National Havoc Robot League (NHRL), formerly the Norwalk Havoc Robot League, is a robot combat organization in Norwalk, Connecticut, which holds tournaments of cage match fights between hobbyist competitors. Kelly Biderman is the current CEO of the organization.[1]
Austin McChord founded NHRL shortly after leaving Datto in 2018.[2] 18 competitors participated in the first event later that year. In 2021, McChord moved the organization to its current headquarters in South Norwalk. The facility also hosts a museum collection of past combat robots from multiple weight classes.[3]
NHRL hosts six tournaments each year which are open to all competitors.[4] Robots are separated into weight classes of 3, 12, and 30 pounds. They compete in 1 versus 1 matches in enclosed arenas with double-layer polycarbonate walls and a negative pressure fire suppression system. Common weapons used by the competing robots include spinning blades, flipping devices, butane flamethrowers, and hammers.[5] More unorthodox weaponry includes liquid nitrogen, airbags, and jet engines. Winners at each tournament receive cash prizes[6] and are invited to a championship event held at the end of each year.
In November 2022, McChord announced that he would donate $1 million to STEM charities chosen by that year's finalists in the championship tournament.[7] An additional $1 million of grants were made to collegiate robotics teams in 2023.[8]