Witch doctor battlebots are a type of combat robot that resemble and are inspired by witch doctors from various cultures around the world. These battlebots are designed to compete in robot combat competitions, where they fight against other robots in arenas. The name "witch doctor" comes from the concept of using magic or supernatural powers to heal, cure, or cause harm. In the context of battlebots, the name represents the aggressive and powerful nature of these robots. Witch doctor battlebots are constructed using sturdy and durable materials to withstand the intense battles they engage in. They are often equipped with various types of weapons, including spinning blades, hammers, and even flame throwers.

Witch doctor battlebots

An Interview With.

Andrea Suarez
Biomedical Engineer
Florida, USA

Andrea Suarez is the builder and Team Leader of the BattleBot known as Witch Doctor. She has been competing in combat robotics for 15 years and works as a Biomedical Engineer creating medical devices and implants.

To begin, how do you pronounce your name? Where does your family originate from? What languages do you speak?

My name is pronounced in Spanish: An-DREY-ah. Spanish is my first language, and it’s still the language I speak with my family. My parents came to the US from Cuba in the 1980’s. They gave up everything, including their chance for a college education, in return for their freedom. They’ve always encouraged my education and any crazy endeavors that I’m passionate about- like robots!

What were your favorite subjects in school? Why?

You’re probably expecting me to say that math or science were my favorite subjects in school, but that was really not the case. By far, my favorite was art class! It was the only subject that let me get my hands dirty and actually make something real!

What were your least favorite or most difficult subjects?

My least favorite subject was always any class that made me memorize a bunch of things. I always prefer the challenge of trying to understand something as opposed to just remembering information. The challenged keeps me engaged and interested, and I love the satisfaction of finally grasping a concept and being able to apply it successfully.

What did you want to grow up to be?

Growing up I was convinced I would be an artist. I loved making things, and painting was a great outlet for that creative energy. Throughout high school I was taking AP level art courses thinking I would chose an art-based career. I took formal art lessons throughout my childhood, and even apprenticed with a professional artist. I still apply those skills every day in my job as a medical device engineer.

What made you want to build a robot?

I went to high school at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, which is an all-girl school. When I went to the open house before deciding to attend, I walked into the chemistry lab and saw all of the tables turned on their side to create a barrier in the middle of the room. Once I got closer, I saw that the tables had formed a make-shift arena for an active demonstration of a 120lb BattleBot named Gator. A group of high school girls were controlling the machine, and they were excited to answer all my questions. They had BUILT the robot. My mind was blown. If they could build this, maybe I could too!

How old were you when you built your first bot?

I built my first big robot when I was 14 years old. It was a 120lb machine called Kerminator with team Mean N’ Green. We travelled all the way to Minnesota to compete it at Bots IQ. It was not very competitive. In fact, our weapon, a Home Depot saw painted red, fell OFF in one of our matches. Still, we won a couple of matches and learned a whole lot by talking to the many teams at the competition. By the time we were seniors, we won 2nd place with our full-body spinner Marvinator. We were the first all-girl team to ever make it that far in a tournament, and we still hold that record!

What is the largest and smallest bot you have ever built?

Witch Doctor is the biggest robot I have built at 250lbs, and the smallest robots I have built are 150 gram combat robots.

Have you ever messed up when building a combat robot?

All the time! In fact, most robots don’t work well (or at all) the first time. That’s why it’s so important to test them and to always keep improving the designs. If you listen closely to the interviews before and after matches on the BattleBots television show, you’ll notice some of the builders on BattleBots say that they’re extra nervous for their first fight when they are using a new design- this is why!

Why is the destruction process important to learning and creating robots?

I design medical devices for a living, and we would never put a device in a human without doing destructive testing. If you don’t learn how something breaks, you can’t learn how to design something that doesn’t break! Learning how to build a good BattleBot means learning how to build something that can survive the harshest environments. Every time Witch Doctor breaks, we learn how to improve the design. That’s exactly how the engineering process works in the real world.

What do you do for a career today? What was your path to your current position?

I’m currently a medical device engineer at Zimmer Biomet, which is also one of Witch Doctor’s sponsors. I design titanium implants that serve to reassemble a patient’s bone after a high energy fracture, such as a car accident. These implants hold the small bone fragments in the correct positions so that the body can heal correctly. I studied biomedical engineering in college and got an internship my sophomore year at this same company. That entire interview was technical questions about my BattleBots experience. I thought it was weird since I was expecting super hard biomedical questions. Of course, I wasn’t complaining because I knew robots so much better! Years later my boss told me that since he had never met a young lady that was actively involved in robotics, he wanted to make sure I was the real deal and not a bystander on the team.

How many patents do you have? What are they for? How old were you when you received your first patent?

I have two issued patents and six patent applications that will be issuing soon. They are all for different medical devices to address wrist and clavicle fractures. My patents have been a result of my work at Zimmer Biomet, and the first one was in my 20’s.

Do you think BattleBots is a good activity or sport for both boys and girls? Why?

Of course! Boys and girls can have very different creative and critical thinking, so we need a combination of both to solve the world’s greatest challenges! You’ll notice that Witch Doctor is not an all-girl team. That’s because the team is strongest when we have different people working together and coming up with solutions. Girls don’t have to isolate themselves in all-girl teams to prove that they’re good enough to “play with the boys.” The reason there are less girls in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) now is not because girls aren’t as good at it. It’s because girls haven’t been encouraged to participate in these activities until recently. Think to the last time you went to McDonalds and they asked you if you want a “girl toy” or a “boy toy.” The “boy toy” was probably a toy like a Transformer or Inspector Gadget, while the “girl toy” was probably a toy like My Little Pony or Shopkins. There’s nothing wrong with My Little Pony, but I always preferred the hands-on toys that the boys got! I would tell my mom to lie to McDonalds and tell them I was a boy, while I hid in the backseat of the car while we went through the Drive-Thru. It was a harmless lie of course, but I always wished these kinds of toys were aimed at me! That is changing quickly now, and very soon we’ll see the number of girls in STEM skyrocket.

Are you friends with the other BattleBots builders and drivers? How fierce is the competition between the various teams?

You’ll hear this a lot, but it’s true- BattleBots is a big (crazy) family! A lot of us have been competing together since we were in high school. The competition is very serious, but we’re all good friends and always encouraging and helping each other. It’s my favorite part of this sport!

Do you have any words of advice for children reading this interview?

The best way to learn how to make something, is to make something! Anything! Every time you make something you learn new skills that you can apply to your next project. You need to know a lot of different things to be able to build a robot, but no one learns all those skills all at the same time. Start with simpler projects where you can learn how to use tools and put things together. Then get together with your friends and work your way up to building your first robot together!

What is your favorite quote? What does it mean to you?

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
~ Arthur C. Clarke

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‘Witch Doctors’ Flex Skills on BattleBots

Most witch doctors believe in healing, but this Witch Doctor, designed by a team that includes two alumni, will be bent on maiming, scorching, and annihilating other robots.

By Barbara Gutierrez [email protected] 06-23-2016

Folktales tell us that most witch doctors believe in healing. But this Witch Doctor is bent on maiming, scorching, and annihilating anything in its path.

Designed by a team that includes two University of Miami alumni, Witch Doctor is a 220-pound robot, which, with its flame-throwing sidekick, Shaman, will try to destroy other robotic competitors in the second season of ABC’s BattleBots.

During the course of the season, which premiered June 23, 48 robots will fight in grueling three-minute matches, but only one will ultimately triumph.

Andrea Suarez, B.S., M.S. ’11, and Michael Gellatly, B.S. ’06, are banking on their robotic duo emerging victorious when they compete during the June 30 show.

“Our strategy is a little unusual because we decided to meet the 250-pound weight limit with two robots instead of one,” said Suarez. “Witch Doctor weighs 220 pounds and has a weapon that spins vertically, while Shaman only weighs 30 pounds and uses a large flamethrower to attack its opponents.”

Witch Doctor participated in the first season of BattleBots and made it to the quarterfinals, where it faced the most-feared robot of all: Tombstone.

Although Witch Doctor and his human handlers lost, they inflicted the most damage to Tombstone in season one.

Suarez and Gellatly met when she was in high school at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, and he was at UM. At the time, she was competing in high school tournaments with light robots weighing a mere one and two pounds, and he was about to become president of the UM Robotics Team.

When they connected again at UM, they fine-tuned their skills as students in UM’s College of Engineering. Using steel, titanium, and aluminum, they were building electric robots “at a different level,” said Suarez.

“UM gave us the classes and the ability to refine what we knew and then apply it,” she said. “We had resources that we did not have before.”

Working with engineering graduate students and supportive faculty encouraged them to persevere, Gellatly recalls.

“Some people were critical of dueling robots,” said Gellatly. “But we knew that, although we were not saving lives, we were learning valuable engineering lessons.”

The friends continued to compete locally and nationally in college-level robotics competitions, later joining friends Paul Grata and Jennifer Villa to create the Witch Doctor team in 2010. Dressed in top hats and sporting skulls and bones, the team chose its name to appeal to children.

“We wanted to make sure that we drew in kids,” said Suarez. “We wanted children to be attracted to engineering without knowing that they were learning about engineering.”

Their strategy seems to be working. Later this year, the company Hexbug will debut a Witch Doctor toy. And in their day jobs, Suarez and Gellatly are actually enhancing, if not saving, lives. They both work in research and development at Zimmer Biomet, developing implants for traumatic injuries.

Witch Doctor from BattleBots

Come meet Witch Doctor from BattleBots! The 250lb multi-bot will be showing off its battle scars while Andrea, Mike, and Paul will be available for questions throughout the weekend.

They are often equipped with various types of weapons, including spinning blades, hammers, and even flame throwers. These weapons are used to inflict damage upon their opponents and immobilize them. The design and appearance of witch doctor battlebots vary from robot to robot, but they often feature intricate and detailed paint jobs that reflect the witch doctor theme.

Makers

Andrea Gellatly

Andrea first learned about robotics as a high school freshman, which quickly shifted her career goals from artist to engineer. She now has over 15 years of experience in combat robotics, winning a number of national titles. Andrea recently presented at the Kennedy Space Center on designing for damage and redundancy, and has spoken on discussion panels for a variety of audiences. She is also co-founder of MakeMIA Makerspace. She is currently working in research and development at Zimmer Biomet, where she has focused on upper extremity trauma for the past 11 years and has been awarded several utility patents. Andrea received her BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Miami.

Michael Gellalty

Mike grew up aspiring to be an engineer since he was very young. He has developed a wide range of fabrication skills, such as CNC machining and TIG welding. He has been building combat robots since 2005, winning various national titles in multiple weight classes. In his spare time, he builds and competes across Florida with his drift car. ​He is currently developing robotic surgery products, after working in orthopedics for 10 years. Prior to entering the medical device industry, he developed a 3-wheels vehicle for Scorpion Motorsports. Mike received his MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Miami.

Paul Grata

Paul began his exploits into engineering during high school, attending the engineering magnet program and participating on the FIRST robotics team at Miami Coral Park SHS. He attended Florida International University, earning a bachelors in mechanical engineering while holding the position of Vice Chairman of the student chapter for ASME over two years. Since graduating Paul has continued to pursue his love of robotics and technology, at various times mentoring FIRST and VEX teams while discovering a passion for the design challenge combat robotics offers and the interconnected nature of mechanical design and marketing. Be it through the design of medical devices as a profession or the integration of electro-mechanical systems for consumer goods and 3D printing for cosplay uses Paul continues to explore the boundaries of design and manufacturing philosophies.

Some robots may be adorned with feathers, masks, or other tribal symbols, giving them an intimidating and mystical look. These battlebots are controlled by human operators who use remote controls to maneuver and control their movements. The aim of the battle is to incapacitate or destroy the opponent robot, either by causing damage to its structure or immobilizing it. Witch doctor battlebots have gained popularity in the world of robot combat due to their unique design and compelling theme. They captivate audiences with their aggressive strategies, powerful weaponry, and impressive performances in the arena. While witch doctor battlebots may not possess any supernatural powers, they certainly embody the spirit and allure of witch doctors through their appearance and combat capabilities. They continue to be a fascinating and exciting addition to the world of combat robotics..

Reviews for "Witch Doctor's Most Iconic Weapons: Unleashing Devastation in the Battle Arena"

1. Mark - 2/5 stars - "I was really excited to watch 'Witch doctor battlebots' as I love robots and action-packed shows, but I was disappointed with it. The battles were repetitive and lacked creativity. The show focused more on the drama and the personalities of the teams rather than the actual fights. I was hoping to see some impressive robot battles, but it felt more like a reality TV show with forced conflicts. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations."

2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "I can't believe how boring and uneventful 'Witch doctor battlebots' was. The fights were over in a matter of seconds, and most of the time, I couldn't even tell what was happening. The camera angles and editing made it difficult to follow the action. Additionally, the hosts' commentary was uninteresting and lacked enthusiasm. It felt like they were just going through the motions. I was hoping for a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping experience, but unfortunately, this show fell flat."

3. John - 2/5 stars - "I wanted to enjoy 'Witch doctor battlebots,' but the show's format and structure were confusing. There were too many segments unrelated to the actual fights, and it made the show feel disjointed. The producers should have focused more on showcasing the battles and explaining the mechanics of the robots instead of the behind-the-scenes drama. The fights themselves were mediocre, and it was frustrating to see the same tactics and strategies being used repeatedly. The lack of innovation and excitement made it a forgettable experience for me."

Witch Doctor's Impact on Pop Culture: How It Became a Phenomenon Beyond Battlebots