Builder Interview: Samuel Herman
From discovering BattleBots as a kid to designing a competitive bigwheel beetle, Samuel Herman’s journey into combat robotics has been shaped by experimentation, mentorship, and learning through failure. In this interview, Samuel talks about his early builds, the evolution of Colossus, and his ambitions for the future.
What is Your Name
Samuel Herman
What is Your Robot(s) Name(s)?
Colossus
How did you first discover combat robotics, and what made you decide to actually start building?
As like many people in this sport, I discovered combat robotics as a kid though the Battlebots TV show. However it wasn’t until I joined the Brandeis University robotics club that I was introduced to lower weight classes and thus the possibility of building a robot of my own.
What was the first bot you ever built, and what do you remember most about that experience?
My first combat robotics was a 3lb ftbb called sustenance. Its first and only competition was in November 2022 and is still one of my favorite events. Thanks to double elimination that actually remains the NHRL event with my highest number of wins, ending 4-2 after getting roofed by chainsaw kitty enough to bring down a cage light and unplug an internal power cable. Still one of my favorite matches to date.
Who were the early influences or people who helped you learn the ropes when you were just starting out?
I was mostly taught by the clubs mentor Tim Hebert (chubby unicorn and pretty fly) and the then club president Nathan Cai (first law and moon cake).
How has your current bot evolved from your first version or first idea?
After sustenance I built an upgraded version of the bot called epsilon which never really got off the ground due to a variety of problems. It was in those failures thought that I learned a lot that allowed me to make my current bot. Since early on I knew I was interested in building a bigwheel. My initial inspiration was, unsurprisingly, huge from battlebots, and seeing the success and then retirement of tiny huge in the beetles convinced me that there was a huge opportunity if i could build one of my own, which in early 2024 led me to begin designing colossus.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before building your first bot?
Don’t use wagos
Do you prefer building, driving, or strategy — and why?
I like all 3
What was your favorite fight you’ve ever had and why?
One that definitely comes to mind is the recent trophy rumble at 2025 finals. There were constant destructive hits and I ended up knocking out most of the other beetles in the arena. This was with the most recent iteration of colossus and showed that it had a lot of potential.
What keeps you excited about the sport?
Having fun fights, making new designs, and seeing how the sport grows.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about building their first bot?
3 mains pieces of advice. 1) Think simple: there is already a lot of complexity in building a combat robot so adding extra complexity for your first build can lead to excess stress and failure (this doesn’t mean it can’t be creative, just not overly complicated). 2) Use the community: there are tons of people in the community who have either already posted guides and information about building, or would be happy to answer any questions you have. 3) Be prepared: a prepared bot is a successful bot so make sure you put in the time before competing to test and organize so you don’t have to rush.
What are your goals for your next event?
I hope to compete at February NHRL and qualify with colossus
Are there any events you hope to compete in in the future?
I would love to compete in NHRL’s pro league they are developing.
Where do you see your bot, or yourself as a builder, a year from now?
I want to develop colossus into a top competitor that’s well recognized and feared, and I do think it has that potential. There are also a number of other bots I am working on that I would love to develop and compete with over the next year.
Samuel Herman: https://havocrundown.com/en/builder/samuel-herman-1770049101429
