Summer Series Ep 2: Steel Floors and Stroopwafels: Combat Robotics in the Netherlands

In this episode of the Havoc Rundown’s "Robots Around the World" series, the crew sits down with Tim Bouwens, the builder behind BattleBots' Ominous and the NHRL standout Wajoo. Broadcasting from the Netherlands, Tim shares his journey through nearly two decades of combat robotics—starting with antweights, building a four-wheel-drive featherweight that’s still winning, and eventually reaching global stages like NHRL, China, and BattleBots. We dive deep into the Dutch combat robotics scene, including its transformation from backyard hangouts to organized events with steel-floored arenas and crowdfunding-powered infrastructure. Tim also breaks down how Wajoo ended up so impossibly thin, why modular design is essential for international travel, and what makes the European competition culture unique. The crew covers everything from arena floors to lithium battery chaos at airports to Lars—the mythical collector who owns a heavyweight museum in his upstairs apartment. We also dig into Tim's experience as the president of Dutch Robot Games, the rise of the Netherlands as a competitive hub, the future of fire meta in robot design, and how touring bands and robots sometimes share the same road cases. Packed with insight, chaos, and cultural crossover, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how combat robotics is growing worldwide.Lars’ Robot Collection: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/56319454480/search/?q=lars%20weaving%20bakker⁠Featured Music:Silent Night by Aves: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/silent-night-beats-to-study-to/76754Summer Groove by Avni Vibes: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/summer-groove/131778Body in a Half Light by Gvidon: https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/body-in-a-half-light/51896Support & Follow:Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/havocrundownHavoc Rundown Merch, Discord, Socials: https://linktr.ee/havocrundown