Builder Interview: Nick Andreas
From first events and early electronics struggles to slugfest wins and long-term goals, Nick Andreas shares his journey through combat robotics. In this interview, Nick talks about the evolution of his robots, lessons learned along the way, and what continues to make the sport exciting both inside and outside the arena.
What is Your Name
Nick Andreas
What is Your Robot(s) Name(s)?
Little Bob, Xanadu, Bagheera, Bigheera
How did you first discover combat robotics, and what made you decide to actually start building?
This is a long story, and one to hopefully go through at some point, but the very short version is my involvement can be credited to my now teammate Brian Mendicino for getting us to come up to NHRL in June 2023.
What was the first bot you ever built, and what do you remember most about that experience?
Little Bob was our first, and I remember having issues with electronics, getting it all figured out, starting to dive into CAD to design wheelguards, and then expanding out from there. Also remember going to our first event, January 2024 new bots, and managing to get some wins, which was really cool.
Who were the early influences or people who helped you learn the ropes when you were just starting out?
The entire NHRL discord community has always, then and now, been an unbelievable source of help.
How has your current bot evolved from your first version or first idea?
Another long answer here, but my main bot Bagheera went from an overweight, much larger bot in its debut (thanks mini 2024 bonus), to a much more compact, lighter, and durable bot now. It has also switched from JCR to Repeat hub motors, but I love both.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before building your first bot?
I wish I had a background in the electronics and techniques used with those components going in, and could have gotten things on that level situated a lot quicker as a result.
Do you prefer building, driving, or strategy — and why?
With a working bot, there is no greater thrill than the few minutes you're in the box driving.
What was your favorite fight you’ve ever had and why?
June 2025 GSCRL against Sir Slicey. The whole fight was what I love, an absolute back and forth slug fest. Then, in the final seconds, I caught Sir Slicey in the back, and gashed his back armor literally between the words "Sir" and "Slicey", causing the battery to come out and getting the win.
What keeps you excited about the sport?
The wonderful people, the thrill of competing, and the challenge of designing and putting together these fun little death machines.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about building their first bot?
Don't be afraid to get a kit and work out from there. Figure out what you're weak in, ask questions, and make improvements until you're happy with something. And get a good job so you can afford the endless supply of cash the sport requires.
What are your goals for your next event?
It took 2 full years, but since in November 2025 a bot finally made Prime Time at NHRL, the goal for the next year has to be qualifying for champs.
Are there any events you hope to compete in in the future?
Will likely do a spattering of NHRL, GSCRL, and other PA events in 2026.
Where do you see your bot, or yourself as a builder, a year from now?
I think that in the last event I was finally able to dial in Bigheera a good bit, and look forward to that hopefully becoming a stable competitive bot at 12lb. Bagheera should continue to have great fights, and hopefully break through in a tough 3lb field at NHRL while hopefully still doing great at other events.
What I'm really excited about as of now is a project I have in the works with a builder from another team. Lots of things left to do, but hopefully sometime in 2026 you see something pretty cool coming from us.
Nick Andreas: https://havocrundown.com/en/builder/nick-andreas-1763909346159
