath. Switchback gets in underneath Banshee. Switchback eventually backed up to free Banshee, but also to allow it time and space to spin its weapon back up. It circled Banshee before tearing away part of its flipper, ramming it from the side and driving the rookie bot into the wall. With the end of its flipper buckled, Banshee could no longer get in underneath its opponent as intended and Switchback took advantage, dealing further flows to Banshee's chassis. Smoke began to emit from Switchback and the eggbeater stopped spinning, but Banshee was pinned against one of the arena paddles in the closing seconds of the fight. Both robots were mobile at the end of the battle, which the judges awarded unanimously in favor of Switchback.
Switchback vs. DeathRoll Switchback's second Fight Night opponent was the returning 2019 season semi-finalist DeathRoll. For this fight, Greg Needel's team fitted additional forks to its front to get underneath the front plow of DeathRoll and hit with their heaviest weapon option. Switchback and DeathRoll go weapon-to-weapon. DeathRoll charged at Switchback, who dodged the box-rush by swerving to one side and getting its eggbeater drum up to speed. Both robots' weapons made contact but neither were affected. Switchback then managed to pop DeathRoll into the air, and the Australian bot countered with a hit which flipped Greg Needel's robot over. Though able to self-right, Switchback landed with its rear pointed towards DeathRoll, and the powerful vertical spinner dealt blows to its wheelguards. Switchback turned to face its opponent, but DeathRoll came in and sliced into its weapon belt, instantly disabling the kinetic weapon. "I think that big shot may have knocked out Switchback's weapon, and there goes a belt!" — Kenny Florian as Switchback loses power to its eggbeater Switchback is stuck on the rails and pinned by the hammer. Switchback found itself cornered by Steve Martin's bot; it was first tipped over, before DeathRoll delivered a follow-up hit to its underside. Though on its wheels again, Switchback's arm lay outstretched and was vulnerable to further attacks, which DeathRoll soon capitalized upon. The World Championship IV semi-finalist hit Switchback again, who fell onto the rails and underneath the pulverizer. The DeathRoll team activated the 100lb hammer and used it to pin Switchback in place, charging into its opponent and severely damaging the articulating arm. "Ohhh, big hit, there! That may just be the end of Switchback." — Kenny Florian The shaft of the pulverizer continued to hit Switchback as it lay immobile, unable to escape the rails with its weaponry disabled. Greg Needel relinquished his transmitter as Switchback was counted out, marking DeathRoll's first win of the season and putting both robots to 1-1 records.
Switchback vs. Ominous Switchback in the red square during World Championship VII. Switchback's third Fight Night opponent was against Ominous, for whom it sported its heavier 40lb eggbeater drum running at 70% power to help reduce gyroscopic forces as it turned. The team also added armor at the front called The Beak. Ominous throws Switchback over. The two robots met in the middle of the BattleBox, with Ominous the quicker to get its vertical spinner up to speed. Sensing danger, Switchback drove away and the Dutch robot gave chase. Switchback turned to face its opponent and went weapon-to-weapon, which threw Greg Needel's machine into the air. Greg Needel: "Self-right?" Kenny Florian: "Now that's a big shot..." Chris Rose: "The Texans are able to self-right and square back up." — Chris and Kenny react as Switchback is upended Ominous lands a big hit on Switchback. Though Switchback recovered, its beak attachment had been bent into the path of its eggbeater drum, not only preventing it from spinning but also affecting its ability to get in underneath its opponent. Ominous remained aggressive, forcing Switchback into the corner and throwing its drisc weapon into the damaged beak, tearing it off but also flipping itself over. Switchback picks up a fortuitous second win. While Switchback landed upright, Ominous did not, and the latest attack also removed the damaged beak attachment which was obstructing the eggbeater drum of the Texan bot. As such, it could spin up again and landed a glancing shot to the rear of Ominous as it lay inverted. The self-righting mechanism of Ominous failed to activate and a count began on the Dutch machine, confirming a second win of the season for Switchback.
Switchback vs. HiJinx Switchback's fourth and final Fight Night opponent was HiJinx, with a win all but guaranteeing it entrance into the post season and a loss leaving it in a risky position. For its final fight card bout, Switchback equipped a wide, hinged plow that could defend against both HiJinx's weapon and its deceptively low tail. "If we can kinda control their weapon spinup and stay close to them, we're also a lot faster and more maneuverable in the box." — Greg Needel outlines his plan to smother Hijinx's offenses Switchback pops HiJinx up in the air. At the start of the fight, Switchback demonstrated its superior speed right away, crossing the box to land a small hit on HiJinx only two seconds into the match. It followed up with another light shot before carrying the undercutter into the wall beneath the drivers' booth, this time delivering a more powerful blow which flipped HiJinx on its head. Switchback moved away to spin up, then charged back into the overturned undercutter to hit it again. "Oohhhhh! Enormous shot and a bad ending, Hijinx up on the rails!" — Chris Rose exclaims his surprise at Switchback's sudden display of power Switchback sends HiJinx's bar flying. Switchback continued to pressure the owl-themed bot, pushing it further towards the corner before delivering a devastating attack that launched HiJinx's weapon across the arena while sending the bot itself tumbling over onto the rails. With such a vicious killshot, Switchback moved towards its starting square, waving its articulated arm to the crowd in celebration as it improved to a 3-1 record. "You know, we're happy to make the Round of 32. That was one of the big goals for the season, and we're ready to take anybody they throw at us." — Greg Needel expresses confidence and pride in his bot reaching the post season
Switchback vs. Malice Switchback's team celebrate making the Top 32 by decorating their robot's underside. For the first time in its career, Switchback qualified for the main championship bracket as the No.16 seed. In the Round of 32, it fought the No.17 seed, Bunny Liaw and Malice with its full front and side armor setup. "Switchback time!" — Greg Needel Switchback, weapon arm raised, started the quicker of the two competitors, lunging at the side of Malice as the latter negotiated out of the red square. However, it took two hits from Malice's "Drumstuck" spinner and was pushed into one of the nearby screws. In response, Switchback raised its arm, bringing its eggbeater into contact with Malice's left forks. Both robots pirouetted together following a reverse drive from Switchback; Switchback swung its arm again, and Malice broke itself free from this embrace. Switchback pops Malice up. Again, Switchback pursued Malice across the BattleBox, only to take hits to its front and rear armor upon meeting it in the center. A few seconds later, it threw Malice upwards in a direct weapon-on-weapon exchange. Malice responded by breaching Switchback's front ground clearance and inflicting more damaging blows to its lower armor, while also pressuring it into the blue square screws. A few rams followed, before both competitors turned around and drove away simultaneously. Switchback reached the bottom-left killsaw slots, turned around, and bumped into a pursuing Malice. Another spinner-on-spinner collision followed, with Malice momentarily driving up the side of Switchback as a consequence. Chris Rose: "Greg Needel does the Texas two-step and breaks free... but David Liaw, he's playing some serious press coverage tonight!" Kenny Florian: "And Chris, I'm not really hearing Switchback's drum anymore... [Malice hits the side of Switchback] OH!" Chris Rose: "In the meantime, the Drumstick on Malice is just fine, thanks." Kenny Florian: "Well, so far, this fight has been pretty even when it comes to damage, and Switchback's... built like a brickhouse. So even if they're having weapon issues, they're not out!" — As Malice maintains an aggressive onslaught against Switchback Switchback is caught under the pulverizer, Greg Needel's machine again rammed Malice, this time near the control booth. Switchback, however, recoiled to the side following this impact, while its own eggbeater had stopped spinning freely by this point. Immediately, it took two more blows to its left and front armor from Malice, which proceeded to nudge Switchback from behind. Switchback shot forwards, turned and stopped by the killsaw slots. As Malice headed to the center, it weaved towards the former in pursuit, ultimately weathering another series of heavy attacks to the front. Though its opponent's spinner also briefly halted, Switchback was still pushed around in circles near the bottom-left corner. Backing away in retreat, it slammed into the nearby wall bumper, and took a blow from the nearby pulverizer as Malice again headed back into the center. Switchback's weapon chain comes loose. From that moment, Switchback began to suffer drive issues, and it quickly became clear that it was now immobilized on one side. Malice drove up and clipped its left-hand side, before hitting and sending Switchback underneath the pulverizer. Switchback quickly responded by ramming Malice, briefly halting its Drumstick spinner once more. As the match entered half-distance, it struggled to drive out from the corner, leaving it vulnerable to another spinner attacks from Malice. This was enough - as spotted by Bunny Liaw - to sever the right-hand chain for Switchback's weapon arm, which was now left trailing behind. Sparks fly as Malice attacks the front of Switchback again. Eventually, both robots met in the center again, Switchback discarding the chain as it valiantly deflected another of Malice's spinner attacks. Tentative movements followed, before Switchback took more grinding attacks from Malice, which also proceeded to push and spear directly beneath its eggbeater. The remaining weapon chain fell out from beneath Switchback, though the No.16 seed briefly pushed Malice back across the inner perimeter in response. It then stopped, shuffled and spun around in the bottom-right corner, just as the lights for the final minute began flashing. Chris Rose: "So, about a minute left in this fight. Switchback's weapon is out of commission. They have an awfully big hole to climb out of here." Kenny Florian: "Well, don't count them out yet. We've seen it time and time again. Fights can turn in an instant!" — As the match enters its final sixty seconds Malice gives chase, but is halted by the killsaws. During another set of tentative movements, both robots took damage from the killsaws themselves. Switchback grazed the bottom-right set while inching across the BattleBox floor, backing across the top-right slots into the nearby corner as Malice again gave chase. In doing so, however, it caused Malice to slam bar-first into the top-right killsaws as they rose up. This did not affect Malice's mobility or spinner, however. As such, Switchback continued to take damaging blows to its right-hand side and rear from Malice, which proceeded to get underneath and hook it with its forks. Switchback was dragged and pushed towards the blue square, before eventually driving itself into the Upper Deck bumper. These movements were not enough for it to escape the top-right pocket in time, as Malice charged in and inflicted another heavy spinner blow. Kenny Florian: "That front and side armor is really saving Switchback. They would've been knocked out a long time ago." Chris Rose: "David Liaw seems to be backin' up, tryin' to measure - " Both [as Malice hits Switchback again]: "Oh!" Kenny Florian: "Nice little shot! Under thirty to go!" — As Malice attacks Switchback in the top-right pocket Switchback and Malice tussle in the short corner. Malice, in a rush to land another quick attack, drove up the rear of Switchback. This allowed Switchback to push Malice into the corner bumper, despite taking more glancing hits in the process. Kenny Florian: "Greg Needel needs to go "pedal to the metal" here, Chris!" Chris Rose: "Okay, well look at this! Switchback rams Malice into the wall! What has Greg Needel's bot have left in the tank?" Kenny Florian: "Well, that weapon on Malice looks like its starting to slow down too! Switchback might just need one more big shot, but they might be out of time!" — As Switchback briefly outpushes Malice in the closing stages Malice strikes the rear of Switchback in the final seconds. This set up a brief pushing match between the two robots going into the final ten seconds. which Malice backed away from to start a final run across the BattleBox center. While steering Malice back over the blue square, Switchback could only dart and weave back and forth across the surrounding perimeter. Malice, in one final wave of attacks, pounded and ground away at the left side of Switchback before the end buzzer sounded. Kathryn Godfrey instructed Team Midnight Invention to perform mobility checks, before their members - including Greg Needel himself - exchanged fist bumps with Team Malice in celebration of a 'nice match'. Chris Rose: "Greg Needel did what he could, but an awful lot of credit to Team Malice. They never stopped attacking." Kenny Florian: "Absolutely. A dominant performance from Malice. They were aggressive, their weapon was effective, and it never really stopped working. And when we saw those chains on Switchback fall off, we knew it was over." — During post-match replays Though showcasing its durability and tenacity throughout, Switchback lost the unanimous judges' decision to Malice, with Team Midnight Invention and Team Malice proceeding to exchange more fist bumps. This ended a strong World Championship VII run for Greg Needel's improved machine. In a Reddit AMA hosted shortly after the airing of Episode 17, Needel explained that Switchback's eggbeater malfunctioned due to a current issue, which also contributed to its loss against DeathRoll. Other than this, plus the slices left in its armor plating, Switchback itself emerged from this match with relatively little damage.
BattleBots: Champions II
Switchback vs. Kraken Seitchback fought in BattleBots: Champions II and faced Matt Spurk's Kraken in Round 1 of the first Sin City Slugfest episode. Switchback rams Kraken into the screws. Quickest out of its starting square, Kraken oversteered initially but compensated to face its opponent again. Switchback was able to get to the side of Kraken's arm, shoving Matt Spurk's robot back while avoiding the spinning weapon. The eggbeater drum of Switchback then hit Kraken's feeder wedge, punting it back before Kraken's own weapon bounced it off the screws. As Kraken landed inverted, it struggled to right itself. Greg Needel took full advantage of this, punting Kraken into the adjacent screws and snapping a weapon belt in the process. It returned to its wheels, but the stray belt and other parts now hung loose from the wounded Kraken. Chris Rose: "Well, now that 13lb blade that spins at over 200mph... non-functional on Kraken. What can he do, Kenny?" Kenny Florian: "For starters, the team's gotta stop flailing that head like that. They should lower the weapon arm - like how Switchback has theirs - which will make it more effective as a pushbot." — Chris and Kenny assess Kraken's options Kraken swings its head back and forth as Switchback has it pinned. Switchback continued to control Kraken, temporarily shutting down its weapon as both robots edged near the short corner. As Switchback found space, however, it began to spin back up. Matt Spurk's bot drove directly into the weapon in an attempt to prevent this, which appeared to work, but Kraken remained on the back foot as the Top 32 finisher kept bullying Kraken around the arena, and pinned it against the Upper Deck. Switchback pins Kraken again - this time against the paddle. As Kraken was pressed against the screws and then the spiked paddle, it began smoking momentarily. With both robots operating as pushbots in the closing minute, this favored Switchback with its superior drive power, but both survived the full three minutes. The judges unanimously ruled in Switchback's favor, advancing it to the second round.
Switchback vs. SHREDDIT BRO! Switchback took on SHREDDIT BRO! in the semi-finals, who came off the back of an upset win over Skorpios in Round 1. Before the fight, Switchback's team added the beak configuration which Greg Needel wanted to jam into SHREDDIT BRO!'s weapon to disable it. Switchback's belt lays on the floor as SHREDDIT BRO! rights itself. SHREDDIT BRO! was fastest out of its starting square as Switchback initially held back. This allowed both robots to get their spinning weaponry up to speed before the pair met head on. Although this looked to favor Greg Needel's robot as SHREDDIT BRO! was flung upside-down, the impact snapped Switchback's weapon belts. "Switchback's weapon belt is now lying on the BattleBox floor - that's gonna be a problem. Advantage SHREDDIT BRO! to start this fight." — Kenny Florian reacts to the initial impact SHREDDIT BRO! peels away the back panel of Switchback. Switchback began smoking soon after and drove into the Upper Deck, allowing SHREDDIT BRO! to get around to its back. Evan Arias capitalized, peeling away the back armor of Switchback. It continued to grind down Switchback before popping it backwards, sending the Top 32 finisher into a backflip. SHREDDIT BRO! launches Switchback through the air. The assault on Switchback continued with SHREDDIT BRO! upending it several more times, ripping off its beak attachment in the process. Although the Team Shreddit bot took a hit from the pulverizer, it drove away and landed another big hit on Switchback which saw it land on its back. Switchback lies immobile. This impact appeared to disable Switchback's weapon completely as it lay stranded on its back. Team Shreddit celebrated as a count began on Greg Needel's team, and Switchback was eliminated from the Sin City Slugfest.
BattleBots Proving Ground
Switchback vs. Swamp Thing (09/23/23) Switchback vs. Swamp Thing as advertised on the BattleBots website. Switchback returned to the BattleBox in September 2023, where it first fought Swamp Thing. Before the match, captain Greg Needel revealed Switchback would be trialing several new components, including a new fork setup and new weapon motors, similar to the ones used by fellow vertical spinners HyperShock and Witch Doctor. Unfortunately for Switchback, Swamp Thing's opening assault hindered its mobility and stopped its drum spinner, leaving the bot vulnerable. Despite its best efforts, Switchback was unable to get space from its faster opponent, and found itself being pushed around the arena and hit from all sides. Switchback is counted out. Although Swamp Thing was hung up on the arena several times, Switchback had its own problems as it was beached on its own forks multiple times. Eventually, after multiple engagements between the two, Swamp Thing backed away while Switchback was caught on its forks, allowing it to be counted out near the Upper Deck at 2:38. Switchback assessing damage outside the venue. Post-fight, the Switchback team wrote 'We got swamped' on the underside of the robot in reference to their loss. Though not seen in the edit of the fight, this was visible during the Skorpios Builder Blog episode highlighting the weekend's fights.
Switchback vs. Hellfire Switchback's second fight of the weekend was set to come against Rick Russ' most recent heavyweight build - Hellfire. However, it had to pull out due to radio issues and Swamp Thing replaced it.
Switchback vs. Swamp Thing (09/24/23) Due to this, Switchback took on Swamp Thing for a second time. Switchback ditched its hinged forks in favor of a single, static fork attached to the left side of its articulating drum mechanism. Switchback's ground clearance is breached by Swamp Thing. Swamp Thing charged at Switchback but missed on this occasion. It quickly turned, however, and slid its attachment under the front of Switchback and drove it back towards the Upper Deck. Switchback slipped away and while its eggbeater drum spinner got up to speed, Swamp Thing's disk slowed to a stop. Swamp Thing evades its opponent as Switchback gets its weapon up to speed. Shortly after, Swamp Thing's disk began to spin again, but not at a high enough speed to pose a threat to the Top 32 finisher. Switchback appeared to be suffering from similar issues as its eggbeater drum lacked the potency to throw Swamp Thing around. Swamp Thing drove Switchback towards the short corner and then released, allowing Greg Needel to drive Switchback to the center of the BattleBox again, where it finally got its primary weapon up to speed. Swamp Thing stops suddenly. Before it could land a hit, however, Swamp Thing turned sharply near the blue starting square and stopped suddenly. Switchback appeared to be experiencing drive issues of its own, but could still arc towards its immobile opponent and struck Swamp Thing once more before a count began. Switchback took the win by knockout at 1:57 and finished the weekend with a 1-1 record.
BattleBots Faceoffs
Switchback vs. HiJinx Switchback is scheduled to fight in BattleBots Faceoffs in Fall 2024, where one of its group opponents is known to be HiJinx in a rematch from World Championship VII.
Switchback vs. Bloodsport Switchback will also take on Bloodsport in its group.
Switchback vs. Terrortops Switchback will face Terrortops as well.

Results

Competitive Wins/Losses

• Wins: 6
• Losses: 6

Exhibition Wins/Losses

• Wins: 1
• Losses: 1

Total Wins/Losses

• Wins: 7
• Losses: 7

Competition	Wins	Losses
World Championship VI	Slammo! (Untelevised Undercard Match)	Gruff (Undercard Match) HUGE (Undercard Match)
BattleBots: Champions I	Lucky	Blacksmith
World Championship VII	Banshee (Undercard Match) Ominous (Undercard Match) HiJinx (Undercard Match)	DeathRoll (Undercard Match) Malice
BattleBots Proving Ground (2023)	Swamp Thing	Swamp Thing
BattleBots: Champions II	Kraken	SHREDDIT BRO!

Faruq Tauheed Introductions

"From Dallas, Texas, don't mess with Texas or he'll eat you for breakfast. Give it up for SWITCHBACK!"

"From Dallas, Texas, the bot that shot J.R. Ewing, it's SWITCHBACK!"

"From Dallas, Texas, you don't mess with Texas or SWITCHBACK!"

"From Coppell, Texas, this deadly drum's about to play a solo all over your face. Give is up for SWITCHBACK!"

"From Dallas, Texas. If you wish upon a Lone Star, you might get your death wish. It's SWITCHBACK!"

"From Dallas, Texas, he'll hit you in the head so hard, you won't remember the Alamo or your Social Security number, it's SWITCHBACK!"

"This next bot sounds like a pop up band from the early mid-2000s. 'Breaking Back Sunday' or 'Newfound Glory' is how a Switchback concert sounded. His body count sum is 41. Now you have a brand-new home in heaven. Just make sure your heart strings are in tune as the APB plays Blink-187. It's SWITCHBACK!"

Switchback's message for its third World Championship VII Fight Night battle.

Trivia

• Team member Scotty Allen also runs the YouTube channel Strange Parts, which has gained over 1.84 million subscribers.
• For Switchback's BattleBots: Champions I fight versus Lucky, it featured the message "Feeling Lucky" on the underside.
• When testing Switchback's drive for the first time, the team blew a speed controller powering one of their brushless motors.
• Switchback featured the message "Hi Moms!" on its underside for its fight against Ominous, as several team members' mothers were present in the crowd for that filming session.
• Switchback was the primary focus for the Onshape Live Design Competition 2023. Where the challenge was to design a new vertical spinner and wedge system for the robot, with the winner having their design prototyped by the team.
  • The ultimate winners would be the Share Horizons Club.
• In late August ahead of its BattleBots Proving Ground appearance, the team would post a CAD of Switchback with a cannon attachment originally designed by Ciruclar Robotics under the name Cannonball!.