Tazbot (ShowBot)

Tazbot
Participation Information
Live	BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon
Team Information
Team Members	Donald Hutson TJ Blocker Tyler Shackerford Tom Kunzman Jason Snow James Doubek (Destruct-A-Thon Engineer/Mechanic)
Robot Statistics
Weight	235lbs
Power	LiFePO batteries
Drive	6x AmpFlow motors
Weapons	Turret lifter
Statistics correct as of its most recent appearance on the show, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

For the robot built by Mutant Robots which competed in numerous seasons of Comedy Central BattleBots, see Tazbot.

"I'm so excited to introduce a brand new Tazbot. The robot that I once built 26 years ago being remade for BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon."

— Donald Hutson

Tazbot is one of twelve ShowBots which appear at BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon, the first BattleBots live event of its kind.

The most notable difference concerns the revamped Tazbot build being six-wheeled whereas Donald Hutson's original heavyweight was two-wheel drive. Tazbot is also predominantly red in color and its turret lifter now also has a spatula-like piece at the end as opposed to a dual-sided pickaxe. Tazbot's rear two wheels make up part of a weaponless minibot which can detach from the rest of the main robot.

As with all other ShowBots, Tazbot is standardized to use OYES switches made by Team End Game, as well as lithium iron phosphate batteries as opposed to lithium polymer batteries. The latter was enforced to reduce the risk of hazardous fires during shows.

Tazbot typically fights Kraken during the live shows, and in Donald Hutson's absence, is fronted by hired actors TJ Blocker and Tyler Shackerford. Since its Destruct-A-Thon debut, Tazbot has undergone a number of changes. For example, some builds no longer feature red tires and instead sport more easily-attainable black tires on white or gray hubs.

For the July 4, 2025 show, Tazbot featured stars and stripes design on its lifting shovel. Tazbot was repainted to feature gold accents for the 500th Destruct-A-Thon show in mid-2025.

Tazbot during the 500th Destruct-A-Thon live show.

Tazbot sporting its 4th July livery.

Tazbot in September 2024.

Tazbot taking on Chopper during a 2022 show.

Top-down view of Tazbot.

Tazbot's unnamed minibot.

Tazbot's frame, as teased by Donald Hutson during World Championship VII.

Trivia

• According to Donald Hutson, Tazbot is significantly lighter than other ShowBots, which are estimated to weigh just over 300lbs. This was not intentional as he did not realize how far over the typical 250lb limit others were building to.
• Tazbot's entrance music is the theme song from S.W.A.T., an American crime drama.