BattleBots announced a return-to-screen initiative on February 6, 2026, as part of a collaboration with Bright Data that also includes a new robot-fighting league. The announcement does not name a premiere date or distribution platform. Meanwhile, robot combat is already running through leagues such as the National Havoc Robot League (NHRL), with Open events and a 2026 Pro Tour for builders and fans.
Is BattleBots coming back?
Yes: BattleBots’ February 6, 2026 announcement describes a Bright Data collaboration that includes a new robot-fighting league and a return to screen. Planned initiatives include AI-controlled robots and a “creature combat” competition. The announcement does not confirm a new season, premiere date, or screen platform, so those details remain unknown.
BattleBots founder and CEO Edward Roski said the collaboration would help move the sport to its “next generation” and that millions of fans were waiting for the next step. The audience figure is Roski’s statement in the announcement, not a separately documented audience measurement.
What happened to robot fighting while BattleBots was off screen?
Robot combat continued as a competitive activity outside the BattleBots television brand. NHRL, founded in 2018 according to its about page, describes the sport as custom-built, remote-controlled machines fighting inside an enclosed arena. Its events involve builders, drivers, weapon design, repair, technical inspection, and arena safety—not just television production.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- 【No More Fighting Over Toys】No more mindless tablet zombie mode. Two robots mean two players — siblings, playdates, even you vs. the kid. Punch, kick, and play soccer head-to-head.No arguing over who gets a turn, no bored moping. Just real, loud, active fun they’ll beg to play again tomorrow.
- 【Built Tough 】Let’s be honest: kids drop, crash, and throw everything.These robots are made with thick, tough plastic for all the roughhousing. No flimsy tiny parts that snap off on day one. Drop it off the couch, crash it into walls — it keeps on battling.
- 【5-Minute Easy – No Constant “Mom Help Me”】No 20-page manual, no weird pairing headaches. Big, simple buttons that any 6-year-old figures out on their own. No yelling for you every two minutes to fix it. Unbox, charge, and they’re off and playing before you finish making coffee.
- 【Rechargeable + Sound Can Turn Off】Skip wasting money on piles of disposable batteries — both robots charge up easy. The battle sound effects are fun for kids, but you can mute them completely whenever you need quiet. Naptime, work calls, or just your own sanity? No problem.
- 【Gift-Ready 】Comes in a cool, sharp box that’s ready to wrap — no extra fuss.It’s the “wow” gift for 6-12 year old boys and girls: birthdays, Christmas, school rewards, all work. Every set is tested before shipping, and we’ve got your back if anything comes up.
NHRL says builders use CAD, precision machining, 3D printing, and other advanced manufacturing methods. The league also uploads fights from multiple angles for rewatching. Those details come from NHRL’s own description of its program.
Where can you watch robot fighting?
NHRL’s homepage lists November 7, 2026 as its next event and says Pro Tour broadcasts are available live and on demand through DAZN. Event schedules and broadcast arrangements can change, so check the league’s current listings when planning to watch.
Rank #2
- 【2 Pack RC Fighting Robots for Kids】The robot battle toys come with 4 rechargeable batteries to keep the kids experience continuous and uninterrupted gaming fun and excitement. With the extra 2 rechargeable batteries, you don’t have to wait for a charge
- 【Flashing LED Light & 3 Optional Dynamic Music】The remote control robot fighting toys feature cool lighting effects and 3 optional fun music (also a mute mode as you like) to immerse kids in the head-to-head robotic fight. With each strike becomes an immersive experience, which keep children entertained throughout the family games and get away from screen
- 【Solo and Interactive 2-Player Versus Mode】Training in solo mode, kid turn on the auto-demo mode of one robo, then remote control the other robo to attack and defense. With a sensitive wireless remote controlled, RC robot combat kit offer multiple ways to play, and provide a thrilling multiplayer experience
- 【Easy to Operate & Responsive and Smooth Movement】Turn on the switch of one battle robot, then turn on the switch of one remote to start the connection. After successful connection, turn on the other battle bot and remote one by one to ensure reception of 2.4GHz signals. Target your rival robot’s chest plate and hit it to launch their pilot up the air, win the game. The boxing robots feature no-delay remote control can rotate 360 degrees, players can control the bot to attack from any angle, and making battles more challenging, elevating the fun and interactive gameplay
- 【Cool Gift Ideas for Kids】Big Christmas or birthday presents for children and adults who love RC mecha rivals battle games. Great remote robot punching toy for teen boy and girl, perfect for fostering friendly duels among kids, family, and friends. If there is any issue (missing or broken parts), just let us know then we will make a satisfying solution special for you
BattleBots has announced an intention to return to screen, but its February 2026 announcement does not specify where or when that content will be available. For now, NHRL provides a distinct route to follow robot combat through scheduled competition rather than waiting for a confirmed BattleBots release.
How NHRL’s 2026 competitions work
Open events and weight classes
NHRL runs Open events as well as its 2026 Pro Tour. The competition includes 3 lb, 12 lb, and 30 lb weight classes. Open events are the route for builders to compete and pursue qualification; the Pro Tour is an invitation-based competition.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- 【VS Player】: This is a super interactive toy. Turn the machine to Switch 2 and your child can play a fun game together with adults or their friends. A fun, competitive and additive game of strategy, skill and chance. Provide your kids more exciting leisure time and release the excess energy of the child.
- 【VS Machine】: You can also play in single-player mode versus the machine by switching to Switch 1. It's a great way for your child to release extra energy on his own. There are 5 levels of difficulty in single-player mode combat, beat each level and move on for a more difficult challenge. In single-player mode, Position 1 is for the machine and Position 2 is for the player.
- 【So Many Uses】: You will want to take this everywhere! Have a good time at your home, office, travel or anywhere, anytime---- The toy can be set on any desktop, tabletop or floor to play. Have fun and enjoy this boxing game at any time with a battle activity that is suitable for kids, children, adults, and anyone. Bring excitement to you, your kids and the whole family.
- 【Easy Assemble】: Insert the boxer heels first into the empty slot in the base. Then, push the front down as well. To remove the boxer, simply pull his head back and he will pop out of the base. 4 AA batteries required; battery compartment is located on the underside of the base.
- 【Gift Choice】: Great as a party game, for indoor games, lawn games, camping games, Christmas games and even tailgating games. Warmly gift for birthday parties, festivals and holidays (Children’s Day, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving & New Years). Give your child a gift that creates endless happy moments.
Pro Tour qualification and format
According to NHRL’s 2026 Pro Tour page, builders qualify for an invitation by reaching a quarterfinal at an Open event. There is no public Pro Tour registration: NHRL sends invitations. The page describes three Pro Tour events, culminating in a Pro World Championship in December 2026. Top-four finishes at an Open or Pro Tour event qualify a robot for the Pro World Championships.
Pro Tour events begin with group stages in which each robot fights three times. Play-ins lead into a single-elimination bracket. NHRL says each 2026 event awards up to $30,000 in prizes; that is a stated maximum per event, not a guaranteed payout to each entrant. The Pro Tour page lists an event on September 12 in New York City, a date that had passed by October 4, 2026. Check NHRL’s schedule for current and upcoming dates.
Rank #4
- 【REALISTIC BATTLING】This Remote Control fighting robots are ready for some intense battles, equipped with the pop-up DIY parts that can stimulate damage and the motors for multifunctional controllable weapons: HAMMER and RAZOR DRUM. Enhance the authenticity of battles and immerse children in real combat competitions.
- 【LET'S COMBAT - 3 HEALTH POINTS】With the latest upgraded simulated competitive design, Each robot has 3 health points and its weaknesses, When the weakness is attacked, the remote will vibrate. The RC robot will turn off after its weakness part is hit 3 times. Children need to develop their own offensive tactics to win the final victory. Improve their thinking skills while playing.
- 【4WD & 2.4GHz R/C & RECHARGEABLE BATTERY】Equipped with a powerful 4-wheel drive motor and 2.4GHz remote control, This battle robots set can bring exciting battle robot games and unlimited fun to kids. And the rechargeable batteries will provide long-lasting fun for children.
- 【LEARNING & EDUCATION STEM TOYS】Our combat robot toys are the great starter for kids immersing themselves in the world of robot battles, Help kids to develop hand eye coordination, thinking skills and create a healthy, friendly and fun environment for competition. It's very suitable for multiplayer games between children and interactive games for parent-child projects.
- 【IDEAL GIFTS FOR KIDS】This remote control fighting robot set are Specially designed for kids to meet all their fantasies about battle robots. It’s the perfect gifts for 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12+ year old boys and girls on birthday, Christmas, Halloween, Children's Day or any other celebration.
How judging works when a robot’s weapon fails
NHRL’s 2026 judging Q&A emphasizes effective active-weapon use and attacks that advance the fight. Simply having a legal weapon is not enough if a robot never uses it meaningfully against its opponent. The league says this approach is intended to make judging outcomes understandable to spectators and connected to what happened in the arena.
A failed weapon does not automatically cost a robot the match. A robot may still win by continuing to engage, driving aggressively, or using the arena to disable an opponent’s drive or weapon. But losing an active weapon generally hurts a robot’s score because weapon effectiveness remains a core judging factor.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 【Fun Battle Robots】Equipped with two robots and two remote controllers, the 2.4G long-range remote controllers will not interfere with each other. The robots can not only fight but also play football games, improving children's strategic thinking and hand-eye coordination.
- 【Fighting Mode】The combat robot has a dynamic "whirlwind attack" action. When the chest is hit, the puppet on the robot will pop out. Make each battle more thrilling. The remote control robot brings exciting interactive experience to children.
- 【Football Game Mode】 Equipped with two soccer goals and a soccer ball, the robot can be equipped with a baffle to play a soccer game. With the addition of lighting and music effects, children can control the robot while enjoying visual and auditory stimulation and engaging in epic duels.
- 【Friendly Design】The remote control robot is made of high-quality ABS material, which is sturdy and resistant to drops. The modular rechargeable lithium battery is easy to load and remove, allowing for extended playtime and helping children develop fine motor skills while controlling the robot. The multiplayer function encourages social interaction.
- 【Perfect Gift for Kids Aged 6-12】For kids who like remote control battle robots, it is a perfect birthday, Easter, and Christmas gift. Parents can play with their children and enjoy happy parent-child time. It is a perfect gift toy for boys aged 6 7 8 9 10 11 12.
What safety checks do combat robots have to pass?
NHRL requires inspection before a robot fights. Its rules include checks for weapon locks and covers, radio fail-safes, power cutoffs, and design and functionality requirements. The rules require accessible power cutoffs for weapon and drive systems.
- Lithium-chemistry batteries must be charged using balance leads, and charging batteries must be attended.
- Weapon and drive testing must take place in a test box, except for the stated allowance for wheels-up testing with a dedicated weapon switch.
- Builders must follow the rules for the specific event and jurisdiction; NHRL’s requirements should not be assumed to govern every competition.
How to get started building a combat robot
For a newcomer, an Open event is the more direct route into competition than the invitation-only Pro Tour. Start by studying the rules for the event you intend to enter, then plan around the applicable weight class, inspection requirements, and safe testing and battery practices. NHRL’s site describes the kind of fabrication involved, including CAD, machining, and 3D printing; the exact design and build choices depend on the rules and the builder’s skills.
Watching fights from multiple angles can also help explain how driving, weapon use, and repairs shape a match. BattleBots’ build page recommends The BattleBots Official Guide as a resource on the sport, its history, and building a competitive robot. The page’s recommendation does not establish the book’s current edition or retail availability.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
