Traves T.

Traves T.
Participation Information
Live	BattleBots Proving Ground BattleBots Faceoffs
Other Names	Bud Tugly (Working name)
Team Information
Team	Team 2x4 (a.k.a. Team Traves T.)
Team Members	Kurt Krueger Max Krueger Kerry Krueger Margie Fagan-Krueger Cierra Bakovka Zach 'Kaz' Church (BB Proving Ground)
From	Benzonia, MI
Other Entries	UFO, 2x4
Robot Statistics
Weight	230lbs (BB Proving Ground 2023) 240lbs (BB Proving Ground 2023)
Weapons	Horizontal spinner
Statistics correct as of its most recent appearance on the show, or if not applicable, qualification attempt.

"The robot's different. I mean, everybody looks at it and they go 'What the heck is that thing?'."

— Kurt Krueger during BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon

Traves T. is a heavyweight robot built by Team 2x4 which has competed at BattleBots Proving Ground during the live show, BattleBots: Destruct-A-Thon.

It is a uniquely-shaped, invertible robot with eight drive wheels across the top and bottom of its design. The robot's main chassis is long and thin, housing a horizontal spinning disk at the very front which is capable of reaching speeds of 250mph and originally weighed 75lbs. The legs are adjustable, allowing for the horizontal spinner to hit at varying heights depending on its opponent. Traves T. originally sat around 17" off the BattleBox floor in its standard configuration and in a 2024 interview, builder Kurt Krueger credited HUGE as inspiration for Traves T.'s unique design. The original reveal of Traves T. showcased a single crossbar of white material with its drive wheels bolted to either side, but this was reinforced with another material ahead of its August Proving Ground fights. As well as this, the single rear leg had been replaced by two, Lexan stabilizers with a single omniwheel per side. The main frame was also now green rather than blue in color.

"I wanted to build something different, but I wanted it to be effective fighting too. I want it to be competitive."

— Kurt Krueger on Traves T.'s curious design

Traves T. was scheduled to fight Maximum Paralysis on the weekend of July 1-2, 2023 but withdrew officially on June 28 after burning through their only weapon motor, and not having sufficient time to obtain a new one. It was replaced by Banshee, with Traves T. looking to be ready for later in the year. In July, it was revealed that Traves T. had been rescheduled to fight Snakebyte in August 2023. After Snakebyte was unable to compete in the first fight, Traves T. fought and defeated OverKill. It went 2-0 after knocking out Snakebyte in one hit on the second day.

Bil Dwyer: "And if you guys do do well, you know, you'll probably be invited to be on BattleBots next season."

Kurt Krueger: "I am so hopeful. You never know what's gonna happen when you get in the BattleBox, but I'm very hopeful."

— Kurt Krueger speaks on Traves T.'s World Championship VIII chances

In October 2023, Kurt Krueger revealed a brand new Traves T. build, with numerous design changes. The rear leg was now remotely adjustable, with a single, gear driven motor powering it up and down and driven by a control on the transmitter. This would, in turn, adjust the angle of the horizontal spinning blade to allow Traves T. to attack from varying positions. Most of its electronics were now also housed in a large box at the back of the robot, and it also sported L-shaped polycarbonate legs for its drive wheels, with the front wheels now protected by 5" thick UMHW blocks. Traves T. also has multiple blade options, both made from ½" thick AR500 steel. This version of Traves T. suffered its first loss against Swamp Thing and had to pull out of fighting Hellfire. Traves T. returned to BattleBots in February 2024 and defeated Apex, extending its record to 3-1. In April, took on former World Championship runner-up Minotaur and lost by knockout.

Another rebuild was announced by Krueger in June 2024. A major change to this version concerned its primary weapon, which was now a 36" diameter blade weighing 78lbs. Rather than the rear leg tilting the weapon to a specific angle, Traves T.'s weapon would actuate across a large shaft connecting the wheels to its steel and titanium frame. With the weight saved from this redesign, the team could afford ¾" steel wheel protection in place of the UMHW blocks, seeking to enter a better-armored version of Traves T. into future fights, as well as making the overall robot taller. This most recent build will compete at BattleBots Faceoffs in October 2024.

The team previously registered for the 2004 NPC Charity Open with a lightweight robot named 2x4. However, records of the tournament bracket suggest it did not compete at this particular event. He also designed a heavyweight called UFO for an unspecified Discovery BattleBots season.

Traves T. v2.1.

Traves T v2.0.

Traves T. undergoing mobility tests inside the BattleBox.

Traves T. backstage.

Traves T. outside the Las Vegas venue.

The first iteration of Traves T. under construction.

Traves T.'s original reveal.

Outside BattleBots

Kurt Krueger competed in various competitions between 2003 and 2005 as part of Team 2x4. This included the 2004 RFL Nationals and the 2005 Robotic Revolution event held in New Orleans, Lousiana,

Traves T. registered for RoboGames in April 2024. Its first round opponent was Mandamus, built by Team Double Trouble. Traves T.'s horizontal spinner was disabled after the first collision due to shorted receiver wires, which left it without a weapon for the remainder of the fight. Mandamus ultimately got the win by knockout after shoving Traves T. around, consigning it to the loser's bracket. There, it was supposed to take on Ziggy Jr. - a rebranded Lucky - but had to forfeit due to technical issues. As such, Traves T. was eliminated without getting a second fight.

Traves T. at RoboGames 2024.

Robot History

BattleBots Proving Ground
Traves T. vs. Maximum Paralysis (7/1/2023) The graphic used to promote the fight - note Traves T.'s original reveal. Traves T.'s first ever BattleBots fight was due to come in BattleBots Proving Ground, where it was scheduled to fight Maximum Paralysis. However, Traves T. withdrew and the fight could not go ahead.
Traves T. vs. Maximum Paralysis (7/2/2023) Traves T. was scheduled to fight Maximum Paralysis for a second time a day later. Due to its aforementioned withdrawal, this fight did not happen.
Traves T. vs. Snakebyte (8/5/2023) The promotional image for Traves T. versus Snakebyte. Following its withdrawal, Traves T. was rescheduled to fight Snakebyte in August 2023. However this time, Traves T.'s opponent withdrew, so it instead took on a ShowBot.
Traves T. vs. OverKill (8/5/2023) Traves T. in the BattleBox. Following Snakebyte's withdrawal, Traves T. instead fought OverKill. Traves T. lays into OverKill. Traves T. drove towards OverKill with its horizontal spinner quickly getting up to speed. OverKill gingerly approached with its knife pointed at Kurt Krueger's robot. However, as Traves T. quickly spun to face the ShowBot, it tore into OverKill's exposed tire, leaving much of its right wheel littered across the BattleBox floor. Damage to OverKill post-fight. OverKill turned to face Traves T., but the rookie robot sliced through the other tire, ripping the wheel away with it. Traves T. backed away as the rim of OverKill's remaining wheel spun hopelessly inside the tire. Despite late drive issues from Traves T. caused by a wire connecting a motor to its controller coming loose, OverKill was left unable to move. A count began on the ShowBot, confirming a win by knockout for Traves T. on its debut.
Traves T. vs. Snakebyte (8/6/2023) Traves T. was scheduled to fight Snakebyte for a second time over the weekend, and was able to following a frantic effort to get Snakebyte running. Traves T. immediately immobilizes Snakebyte. The fight began with Traves T. driving towards Snakebyte, striking the front with its horizontal spinner in the opening seconds at "half speed" according to Kurt Krueger. This proved enough to disable Snakebyte as parts flew away and its top panel sat loose on the robot. Traves T. strikes Snakebyte. Kurt Krueger's robot drove to the side of Snakebyte, attacking its exposed wheel and dislodging the drive motor from its mount. Traves T.'s final attack. One final attack from Traves T. caused Snakebyte's side and rear armor panels to come away as a count began. Traves T. picked up a second win of the weekend by knockout and finishing undefeated.
Traves T. vs. Swamp Thing (1/27/2024) Traves T. vs. Swamp Thing, as advertised on the BattleBots website. Traves T.'s BattleBots return came over the weekend of January 27-28, 2024, where it took on two different opponents. The first of these was Swamp Thing, which previously achieved a 1-1 record against Switchback. Several weeks before the fight, Kurt Krueger expressed concern over Swamp Thing's wedge and believed this fight would be "more of a driving battle" than either of its other scheduled battles. "The Swamp Thing fight, I'm the most worried about because of the wedge... I'm hoping that I'll be able to get up above him and then hit behind his wedge or off to the sides of his wedge." — Kurt Krueger on his tactics for fighting Swamp Thing Swamp Things gets underneath Traves T. but drives into the Upper Deck. Traves T. was initially slow to spin up its weapon as Swamp Thing quickly drove underneath Kurt Krueger's robot. As it backed away to allow itself time to power up the horizontal spinner, Swamp Thing gave chase and rammed into its right leg, cutting into its UMHW support and loosening it. Swamp Thing damages Traves T.'s leg. This destabilized Traves T., who despite turning to try and hit Swamp Thing, was swept toward the middle of the arena before its damaged leg gave way. Swamp Thing charged into Traves T.'s adjustable rear leg as the horizontal blade of the Team 2x4 robot began hitting the floor. Traves T. is immobilized. Traves T.'s primary weapon ground to a halt as it was being counted out, and Swamp Thing took the win by knockout in under a minute, thus ending Traves T.'s unbeaten run.
Traves T. vs. Hellfire (1/28/2024) Traves T. vs. Hellfire, as advertised on the BattleBots website. Traves T. in its position for fighting Hellfire. Traves T. also fought Rick Russ' other heavyweight robot, Hellfire, during the Sunday show. Ahead of this fight, Team 2x4 redistributed weight on Traves T. so it could boast "29 inches of reach", according to Kurt Krueger. They also lowered the robot's legs so it could hit much lower on Hellfire, aiming to go weapon-to-weapon from the off. "I just wanna thank the crowd. I know it's disappointing; a lot of people came out here to see Traves T. and I can't tell you how disappointed I am. It's something very, very simple, but, you know, they got a show to put on so I understand. Hopefully they'll let us come back and try it again!" — Kurt Krueger following Traves T.'s withdrawal However, following a brief postponement, it had to withdraw due to technical issues and was replaced by OverKill.
Traves T. vs. Apex (2/3/2024) Apex vs. Traves T. as advertised on the BattleBots website. Traves T. was supposed to take on Apex during the February 3, 2024 show. However, in the build-up to the weekend, Traves T.'s speed controllers twice caught fire during testing. "Here’s the latest with Traves T. We’ve had 2 esc fires this week during testing. Not good. Fortunately we still have a spare. We are currently ready to fight but the match has been postponed until Sunday to give apex time to get their weapon working." — Kurt Krueger on the fight's postponement Although repairs were made in time for the Saturday show, Apex experienced issues with its primary weapon and both teams mutually agreed to postpone their fight until Sunday.
Traves T. vs. Apex (2/4/2024) The new and improved Traves T. returned to combat against Apex over the weekend of February 3-4, 2024. For this fight, Traves T. was driven by crew member Zach 'Kaz' Church. Both robots collide. Traves T. approached Apex with its weapon angled at the height of its wheels, but did not have its primary weapon spinning to start. Kurt Krueger quickly spun up his robot's weapon as Apex tried to power up its bar at the same time. Traves T. landed a glancing blow before Apex swiped at its opponent's leg. Neither attack caused significant damage. The knockout shot. Apex remained in the corner of the arena as it finally got its weapon up to dangerous speeds, and Traves T. escaped to the middle to spin up its own blade. Both robots went weapon-to-weapon but Apex came off worse, losing two of its three wheels on impact and stopping the bar completely. Apex is immobile in the corner. Traves T. therefore returned to winning ways, picking up its third knockout win in under a minute.
Traves T. vs. Minotaur (4/14/2024) In April 2024, Traves T. took on World Championship III runner-up and former Most Destructive Award winner, Minotaur. Traves T. dropped its UMHW additions for this battle, and featured a lighter crossbar preventing it from becoming stuck on its sides. It also sat lower to the floor than in previous fights, looking to strike its low-profile opponent. Minotaur charges Traves T. into the screws. Traves T. approached Minotaur in the middle the arena, and the pair went weapon-to-weapon. Minotaur got around to the side of Traves T. and drove underneath, pushing from the back of its legs and guiding it into the screws. Both bots go weapon-to-weapon. As Minotaur drove away, Traves T. was allowed time to recover and struck the Brazilian bot's drum again. Minotaur's gyroscopic forces lifted its right side off the ground momentarily and Traves T. surged backwards, slamming its bar into its unstable opponent before meeting head on again. Minotaur looked to take control and began attacking Traves T. near the screws again, successfully damaging a wheel and peeling a tire away. Daniel Freitas drove Minotaur underneath Traves T. again, evading its primary weapon which ground to a halt after their previous assault. Traves T. immobilized in the corner. Traves T. lost another tire and was left unable to move as Minotaur returned to the blue starting square. Referee Yvette Clutterbuck initiated a count and Minotaur won by knockout in just over a minute. Post-fight, it was revealed that Team RioBotz struggled to get their top plate off for repairs due to damage caused.
BattleBots Faceoffs
Please note that the order of the following fights is unknown, as documentation on the event itself is either limited or non-existent. This is typically true of untelevised events such as BattleBots IQ and those sanctioned by the BattleBots name. Traves T. vs. Manta Traves T. will face three opponents during BattleBots Faceoffs. One of these, though not necessarily its first opponent, is confirmed to be two-time RoboGames champion, Manta.
Hellfire vs. UFWoe Also in Traves T.'s group is a new robot named UFWoe.
Hellfire vs. Traves T. Traves T. is also scheduled to take on Rick Russ and Hellfire in Group C.

Results

Exhibition Wins/Losses

• Wins: 3
• Losses: 2

Competition	Wins	Losses
BattleBots Proving Ground	OverKill Snakebyte Apex	Swamp Thing Minotaur
BattleBots Faceoffs	TBC	TBC

See Also

• Traves T. on Facebook
• Traves T. on Instagram

Trivia

An image of the damage to the Upper Deck, taken by crewbot Kaz Church.

• Ahead of Traves T.'s fights against Apex, the robot damaged the Upper Deck during drive tests, ripping away one of the housing covers for the front screws and leaving a gash in the spiked bumper.