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"Will Ming be gone in a flash, or will it prove to be an emperor of robots?"
— Jonathan Pearce upon Ming's debut

Ming was the base name given to a series of four robots across the history of Robot Wars. The team competed with the Ming robots from Series 3-7 whilst also entering in the first series of Robot Wars Extreme. Though never achieving much success in the main series, having lost in Round 1 or 2 in all five of its British appearances, Ming 3 won the International Tag Team as part of Nickelodeon Robot Wars alongside Rick.

Versions of Ming[]

Ming[]

"Ming I (a wedge with a 24” Circular saw at the rear) was our first attempt at building a robot (for series 3) and it really wasn’t very good. It was cobbled together from whatever we could get hold of in a fairly short space of time and it just wasn’t strong enough for the job...we learnt a lot though."
— The Ming website on the original Ming[1]
Mingteams3

Team Ming with the original Ming in the Pits

The original Ming, also known as Ming the Merciless, was a box wedge shaped robot, built over five weeks in the Cotterell family's garage at a cost of £1,800. It was built from aluminium, steel and titanium and armed with a serrated 23-inch circular saw (mistakenly quoted as 22-inch by Jonathan Pearce and alternatively quoted as 24-inch on the Team Ming website) that covered the robot's entire back. This disc spun counter-clockwise at 3,200rpm. The frame was 1 inch-thick tubular steel, the armour was 2mm footplate aluminium, and there was a titanium plate at the impact point[2]. The robot had a 1.1 Kilowatt wheelchair motor and two 500 Watt drive motors for propulsion, giving a top speed of 15mph, as well as a sound-producing device with some small flashing lights on the top. The robot cost over £2000 to build.

"It's got a secret weapon, to fool the opposition ... makes other robots think it's a little quaint, and while they're thinking about it, we attack them!"
— Andrew Cotterell explains the sound device, as Alexander demonstrates it

Ming broke down early in its first fight, and when flipped over, the disc came off its axle on contact with the arena floor, shearing it off and causing it to fly across the arena.

Ming 2[]

"This deadly Ming will move like a flash! Top speeds of up to 15 miles per hour! Two spikes at either side, and a flipper weapon, as they try to become kings of the Robot Wars universe!"
— Jonathan Pearce describes Ming in the War of Independence
Ming2 arena

Ming 2 from the front in the arena

Ming 2 was a long metallic wedge-shaped robot that entered Series 4. The machine weighed in at precisely 80.2kg, making it the heaviest in its heat, and it was also the joint fastest at 15mph. The wedge led onto a front-hinged flipping panel on top, and the robot also had two air-driven spikes, one on each side, for glancing blows. The robot was invertible, and the front wedge was on a hinge, so it would fall down if the robot was flipped over, unlike most invertible robots with wedges, where the wedge was only useful one way up. It had an aluminium chassis, and was powered by two 12 volt batteries[3]. For the War of Independence, the air-spikes on the side were removed, and a single static spike was added to the back.

"Ming II was a much better engineered machine - long and relatively low with a wedge nose and an air powered flipper that was situated in the middle of the robot – it worked both ways up so it didn’t need a self righter. The problem with it was that the air rams were too slow and I kept having trouble with the P&G controller tripping."
— The Ming website on Ming 2[1]

It performed much stronger than its predecessor, easily dispatching the seeded Diotoir before falling in the second round to The Morgue after suddenly breaking down. It also represented the UK in the War of Independence Christmas special, although the Ultimate Guide makes the false statement that it was actually Ming 3 which took part.

Ming2WoI

Ming 2 from overhead in the arena

"Well, we were here in the last wars and we were up against Mortis. We didn't really have a good crack at it, we didn't do very well, to cut a long story short, we lost. Arthur (Chilcott) said to us: "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't know why they put people like you against guys like us" So I thought right, that's it, I'm going to come back and I'm going to show 'em who's the best."
— Andrew Cotterell before Round 2 of the Fourth Wars

As revealed during an interview, Ming 2 had largely been created to get revenge over Mortis for the previous year's loss, and Andrew Cotterell expressed a desire to fight them again. However, the grudge ultimately went unresolved as both robots fell in separate heats and Ming 2 was eliminated in the second round of the War of Independence, losing to frenZy, whereas Mortis would go on to win the competition.

"We'll be back, Mortis, so watch out!"
— Andrew Cotterell after Ming 2's defeat in Round 2 of Heat C

Ming 3[]

"Ming III – is basically the same chassis as Ming II but I have lost the air rams and fitted a crushing arm. I spent a good deal of time thinking about how to improve Ming II without producing something that was boring whilst maintaining the same basic chassis. It seemed to me that flippers were becoming more common and small blades and drills do nothing significant but that crushing or piercing devices could be fun. The problem was to produce something that didn’t look like Razer! Big problem really as what ever I did I knew people would say it looks like Razer. How can one produce a successful penetrating robot that doesn’t? So, I used the same chassis and just ‘plonked’ a crusher on it - at least now we should be able to have some fun!"
— The Ming website on Ming 3[1]
Ming 3 Extreme Arena

Ming 3 in the arena during the first series of Robot Wars Extreme

Ming 3 s5 arena

Ming 3 in the arena during Series 5

Ming 3 was the most successful of the Ming robots, and the only one to enter more than one series. It reused the chassis and motor-driven nose cone that were originally built for Ming 2, but replaced the front-hinged flipper with a vertical crushing arm made from stainless steel (sometimes called a 'piercer'). This featured holes drilled through the sides to save weight, as well as a pair of self-righting arms operated by a cable. Unlike the similarly beak-like crusher of Razer (of which Ming 3 was often compared to by personalities including Jonathan Pearce and Craig Charles), Ming 3's weapon operated significantly faster, with the self-righting arms opening outwards as the crusher lowered. Despite being 20 kilograms heavier than Ming 2, it maintained the same top speed as its predecessor. In order to save weight, the wheel guards formerly attached to Ming 2 were removed, which left Ming 3's wheels especially vulnerable when it faced opponents armed with spinning weapons.

Craig Charles: "Where was the inspiration for that robot?"
Andrew Cotterell: "Nothing to do with Razer at all!"
Craig Charles: "How did they react when you "nicked" their idea?"
Andrew Cotterell: "Well, actually, they were quite pleased, it was quite flattering to have someone else who looks like them...and it's a good idea, it works and I wanted to do something more original than a flipper, which I did before, and y'know, the piercer's different, there's not many piercers out there."
— Andrew Cotterell discusses Ming 3's origins and inspirations after its Vengeance battle with Mega Morg
Ming III 6

Official photo of Ming 3 for Series 6

Ming 3 Arena

Ming 3 in the arena during Series 6

The robot had T6 aluminium, stainless steel and titanium armour, and was powered by two 12 volt, 500 Watt motors. Ming 3 first appeared in Extreme 1, and was upgraded for in Series 5. Originally, the crusher was powered by two screwdriver electric motors, but this was converted to hydraulics for Series 5, giving the crusher 3 tonnes of pressure at the tip. In Extreme 1, the back end of the crusher had a lifter with a spike attached to it, but Ming 3 never used this weapon in either of its fights there, and it was removed for its remaining appearances beginning with Series 5.

"At first I used two Warner linear drive rams (electric) to produce the force required to crush but after the ‘Extreme’ session at Earls’ court I decided to change this – I now use Hydraulics. I have used a lorry tailgate lifting mechanism (because it’s small and powerful) and after unsuccessfully faffing around with a few old rams I have ended up making a new one that fits the requirements exactly. We have estimated that it should produce about two tonnes of force at the end of the arm and about six at the hinge. During testing we managed to split logs quite nicely and have had no trouble going through 5mm aluminium or Polycarbonate of any size that’s likely to be on a robot. It’s certainly much stronger than the linear drive activated arm – the main concern I have now is that it will crush itself!"
— The Ming website on the upgrades to Ming[4]
Ming 3 NRW

Ming 3 in the Nickelodeon International Tag Team

Ming 3 lost in the first round of Series 5 after a controversial intervention from Matilda, and did not achieve any major success in Extreme 1 or Series 6. However, it earned considerable success in Nickelodeon Robot Wars where it won the International Tag Team alongside Rick, both representing the United Kingdom. Despite this, Ming 3 was retired after Series 6, due to the vulnerable wheels and additional control issues experienced by the team during its combat run.

"...we now have a robot that looks good and has an awesome weapon but is not the most controllable of the clan. The main problem being that now we can build the robot up to 100kg, with a rear wheel driven Bot which has most of the weight forward of the drive one has much more of a problem with ‘over-swing’. It’s just not really practical or nimble enough with two wheel drive. I guess the next Bot will be pretty much the same but with Four-Wheel drive and less obvious targets for wheels!"
— The Ming website on their issues with Ming 3[4]

Ming Dienasty[]

"Now it's a bit different, last few years we've learned a few things; smaller wheels this time, four wheel drive, skid steer, with a very big drilling mechanism on the front here."
— Andrew Cotterell describes Ming Dienasty
Ming Dienasty S7

Ming Dienasty in the arena

Robogeddon Unit

A Robogeddon RCV, the basis for Ming Dienasty

The team's final robot was named Ming Dienasty, which entered the main competition of Series 7. The robot was designed based on lessons learned from previous series, incorporating smaller, partially-enclosed wheels and a four-wheel drive skid-steer system for better control. The robot used parts from the Robogeddon RCV (Radio Controlled Vehicle) units then recently developed by Andrew Cotterell's new company, RobotsRus, including the chassis, drive system and a full-body bumper bar to absorb impacts. Cotterell wanted to gain publicity for his new company, but was unable to use the RobotsRus or Robogeddon brand names during the new machine's appearance on Robot Wars.

As well as a unique red and black bodyshell, Ming Dienasty was equipped with a powerful rotating drill attached to an electric-operated arm, which functioned in a similar way to the lifting arms installed on the standard RCVs. This enabled Ming Dienasty to self-right when flipped upside-down, while its skid steering and four-wheel drive made the new incarnation very manoeuvrable and controllable across the arena. With a top speed of 20mph, it was also the fastest of the entire Ming lineage.

Though able to spin at up to 3,000rpm, Ming Dienasty's drill was unable to gain considerable purchase in its only battle. The weapon had interchangeable drill-bits, but only one was seen on television. Ming Dienasty's chassis was made of high-grade chrome-moly steel, and the robot had two 800 Watt Iskra motors, running at 24 volts.[5] However, the robot had a 3cm ground clearance, and struggled to self-right from its side, particularly if the drill was still rotating. Perhaps humorously, Cotterell listed his robot's weakness as "temper tantrums".

"Prone to fits of temper... erm, that's Andrew, the driver, not the machine."
— Clarification from Jonathan Pearce, reading the statistics for Ming Dienasty
MingDienasty

Side view of Ming Dienasty

Construction of the robot began in October 2001, but the robot itself was not finished in time for Series 6, so Ming 3 was used instead.[4]

Ming Dienasty was given the number 15 seeding for Series 7, after the intended number 4 seed, Dominator 2, was unable to compete in the main competition due to a technical malfunction before filming. It lost in the first round on a judges' decision. For unconfirmed reasons, despite its eligibility, Ming Dienasty did not participate in the All-Stars tournament shown at the end of the series.

Etymology[]

Ming was named after a villain from Flash Gordon, Ming the Merciless; in later series, the team wore outfits fitting in with the theme, also claiming to originate from the planet Mongo, itself ruled by the former. In turn, the fictional character Ming the Merciless was named after the Ming dynasty of China, which Team Ming also played upon in Series 7 with the naming of their penultimate entry, Ming Dienasty.

Further alluding to the Ming dynasty itself, Stefan Frank quipped in the Grand Champions version of Series 4, Heat C that Ming 2 "doesn't look anything like a Chinese vase", in reference to its angular shape and low height.

The Team[]

Main article: Team Ming
Team ming

The Ming Dienasty team in Series 7

Team Ming was captained by Andrew Cotterell, who was present in all five series where Ming competed. His son Alexander was present in every series of Robot Wars that his father competed in, although he was not part of the Ming Dienasty team in Series 7, instead competing with Zorro. Oliver Cotterell was also present from Series 4 through to 7, while Elliot Cotterell competed only as part of the Ming Dienasty team in Series 7, with the young Fox Abrahams also joining the Ming Dienasty and Zorro teams in Series 7. As the only adult member of the team, Andrew Cotterell was responsible for the repairs and maintenance of Ming, and was the driver of the robot in all of its appearances.

Qualification[]

The original Ming was built in less than a month leading up to the Series 3 auditions. The robot was ready to compete at the qualifiers, albeit not completed, and successfully qualified. In between the auditions and appearing in the main series, the team gave Ming stronger armour.[6]

"About nine months ago we rang up and asked for the entry forms and all the criteria we needed to follow to enter the competition. There were loads of dos and don'ts but I was sure I could knock something up for about £300 or £400. From then on, we only had three or four weeks to get the thing made before the trials in London. We got through them successfully, and then set about making the robot as sturdy as we could before the real heats began in earnest."
— Andrew Cotterell, interviewed by the Shepton and District News

For Series 4, Ming 2 was originally due to fight VIPER 01, however technical difficulties forced its opponent to be replaced by Hard Cheese, their team’s middleweight, at the last minute. As a result, Ming 2 won the battle by flipping Hard Cheese over, leaving it unable to self-right, and qualified for the main competition. Ming 3 would also be selected to compete in the Fifth Wars.

"The others scheduled for our battle were two first timers like myself, and one experienced roboteer, Ming. The first timers were "Immortalis" and "Revolution 2" and it wasn't long before they came round to have a look at the Hog and have a chat. Both teams were very friendly and suggested quietly that because Ming was an experienced roboteer, that maybe we should all work together and all go for Ming at the start of the battle. Once he was immobilised, it would be a free for all, with no holds barred. It seemed like a good plan, but it seemed that Ming had similar ideas as well, because he approached the other teams and suggested that he and they ganged up against the other two robots. I presume this is a fairly common situation in Robot Wars, and I wasn't too surprised."
— The Hassocks Hog website
Ming3s6pits

Ming 3 in the pits during Series 6

For Series 6, Ming 3 was placed up against The Hassocks Hog, Devil Rider and Revolution 2. At the start of the battle, Ming 3 was immediately attacked by the other three competitors, and quickly found itself immobile after its safety link was removed by a hit from Devil Rider's bar spinner. The Hassocks Hog went on to win the battle on a judges’ decision. However, Ming 3, along with Revolution 2, received discretionary places into the Sixth Wars.

"I drove straight at Ming 3 and took out his removable link within seconds and he was immobilised ... Ming 3 and the other two robots were invited to the show (Series 6) but we were not, which I thought was unfair."
— Colin Scott on Devil Rider immobilising Ming 3[7] (edited)

Unlike the remaining seeds for Series 7, Ming Dienasty did have to attend the qualifiers for a place on the show, as it would only be granted a seeding later, following the withdrawal of Dominator 2. As with Team Mouse and Team Vader, Team Ming was able to qualify for the main competition with two robots, also qualifying with Zorro.

Robot History[]

Series 3[]

ArthurAlex

"You're taking the mickey just a little"

Ming's first round battle saw them go up against heat favourite Mortis. Prior to the fight, Alex Cotterell put on a huge white beard in an imitation of Mortis team's Arthur Chilcott, whilst Andrew put on a large backpack with a teddy bear in it to mock Rob Knight's hands-free device.

Philippa Forrester: "Now you've got the beard, you're all kitted out, you're raring to go, I reckon you can win it!"
Andrew Cotterell: "We've got a chance now, I reckon! Even pegging now! Before, I didn't think we had a chance, but that's it now, we're almost there!"
Philippa Forrester: "Good! I'm very pleased about that, thank you very much! Good luck!"
Andrew Cotterell: "Thank you very much!"
Philippa Forrester: "You need it!"
— Andrew Cotterell shows mock confidence before the fight
Ming vs mortis

Mortis' lifter smacks down on Ming's blade

At the start of the battle, Mortis charged at Ming, and Ming turned as it drove forwards, trying to get its wedge under Mortis. However, after one axe blow and a push from Mortis, Ming stopped moving, having lost signal. Ming's spinning disc was spinning at top speed, and Mortis raised its lifter, then dropped it onto the blade, causing sparks. Mortis reversed, then pushed Mortis, which rolled forwards a little but was still not moving. Mortis got under the side and lifted it over with its lifting arm, pushing it onto the arena spikes as it did so. Ming's disc broke off on contact with the arena floor, rolling into the arena wall, which sent it flying up in the air and hitting the studio lighting[1] before crashing back to the arena floor.

Mortis vs ming

Mortis lifts Ming

"...lifting, lifting Ming, and down! Oh, the blade's gone! The blade flown, there it goes! As soon as it touched down on the arena floor, the hopes of Ming shredded!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming is overturned and the blade flies off

Ming was defeated, but before the House Robots could attack, Mortis took on the House Robots, and after fighting with Matilda, Dead Metal and Shunt, it was overturned by Shunt and then pitted, meaning Ming did not have to suffer the usual mercy killing from the House Robots.

"We lost signal, something interfered, and we just lost total control and it just stopped going."
— Andrew Cotterell explains why Ming stopped moving in the post-battle interview

However, this made no difference as Ming was eliminated from the competition.

Philippa Forrester: "And how did the beard perform?"
Alex Cotterell: "Well, it was itchy...got in the way a bit"
Philippa Forrester: "Let's get rid of it, come on! Cast it away, that's much better!"
— Philippa Forrester "shaves" Alex after the battle

Series 4[]

"Two spikes to each side, a flipper too for Ming 2, but Ming the Merciless? I doubt it, what about you?"
— Jonathan Pearce's summary of Ming 2, doubting its chances based on its Series 3 performance

Competing in Heat C of the Fourth Wars, Ming 2 was placed up against newcomer Bolt from the Blue and the number 21 seed Diotoir in its first round melee. However, the two unseeded robots had an advantage from the start because due to Diotoir being overweight and the chain for the flipper breaking, Team Nemesis had been forced to remove the top armour and enter Diotoir with no weapon.

"...I hope we'll be a bit more successful than the last one - we've got a much meaner machine!"
— Andrew Cotterell before the battle
Diotoir quickly flipped

Ming 2 flips Diotoir over

Ming 2 and Bolt from the Blue immediately went straight for Diotoir, with Ming 2 getting under the side of the seeded robot, pushing it towards the arena wall and flipping it over within seconds. With no flipper, Diotoir was left stuck on its back.

"Driven immediately back there, and Ming 2 and Bolt from the Blue almost like a pincer attack, forcing Diotoir back to the arena wall..."
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 2 flips Diotoir over
BoltFromBlueMingFight

Ming 2 charges at Bolt from the Blue, as Sgt. Bash approaches the overturned Diotoir

Bolt from the Blue nudged the overturned Diotoir onto the nearby flame pit, as Diotoir spun around on one wheel. Ming 2 suddenly charged at the back of Bolt from the Blue, ramming it into the arena wall before reversing away. Bolt from the Blue reversed away from the wall and turned to face Ming 2. Ming 2 charged at Bolt from the Blue, but drove over the front wedge.

"Meanwhile, the two underdogs there, Ming 2 and Bolt from the Blue, circle dangerously, avoid each other. Well, that was nothing, just a bit of a bruise and a bump, but Diotoir is in real trouble here!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 2 charges at Bolt from the Blue

Sgt. Bash came out of his CPZ and set Diotoir on fire, and cease was called, sending Ming 2 and Bolt from the Blue through.

In the Heat Semi-final, Ming 2 was drawn against Scar, but Scar was forced to withdraw before the battle due to a damaged and irreparable gearbox, and The Morgue was reinstated, having lost to Firestorm 2, another robot with a front-hinged flipper, in Round 1.

"Ming 2 has to be the favourites here, against the reinstated Morgue."
— Jonathan Pearce just before the battle
Ming 2 fips the morque

Ming 2 flips The Morgue over

Ming 2 had the quicker start, driving down the arena then charging at The Morgue, but Ming 2 drove straight onto The Morgue's wedge, allowing The Morgue the get under Ming 2 and push it back. Ming 2 fell off the front of The Morgue by the flame pit, and whilst The Morgue re-positioned for another attack, Ming 2 twisted one way and another. The Morgue drove at Ming 2, but drove over the front of its wedge before Ming 2 could push it. The Morgue drove straight onto the flame pit, which it quickly reversed off of. Ming 2 turned around and pushed The Morgue across the arena, but The Morgue was able to reverse and turn away. The Morgue turned around, and Ming 2 charged under the side and flipped it, but The Morgue rolled over.

"For a moment then, I thought Ming 2 would be the pallbearer of The Morgue"
— Jonathan Pearce
Morgue Ming 2

The Morgue penetrates the armour of Ming 2 and begins to lift

Ming 2 tried to get under The Morgue, eventually getting under the front and pushing it towards Dead Metal. It flipped The Morgue up, but The Morgue landed on its wheels and pushed back. Ming 2 reversed and turned away. Both machines turned, and charged head-on at each other, and the spikes of The Morgue's lifting device punctured Ming 2's wedge front, allowing it lift it up a little.

"Look at this! That's a real power battle, there."
— Jonathan Pearce as The Morgue spikes Ming 2
TheMorgueRamsMing2

The Morgue rams Ming 2, causing it to break down

However, Ming 2 was still able to push The Morgue, pushing it into Matilda. Matilda pushed The Morgue away from the CPZ as the pit opened, causing the two robots to get free of each other. The Morgue drove to the arena centre, and Ming 2 charged after it, getting under the rear, but was not able to flip it because The Morgue was hanging off the side, so the flipper merely pushed it off. Ming pushed The Morgue into Dead Metal's CPZ, but it escaped before the House Robot could attack.

"Will The Morgue boys be taken away from Robot Wars in a hearse? Hmm, they're OK but only just! Certainly Ming 2, I think, on top."
— Jonathan Pearce
Sir Killalot pits Ming 2

Sir Killalot dumps the defeated Ming 2 into the pit

Ming 2 drove to the arena centre as The Morgue got away from the CPZ, reversing into Ming 2, and The Morgue drove into the side of Ming 2, and pushed it back. Suddenly, Ming 2 broke down. Shunt came out of the CPZ and axed the top of Ming 2, puncturing it, and pushed it onto the flame pit. Shunt pushed it off the flames, pushing it across the arena over to Sir Killalot, who grabbed the rear of Ming 2 with his claw and pitted Ming 2, sending The Morgue through to the Heat Final.

"You must be gutted! You were doing so well, for so long, and then you just seemed to run out of steam at the end there!"
Craig Charles to the Cotterell boys after the battle

After the battle, Andrew Cotterell revealed that the controller had simply stopped for unknown reasons.

Andrew Cotterell: "We lost power, I don't quite know what happened, but the controller just stopped, it must have been a safety mechanism cut-in that I hadn't removed, so it just stopped, don't know why, it just stopped."
Julia Reed: "It could happen to the best of you."
Andrew Cotterell: "Yeah, unfortunately it does, but perhaps I should have done some more practicing beforehand to find out."
— Andrew Cotterell explains why Ming 2 stopped moving

Ming 2 returned for the War of Independence during the Christmas season of the Fourth Wars, representing the UK. In the first round of the competition, Ming 2 was drawn up against The Mangulator, representing the USA.

"...and we're here to fight the Americans, which is rather good really because I deal with Americans on a daily basis and it'd be really nice to kick their butts!"
— Andrew Cotterell before Round 1
Ming2 vs mangulator

The Mangulator thwacks the back of Ming 2

Mangulator vs ming and sgt bash

Ming 2 slams The Mangulator into the jaws of Sgt. Bash

Ming 2 charged straight at The Mangulator, which turned in an attempt to hit Ming 2 with its thumperizer, but it merely glanced off the front wedge. Having missed its first charge, Ming 2 turned, but The Mangulator drove past it before Ming 2 could charge. The Mangulator began spinning as Ming 2 drove after it, so Ming 2 drove around it, getting a hit on the back from The Mangulator's thumperizer. As The Mangulator stopped spinning, Ming 2 drove at it, getting its wedge under the axe. Ming 2 tried to get under The Mangulator, but The Mangulator's axlebot design allowed it to spin around on top and get off before Ming 2 could fire the flipper. The Mangulator hit Ming 2 with the thumperizer as it spun, and Ming 2 reversed to the side of the arena. It charged at The Mangulator, but missed, and drove into Shunt as it tried to turn around. Ming 2 reversed before the House Robot could attack, then sped across the arena, getting underneath The Mangulator and pushing it over the flame pit.

"This is Ming 2, Andrew Cotterell using his wedge shape to drive in, like a Formula 1 car there, underneath the Mangulator."
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 2 gets under The Mangulator and pushes it
Mangulator vs ming

Ming 2 Gets underneath The Mangulator

MingvsMang

Ming 2 cleaves off a wheel from The Mangulator

Ming 2 pushed The Mangualtor into Sgt. Bash's CPZ, but The Mangulator drove over the top of Ming 2, and Ming 2 had to quickly escape the House Robot. Ming 2 got under The Mangulator again and pushed it against the arena wall, then turned it onto the flame pit, but Ming 2 then turned, driving over the flames itself. Ming 2 got under one of The Mangulator's wheels, but The Mangulator spun itself off the top of its opponent, hitting Ming 2 with the thumperizer as it spun. Ming 2 drove up the arena, then charged straight at the wheel of The Mangulator, knocking it clean off.

"This is good steering and driving by Ming 2, good control here from Andrew, to dodge away from that weapon, which actually, in all seriousness is quite destructive ... BUT THE WHEELS!!! Well, how frail was that?!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 2 rams into The Mangulator, causing the wheel to fall off

The House Robots came in to attack, with Matilda and Shunt pushing it into the pit, and Ming 2 was through to the Semi Finals.

Julia Reed: "I hear your'e up against the Americans quite a lot in your daily life though."
Andrew Cotterell: "Yeah, yeah. Our office is in San Francisco, so we fight with them on a daily basis! So it's nice to win for once"
— Andrew Cotterell reveals his grudge against the Americans in the post-battle interview

In this battle, Ming 2 was to go to battle with the only first round winner from the United States, frenZy.

Andrew Cotterell: "Alex has got the theory that if we hit his hammer hard from the front, it's going to dislodge it from the mountings, but I think we'd be better off getting in underneath and flipping him."
Julia Reed: "What do you reckon, do you think the axe?"
Andrew Cotterell: "Yeah, if we hit the axe, the chain might come off, and then we call flip him then, because then that way he definitely won't be able to self-right."
— Team Ming discuss tactics with Julia Reed before the battle
MingvsFren

frenZy immobilises Ming 2

Frenzy vs ming

frenZy keeps hammering Ming 2

Ming 2 drove straight at frenZy as the battle started, getting underneath it. However, frenZy fired the hammer and struck Ming 2's body, and after the first hit Ming 2's mobility completely ceased, and only the flipper was left working. frenZy continued to batter Ming 2, raining hammer blows onto the top, denting the top armour and the top of one of the wheel guards, whilst Ming 2 could do nothing but fire the flipper.

"Now how much can Ming withstand? A little cheeky flip, just to say "We're okay!", but are they? I don't think they are, and I think he realises, they've lost all forwards, sideways or backwards power and momentum, which means that Ming 2 is a sitting duck!"
— Jonathan Pearce as frenZy hammers the immobile Ming 2
Ming 2 vs house robots

The House Robots close in on Ming 2

Ming2 floor flipper

Ming 2 is thrown by the floor flipper

frenZy got at the side of Ming 2, and tried to land more hammer blows, but many of them missed due to the length of the handle. frenZy spun, slamming the sides of Ming 2 with the hammer, then the House Robots came over to attack Ming 2.

"They may be overweight, overpaid and over here, but they're over here on a mission, frenZy: To slam-dunk Ming 2 out of the War of Independence, and they're doing just that, and this is painful to watch!"
— Jonathan Pearce

Sgt. Bash and Dead Metal pushed it onto the arena floor flipper, where it was thrown into the air. Cease was soon called and Ming 2 was eliminated from the competition.

Craig Charles: "It was a bit of bullying really, because you didn't even raise a punch against him, he just filled you in!"
Andrew Cotterell: "I know, I know, yeah. Completely failed I'm afraid, bit of a shame, but you know, next year."
— Post-battle interview

After the battle, Andrew Cotterell revealed that the first hit had landed on the servo's on/off switch, knocking it out, causing the whole robot to become immobile.

Extreme 1[]

"Hi I'm Andrew. This is Alexander. This is Oliver, and we are Team Ming. We're here fresh from the Planet Mongo, ready to wreck havoc on any pathetic earthling that should happen to get in our way."
— Andrew Cotterell in the team's introductions

Ming 3 made two appearances in the first series of Extreme. Its first was a Mayhem qualifier battle, for a right to fight in the first Annihilator of the series. It faced a difficult draw, against previous Semi-Finalist Wheely Big Cheese and twice Grand Finalist Hypno-Disc.

Julia Reed: "And the last brave team to go into that Mayhem is Ming 3! How are you feeling right now?"
Andrew Cotterell: "A bit nervous actually. Little bit nervous... a lot nervous actually!"
Julia Reed: "'Cause you haven't faced Hypno-Disc with this machine, have you?"
Andrew Cotterell: "No, not really. I'd have liked to have done a bit more testing and what have you yet, and I haven't face them."
— Pre-battle interview
HypnoMingWBC

The three robots do battle

HypnoDiscCutsMing3Wheel

Hypno-Disc cuts into the side of Ming 3

The three competitors started tentatively, with Ming 3 holding back, and Hypno-Disc driving past Wheely Big Cheese as it cautiously approached it. Wheely Big Cheese turned, but Hypno-Disc drove over the flipper. As Wheely Big Cheese turned again, Ming 3 drove between its two opponents. Ming 3 turned around, and drove at Wheely Big Cheese, but Hypno-Disc hit the side, then hit one of the wheels, cutting the side of Ming 3 and ripping a large gash into the side of the wheel.

"In comes Ming 3 to enter that fray, is that wise? Well they have the crushing arm...oh goodness me! And the wheel is shredded, on the side there of Ming 3! Look at that dent, that tear in the wheel of Ming 3!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Hypno-Disc cuts the side of Ming 3's wheel
HypnoDiscRipsoffMing3Wheel

Hypno-Disc rips off a wheel clean off Ming 3

Ming 3 wheel

...then rips off the other one

Wheely Big Cheese got the edge of its flipper under Ming 3 and flipped, but only managed to flick it up a little, as the flipper was not fully underneath. Ming 3 seemed stunned for a moment, but as Hypno-Disc closed in for another attack, Ming 3 moved away, but it was clearly hobbling due to the damage to the wheel. Ming 3 stayed away whilst Hypno-Disc attacked Wheely Big Cheese, making a lot of small cuts in it. Ming 3 was spinning on one wheel as it tried to get back in the fight, and after another hit on Wheely Big Cheese, Hypno-Disc bounced into the side of Ming 3. Hypno-Disc's disc was slowing, and it landed a weak hit on the side of Ming 3, then went back to attacking Wheely Big Cheese, whilst Ming 3 continued to spin on one wheel.

"Ming 3 doesn't know what's hit it, I think Ming 3 could well be immobilised there and then! Trying to get back into action."
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 3 spins on one wheel
Ming no wheels

Ming 3, left with no wheels, having been thrown across the arena

After a number of hits from Hypno-Disc, Wheely Big Cheese was also only moving on one wheel, so Hypno-Disc went back after Ming 3, getting behind it and hitting one of the wheels, ripping it clean off with one blow. Hypno-Disc then got at the other side of Ming 3 and hit the other wheel, also knocking it off, leaving Ming 3 completely immobile.

"Ming 3... battered ALMOST INTO OBLIVION and there goes a WHOLE WHEEL! A whole wheel has come off! One attack - OH, there goes the other one! Well, why not? So, Ming 3, err... what are you going to do now then, boys? Come on. Back into the action, Ming 3! Creep across the arena floor!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Hypno-Disc cleaves Ming 3's wheels off

Dead Metal pushed Ming 3's lifeless body into Refbot, who counted both Ming 3 and Wheely Big Cheese. Shunt pushed Ming 3 onto the floor flipper, where it was thrown across the arena, landing on Wheely Big Cheese and bouncing off.

"Poor Alexander and Oliver Cotterell. Alex is 11, Oliver is 8, they can't have seen anything like this in their lives!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 3 is flipped
Ming3WheelyBigCheesePitted

Wheely Big Cheese and Ming 3 are pitted

Wheely Big Cheese, still with a little movement on one wheel, tried to get under Ming 3 and flip it, but could only get the tip of the flipper under it and lift it a little. Dead Metal cut into the wheel of Wheely Big Cheese, causing lots of sparks, and Shunt pushed it into the pit, and Dead Metal tried to push Ming 3 into the pit, but it wouldn't fit in.

"Suicidal behaviour by Ming 3, to enter the arena, at all, with the truly awesome, spectacular, Hypno-Disc! That was truly frightening!"
— Jonathan Pearce at the end of the battle

In the post-battle interview, Andrew Cotterell revealed that Hypno-Disc's first attack had left one of Ming 3's wheels not working.

"First hit, took one of the wheels out, then I was limping, and I was just a sitting duck, and I thought the pain was never going to stop!"
— Andrew Cotterell describes the battle

Ming 3 also fought in a Vengeance battle during the first series of Extreme, where it fought Mega Morg. Team Ming was seeking revenge after Ming 2 was beaten by the Welsh robot's predecessor The Morgue, in the Fourth Wars. Andrew Cotterell claimed this victory was 'by default', claiming The Morgue only won because Ming 2 broke down.

"We had a battle with them, and we were throwing them all over the place, we turned them over, got right to the end of the battle and we lost power, so we did technically lose, but then the House Robots came in and did their dirty work for them, and I'd like to have a chance to kick their butts, really!"
— Andrew Cotterell explains his reason for wanting a Vengeance battle with Mega Morg
VengeanceMing3MegaMorg

Ming 3 tries to claw into Mega Morg's barrel shell

At the start, Mega Morg charged straight at Ming 3, but Ming 3 turned and drove down the arena. It turned around and drove at Mega Morg, trying to get under the back, but Mega Morg drove forwards to dodge. The two robots turned around, and Ming 3 sped around to the side of Mega Morg, getting underneath and crushing a hole in the top. Ming 3 lifted the crusher out, then crushed it again to make the hole larger.

"Very Razer-esque, isn't it with that beak. Well, if you're going to copy someone, copy the best, and look at this! The "Razer" just cutting straight through Mega Morg's shell!"
— Jonathan Pearce notes Ming's similarities to Razer

After crushing into the first hole a couple more times, Ming 3 turned a little and tried to crush another hole in the top next to the first, but then reversed to let Mega Morg go. As Mega Morg turned around, Ming 3 drove down the arena, and Mega Morg drove after it, ramming into the side with its lifter raised. Ming 3 appeared to stop after this slam, but after a pause it started moving again.

"Andrew Cotterell says they were beaten on a technicality, theirs is the better robot, at the moment they certainly look as if they are... They haven't broken down again, have they? No, they're OK"
— Jonathan Pearce noticing Ming's pause
MegaMorgramsMing3

Mega Morg rams into Ming 3

Ming 3 drove around to the back of Mega Morg, getting under the back corner. Ming 3 tried to crush, but Mega Morg was hanging off the side, so Ming 3 reversed to let Mega Morg go. Mega Morg reversed, and as Ming 3 drove around it, Mega Morg drove to the arena centre. Ming 3 chased it to the bottom of the arena, but missed a charged, driving in front of Mega Morg. Mega Morg tried to lift Ming 3, but didn't get its front spikes under its opponent properly, so only managed to lift it a little. Ming 3 tried to turn away, but Mega Morg got its raised lifter over the wheel. Ming 3 drove into the CPZ as Sir Killalot drove in, but Sir Killalot attacked Mega Morg instead, despite the fact it wasn't in the CPZ, unlike Ming 3. Sir Killalot lifted Mega Morg up against the wall and pushed it against the pit release button, knocking it off. Mega Morg was stuck on its side, and Ming 3 tried to crush into its top, but couldn't due to its opponent's shape. Sir Killalot grabbed Mega Morg with its claw and pulled it away from the wall, carrying it over the open pit. After carrying it to another CPZ, Sir Killalot released Mega Morg, which charged at the side of Ming 3, trying to get its lifting spikes underneath, but turned incorrectly and missed.

"Well, is Ming going to win this one, because the Morgue is still standing."
— Jonathan Pearce as Mega Morg rams Ming 3
Ming3underMegaMorg

Mega Morg stuck on Ming 3

Ming 3 appeared to stop again, and Mega Morg rammed into its side a couple of times with its lifter still open, until Ming 3 regained mobility. Ming 3 turned around and drove under the side of Mega Morg, but turned, leaving Mega Morg hanging off the side rather than being under the crusher. Ming 3 started to lower the crusher, which became stuck halfway down. With Ming 3 not moving, Sir Killalot gave Ming 3 a push from behind, separating the two robots. As Mega Morg reversed away, Dead Metal got behind Ming 3 and cut into its rear lifter.

"Into the last 10 seconds we go, it's closer than I thought it was going to be, I thought Mega Morg were beaten very early on, but they've stuck to the task well."
— Jonathan Pearce in the last few seconds
DeadMetalcutsintoMing3

Dead Metal cuts into Ming 3

Dead Metal left Ming 3, and attacked Mega Morg in the last few seconds, whilst Ming 3 was stuck, until it reversed just before the end. Time ran out, and the battle went to a judges' decision.

"So who was the more aggressive? I think Ming. Who caused the most damage? I think Ming. The more stylish robot, I think Ming, but Mega Morg was still going at the end. That wasn't good driving by Ming into that CPZ..."
— Jonathan Pearce reviews the highlights

The decision went in favour of Ming 3.

"Well, for fairness' sake really, we let him win. ... We tried to make him look good. ... and he's spent so much on his costumes and things like that, so we had to let him win, bless him!"
— Dorian Caudy makes excuses after the battle. No-one audience believed him

Series 5[]

"I can't for the life of me guess which robot they've borrowed a few design features from for the Fifth Wars, who do you think?"
— Philippa Forrester, continuing the trend of calling Ming 3 a copycat Razer

Fighting in Heat L, Ming 3 was placed up against Team Hurtz's new machine Terrorhurtz, in the first round.

MingTerrorhurtz

Terrorhurtz axes Ming 3

Ming 3 charged at Terrorhurtz, but Terrorhurtz swerved to avoid it. Ming 3 turned around as Terrorhurtz drove past, and as Ming 3 closed in, Terrorhurtz spun, hitting Ming 3 with its axe. Terrorhurtz hit the back of the crusher with its axe, but did no damage. Ming 3 tried to turn around, but Terrorhurtz got at the side and landed another axe blow. Ming 3 chased after Terrorhurtz as it drove to the centre of the arena, and tried to get underneath, but Terrorhurtz dodged. Ming 3 turned around to try again, but Terrorhurtz landed an axe blow on the body of Ming 3, then landed another on the crusher. Ming 3 tried to get underneath, but couldn't, and Terrorhurtz axed the top of Ming 3 again. Ming 3 reversed and turned away, with Terrorhurtz narrowly missing an axe blow. Terrorhurtz kept close behind Ming 3, landing another axe blow on the crusher. Ming 3 tried to get away from Terrorhurtz, but Terrorhurtz kept in close pursuit, and axed it again, but the axe was clearly less powerful.

"We haven't really seen the Ming 3 beak in action yet, have we?"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 3 escapes up the arena
MingTerrorhurtz2

Ming 3 bites down on Terrorhurtz

Ming 3 drove up the arena, and as Terrorhurtz chased after it, Ming 3 turned around and tried to get under the side of its opponent, but was unable to due to the side skirts. Ming 3 drove to the side of the arena, turned around, and drove straight at Terrorhurtz, which had run out of CO2 for its axe[8]. Ming 3 got under the front. Ming 3 used its crusher to clamp onto the side of Terrorhurtz and started to pull it back to the flame jet.

"Now they close down on Terrorhurtz! Well, they waited their moment then, Ming 3. Good driving by Andrew Cotterell."
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 3 grabs Terrorhurtz
MatildahitsMing3Illegally

Matilda unfairly attacks Ming 3

However, as Ming 3 reversed over the flame jet, Matilda suddenly charged in reverse into the rear of Ming 3, ripping the back end open and tearing out one of Ming's drive motors, immobilising it.

"Matilda's gone in on the attack! That is way out of order, and Matilda's hit Ming 3 from behind, when he was nowhere near the CPZ!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Matilda knocks out Ming 3
MingDamage

Ming 3, having received major damage from Matilda

Terrorhurtz was briefly stuck on Ming 3's wedge, and Refbot came over to try and push the two apart. Dead Metal then came out of his CPZ to push Terrorhurtz free of Ming 3. Dead Metal pulled Terrorhurtz by the axe away from Ming 3, then let it go. In the last few seconds, Matilda came out of her CPZ, hitting the rear of Ming 3 with her flywheel, doing more damage to the back. Time ran out, and the battle went to a judges' decision due to Matilda intervening unfairly before hand, judging the battle up to that point.

"Well Terrorhurtz got a couple of blows in, and was on top, until Ming 3 got the grapple, and fought back, and could have won it here, until Matilda did that! And again!"
— Jonathan Pearce, reviewing the highlights

The judges gave Terrorhurtz the victory nonetheless. After the battle, Craig Charles apologised to Team Ming, telling them that Matilda had been given a red card and "sternly told off".

"The reason we were knocked out in Series 5 was down to Matilda being a little over Zealous! We were in the process of dragging TerrorHurtz towards the flames when the newly back-ended Matilda shot in from behind and proceeded to lay in with her flywheel – much damage sustained! Apologies from the driver etc don’t really go very far when you’ve been knocked out because of it but then I guess it’s all in the game!"
— The Ming website on their Series 5 defeat[4]

Nickelodeon[]

"We're tagged up with Ming, because we're going to beat the Americans!"
— Francis Gallagher of Rick's team

In between its appearances in Series 5 and Series 6, Ming 3 made a one-off appearance in Nickelodeon Robot Wars, representing the UK in the International Tag Team alongside partner Rick. Together, the duo faced Series 5 runner-up Bigger Brother and Heat Finalist Kat 3 in the UK qualifier.

"They're all in on the action now, as Ming 3 drags Kat 3 right out into the center of the arena!"
— Stefan Frank
AllFourOut

All four competitors fight at once

Rick started against Kat 3. Rick managed to flip Kat 3 onto its side, and suddenly, all four competitors were out at once, as Bigger Brother left its corner to try and right Kat 3 and Ming 3 came over to grab Kat 3 by the wheel hub.

"And now the rules have gone out the window! They're supposed to tag up but they're all in on the action now!"
Stefan Frank
BBflipsMing3over

Bigger Brother flips Ming 3 over

Ming 3 dragged Kat 3 up the arena, whilst Rick returned to its corner. Bigger Brother followed Ming 3 and Kat 3, trying to flip Kat 3 back over, but it flipped Kat 3 against Ming 3, and Kat 3 fell back over. Bigger Brother pushed Ming 3 towards the arena wall, getting behind it and trying to flip it out of the arena. Bigger Brother lifted Ming 3 onto the arena wall, but it fell back down. Ming 3 tried to get away, but Bigger Brother quickly got under the side and flipped it over.

"...And now, Bigger Brother's looking for some revenge! He's got Ming 3 up against the rails, but Ming 3 gets out of it! That flipping arm on Bigger Brother is awesome!"
— Stefan Frank as Bigger Brother flips Ming 3 against the wall, then flips it over
Ming 3 vs Bigger Brother

Ming 3 clamps Bigger Brother

Bigger Brother pushed Ming 3 up the arena, pushing it against Kat 3, which was still stuck on its back. Bigger Brother left Ming 3 to try and right its team-mate, and Ming 3 quickly self-righted, then got under Bigger Brother and grabbed it with its crusher.

"But Ming 3 has got a trick up his sleeve! It has a self-righting mechanism, brought himself right back, and now he's crushing right down into the side of Bigger Brother, for a little payback!"
— Stefan Frank
Bigger Brother vs Ming 3

Ming 3 stays inside the arena

Ming 3 let Bigger Brother go, and Bigger Brother flipped Kat 3 back over. However, its axe was stuck in the down position, and it got caught on Bigger Brother as it drove past. Rick drove at Bigger Brother, getting stuck on its wedge, and Ming 3 tried to push it off. Rick got free as Kat 3 pushed Bigger Brother in an attempt to separate the two, and Kat 3 managed to pull its axe back to get free. Rick and Kat 3 held back, albeit not in their corners, as Bigger Brother got under Ming 3 again and flipped it over, using its flipper to hold it upside down as it pushed it to the arena wall. Bigger Brother flipped Ming 3 against the wall, but as it tried to get under Ming 3 to flip it out, Ming 3 reversed. Bigger Brother tried to hold it still, but as it reversed, Ming 3 fell off the wall. Ming 3 drove away up the arena, and Bigger Brother chased after it, but its flipper was stuck up. Bigger Brother got under Ming 3, pushing it into the pit release button and pinning it against the arena wall.

"Ming 3, doing its best to stay out there and do so damage, but Bigger Brother has got the bigger pushing power, and he's got Ming 3 up against the rails again!"
— Stefan Frank
BB

Rick tries to flip Bigger Brother out as all four competitors fight at once again

Rick rushed in, lifting it up and flipping it up on side. In the last few seconds, Rick lifted Bigger Brother against the wall, trying to flip it out, as Kat 3 tried to stop it. Time ran out, and the judges were called on to decide who would go through.

"Everybody got in on the action, nobody was laying behind, and that battle was neck-and-neck from beginning to end!"
— Stefan Frank, reviewing the highlights

After much deliberation, the judges declared that Ming 3 and Rick had won the match, so they progressed to the final.

"The judges took a long time to deliberate that one, but they have made their decision, and the team that has won and is moving on to the International Tag Team Championship is the team of Ming 3 and Rick!"
Dave Aizer announces the result

In the final, Ming 3 and Rick represented the UK against the American team of Extreme Warriors: Season 1 runner-up The Revolutionist and Spin Doctor.

Ming 3 vs Spin Doctor

Ming 3 engages with Spin Doctor

Ming 3 opened the battle by facing Spin Doctor, and at the start, both robots charged at each other, with Spin Doctor driving up Ming 3's wedge and hitting the crusher with its disc. However, it merely bounced off without causing noticeable damage. Ming 3 turned around and tried to get under Spin Doctor, which reversed. Ming 3 kept chasing Spin Doctor, and after a couple of attempts to get underneath Spin Doctor, it pushed its opponent against the top of the arena.

"Ming 3's got its jaws wide open, as it looks like the Spin Doctor might have to do some evasive movement!"
— Stefan Frank as Ming 3 fights Spin Doctor
MingGrabsRev

Ming 3 grabs The Revolutionist

The Revolutionist charged out with its spinner almost at full speed, hitting one of Ming 3's wheels, then hitting the front. These were mere glancing blows, so Ming 3 was not damaged. Ming 3 retreated to the corner and Rick came out, charging at The Revolutionist, but it was merely knocked away by the spinner. The Revolutionist hit the front of Rick, but bounced off and hit Ming 3, which was by the CPZ. The Revolutionist was knocked into the CPZ, and Rick rushed it, slipped underneath and pinned it in the corner to stop it spinning, then flipped it over. Ming 3 also came into the CPZ, grabbing the overturned Revolutionist in its crusher, but could not pierce the baseplate. However, Sgt. Bash and Sir K came into the CPZ to trap the UK team. Rick managed to escape, but Sir K pinned Ming 3 in the corner, then grabbed it by the wheel. Sir K lifted Ming 3 up and carried it to the centre of the arena, dropping it on its side.

"That's not right! Those guys should only be guarding those Corner Patrol Zones! That's not fair..."
— Stefan Frank as Sir K carries Ming 3
Ming 3 vs Sir Killalot

Ming 3 is dropped by Sir K

Rick continued to fight Spin Doctor, chasing it into a CPZ, but Sir K came in and picked Rick up with his claw. Sir K dropped Rick over the fence, despite the fact that it was still mobile. Spin Doctor went after Ming 3, which had self-righted, but was only moving on one wheel. As time ran out, The Revolutionist was counted out by Refbot, whilst Spin Doctor continued to push Ming 3, with no spinning disc after the chain slipped off. Time ran out, and the battle went to the judges as technically both teams had a mobile opponent.

"...but the real problem here was the House 'bots taking advantage of the poor UK team!"
— Stefan Frank whilst reviewing the highlights

The Judges elected to ignore the illegal attacks of Sir K, and based on the performances of Ming 3 and Rick while both robots were still active, they were declared to have won the International Tag Team competition over the American teams.

"The Judges have ruled that Sir K's ejection of the Rick robot was an illegal ejection, they've ruled that. They've also ruled that the amount of damage to these teams, Spin Doctor and Revolutionist was greater than the amount of damage inflicted to these teams right here [Ming 3 and Rick], so that's why they decided to go in that direction."
— Dave Aizer explains the decision

Series 6[]

"Look for Ming the Merciless, as he takes on all comers and super-powers!"
— Jonathan Pearce at the start of the Heat

Ming 3 participated in Heat H of the Sixth Wars. For the first round of the heat, Ming 3 was drawn up against newcomer The Hassocks Hog, along with two returning teams to the wars: John Witte's more successful robot Spam and Team Panda's Hot Pants.

"You should be alright, shouldn't you? Whatever happens. As long as you don't get a puncture, eh?"
— Philippa Forrester to Alexander and Oliver Cotterell before the battle
Ming3THHHotPants

Ming 3 tries to get under The Hassocks Hog whilst Hot Pants hits it with its axe

Having fought The Hassocks Hog in its qualifier, Ming 3 started by driving at The Hassocks Hog as it crossed the arena, and tried to get under the side. The Hassocks Hog was likewise aiming for Ming 3[9], but drove past as Ming 3 tried to get underneath. Ming 3 drove into Spam, then turned around and charged at the side of The Hassocks Hog, but the wedge couldn't get under The Hassocks Hog properly, with The Hassocks Hog merely sliding off. Ming 3 pushed against The Hassocks Hog, trying to get the wedge underneath, but couldn't, merely pushing past. Ming 3 turned around, and The Hassocks Hog drove at its side, trying to get under Ming 3's wheel and flip it, but Ming 3 turned, causing it to miss.

"Ming has never been beyond the Heats thus far for the Cotterell family, fighting for the fourth time in Robot Wars"
— Jonathan Pearce reviews Ming's past performances as Ming 3 tries to get under The Hassocks Hog
Ming 3 vs Hot Pants

Ming 3 grabs Hot Pants and pulls it

Ming 3 tried to get under The Hassocks Hog, but could not get the wedge underneath. Whilst Hot Pants landed an axe blow on The Hassocks Hog, Ming 3 drove to the other side of The Hassocks Hog, but still couldn't get the wedge underneath. The Hassocks Hog reversed, pushing back Hot Pants, which had stopped moving after its link fell out, and Ming 3 drove up the arena. Ming 3 kept its distance from the others, driving back down the arena, before getting under the side of the immobile Hot Pants, grabbing it with its crusher. Spam rammed into Ming 3's side, but did no damage, and Ming 3 pulled Hot Pants down the arena, letting go of it as Spam charged into the side, ramming it into the arena wall. Ming 3 went back after The Hassocks Hog, but still could not get under it, and Spam charged between the two of them. Ming 3 reversed, and Spam drove at the front of The Hassocks Hog, being lifted up. Ming 3 took advantage, grabbing Spam and pushing it, but could not puncture the top.

"...and Ming 3 looks the most impressive so far, has a grip on Spam."
— Jonathan Pearce
Spam pitted

Ming 3 puts Spam in the pit

Ming 3 let Spam go, and both robots reversed, but then Spam charged back at the side of Ming 3. Meanwhile, The Hassocks Hog was spinning around at the top of the arena. Spam opened the pit as Refbot came over to count out Hot Pants, and Ming 3 charged at Spam, pushing it against the wall. Spam got away, but Ming 3 chased after it and grabbed the front. Ming 3 pulled Spam back, but then let it go and charged at The Hassocks Hog. Ming 3 got under The Hassocks Hog, but pushed too hard and The Hassocks Hog fell off the wedge. Ming 3 reversed and turned for another attack on The Hassocks Hog, but Spam drove in between them. Ming 3 turned around, but Spam drove at its side. Ming 3 got away, and as Sgt. Bash reversed Hot Pants into the pit, Spam drove by the pit, and Ming 3 rushed in to push Spam into the pit. It appeared as though Ming 3 and The Hassocks Hog would go through to the next round, but the judges ruled that The Hassocks Hog has lost drive to one side long before Spam was pitted, so Spam took The Hassocks Hog's place in the second round, either way, Ming 3 was still through.

In the second round of the heat, Ming 3 was placed up against rising heat favourite Supernova.

"...the trouble is, my wheels are spinning disc magnets, and every time I come up against a spinning disc, they go straight for the wheels. I know, I should do something about it, but now I can't!"
— Andrew Cotterell before the fight with Supernova
Supernova vs Ming 3

Supernova tears through Ming 3's self-righting mechanism

Ming 3 started by driving down the arena, the turning to drive past Supernova as its opponent charged at it, narrowly dodging the spinning disc. Both machines turned around, and drove at each other, with Ming 3 getting under the front of Supernova, but as Ming 3 tried to grab it, Supernova slid back down the wedge.

"Both teams have experience of Robot Wars, but no experience of great success."
— Jonathan Pearce in the early moments of the battle

Ming 3 drove around Supernova to avoid the flywheel, keeping its distance, before cautiously approaching it, getting the wedge under the front of Supernova, but this time, Supernova hit the side of Ming 3's crusher, breaking the cable for the self-righting mechanism. As Supernova slid down, it landed a glancing blow on the wheels, leaving Ming 3 hobbling.

"Oh, and already shattering I think, Ming 3's hopes! 'Cause that's the srimech gone! For me, it definitely looked as if the cabling for the srimech has gone on Ming 3! Now, will they attack Andrew Cotterell's wheels? That's what they're aiming at, plain as day."
— Jonathan Pearce
Ming3shreddedwheel

Ming's wheel, having been shredded by Supernova

Ming 3 got away, its wheel clearly damaged. Supernova chased after it, driving up the wedge and hitting the side, ripping off a small part. Ming 3 tried to get under Supernova again, but Supernova hit the front with its disc, then hit the side. Ming 3's right tyre had come loose from the wheel due to hits from Supernova's disc. Supernova tried again, charging at Ming 3's front, but Ming 3 turned at the right time as Supernova went up the wedge, meaning Supernova's disc did not hit the crusher, and Supernova bounced off the wedge as Ming 3 continued to turn back and forth on the spot.

"Ming 3 has taken so much damage, and Supernova can probably hold off now, and choose its moment, and angle of attack."
— Jonathan Pearce
Ming 3 vs Supernova

Ming 3 is knocked out by Supernova

Supernova waited to get its disc up to speed, then drove at the front of Ming 3, but drove over the wedge. Supernova reversed for another charge, driving up the wedge and hitting the crusher. This did no major damage, so Supernova drove off, circling Ming 3 as it spun on the spot. Supernova got at the side of Ming 3, ripping into it and knocking Ming 3 back. Ming 3's tyre was now completely detached from the wheel, spinning loose and the wheel spun around vainly to try and gain some purchase on the floor. Supernova hit the wheel, ripping off a part of it, then hit the back, causing a large gash.

"Ming 3, severely handicapped, is a mere pedestrian now, in Supernova's path of attack."
— Jonathan Pearce as Supernova finishes off Ming 3

Ming 3 was now immobile, as Supernova slammed into the other wheel, ripping off a part. Refbot came over to count Ming 3 out.

"Ming 3, beaten in the heats, yet again! And he [Andrew Cotterell] knew it would happen, didn't he? He told us it would, and probably even now, is trying to come up with ways to improve Ming 3."
— Jonathan Pearce, as Ming 3 is counted out

Ming 3 was pushed onto the floor flipper by Shunt, and thrown across the arena. Shunt opened the pit, then pushed Ming 3 into it.

"We're having fun! We're ending it with a spree, tee-hee! Poor old Ming 3!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming 3 is flipped

Ming 3 was consequently eliminated from Series 6.

"It's getting to the point now where you have spinning disc robots and then every other kind of robot. If you're well-designed, well-made, whatever, you still don't stand a chance against them as they just chew up everything in sight. There's almost no point at creating anything other than spinners now... But I'm not bitter, and Ming will certainly come back in one form or another."
— Andrew Cotterell, interviewed in Robot Wars: The Official Magazine[10]

Series 7[]

In its first round melee for the Seventh Wars, the number fifteen seeds Ming Dienasty were placed up against newcomer Ceros, Team Death's new machine Metalis and former Dutch Grand Finalist Scraptosaur.

Andrew Cotterell: "We don't quite know it works, we haven't tried it yet, but ... we'll soon see, won't we?"
Jayne Middlemiss: "Nobody ever tries their robots, but I suppose they're so big and so nasty that this is the only arena you can actually try them in, is that correct?"
Andrew Cotterell: "Well, we did try it a little bit, but the only opponent we could find to fight against was a vacuum cleaner. Err... and we beat it, we beat it."
Jayne Middlemiss: "I'm not surprised!"
— Discussing Ming Dienasty
Ceros Ming

Ming Dienasty is thrown by Ceros

As activate was called, Scraptosaur charged at Ming Dienasty, but before it could get at the side, Ming Dienasty drove away, into the centre of the arena. Scraptosaur chased after it, and Ceros got under the side and flipped it over.

"Little bit of trouble already, goodness me, there was trouble there! A mighty flip, for the Emperor Ming!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ceros flips Ming Dienasty over
Scraptosaur Ming Dienasty 1

Scraptosaur flicks Ming Dienasty up

Ming Dienasty opened its srimech to try and self-right, but it merely propped the robot up on its side. Ming Dienasty spun around using the drill, until it was lying on its back with the srimech open. Whilst Ceros flipped Metalis over, Growler came out of his CPZ and pushed to the edge of the flame pit. This helped Ming Dienasty to close its self-righting mechanism, flipping the robot back on its wheels. Ming Dienasty was chased by Scraptosaur, which managed to get under the front and flip, but failed to flip it over. Ming Dienasty landed back on its wheels and tried to get away, but drove past the front of Scraptosaur, allowing it to flip it over. Ming Dienasty opened the srimech to try and right itself, but Scraptosaur pushed it towards the flame pit. Ming Dienasty opened and closed the srimech, but couldn't flip itself over. Scraptosaur drove away as Ming Dienasty struggled to right itself, but soon came back. Scraptosaur pushed Ming Dienasty so that it was resting on its rear, but as Ming Dienasty righted itself, Scraptosaur flipped it over again. Whilst Metalis was counted out, Ming Dienasty was left stuck on its side, opening and closing the srimech in a vain attempt to self-right.

"Ming Dienasty could well follow [Metalis] here, and this would be another surprise! We've already had seeds tumbling in Robot Wars: The Seventh Wars!"
— Jonathan Pearce as Ming Dienasty struggles to right itself
Ceros vs Scraptosaur

Ceros and Scraptosaur conspire against Ming Dienasty

Ming Ceros

Ming Dienasty brings its drill into play on Ceros

Ceros got at the side of Ming Dienasty and flipped it onto the flame pit, which righted the seeded robot. Ming Dienasty drove down the arena, keeping against the wall, facing forward. Scraptosaur got under the front of Ming Dienasty and flipped it, trying to hold it up as it tried to right itself, but Ming Dienasty slid off the side, onto its wheels. Ceros chased after Ming Dienasty, getting close, but when it tried to get its flipper underneath, Ming Dienasty turned, so Ceros missed its flip. Scraptosaur was close by, and tried to get under the back of Ming Dienasty, but Ming Dienasty got away, so Scraptosaur also missed with the flipper. Ming Dienasty hit the pit release, then reversed into Scraptosaur's flipper. Scraptosaur flipped it, but Ming Dienasty landed back on its wheels. Ming Dienasty drove at the front of Ceros, using the drill on the front, but it only chipped away at the front a little, and Ming Dienasty turned away.

"Ming Dienasty now working hard to repair the damage of early on, but Scraptosaur and Ceros are in after the seeded machine! ... Tremendous work from Ming Dienasty, I think it's too little too late."
— Jonathan Pearce
Ming dienasty and scraptosaur

Ming Dienasty attempts to drill Scraptosaur

Ming Dienasty got under Scraptosaur and pushed it back, then drove away. Scraptosaur chased after it, but Ming Dienasty turned and chipped away at the side of Scraptosaur. Scraptosaur turned and flipped Ming Dienasty, but Ming Dienasty was able to turn as Scraptosaur was flipping it, falling back on its wheels. Ming Dienasty tried to drill at the side of Scraptosaur, but Scraptosaur pushed back at Ming Dienasty, and Ming Dienasty turned away, driving into the wall.

"Well they put in a good late effort, drilling away, not causing major peril on Scraptosaur."
— Jonathan Pearce on Ming Dienasty

Scraptosaur tried to get under Ming Dienasty and flip, but didn't get the flipper under its opponent properly, so missed. Time ran out, and the Judges had to decide which of the three remaining robots would be eliminated.

"If you've just joined us, we're waiting to see if number 15 seeds Ming Dienasty has survived the judges' decision on our first battle, as they were twisted and tormented by the likes of Ceros, mauling Metalis into definite submission. Did Ming do enough late on against Scraptosaur, to also earn a judges' decision and survive."
— Jonathan Pearce reviews the highlights

After much deliberation, the judges went in favour of both newcomers: Scraptosaur and Ceros. Ming Dienasty did not compete in any side events for Series 7, and this proved to be the final appearance of the Ming machines.

"And the judges have made their decision. They were looking at style, control, damage and aggression. It's a bit controversial. The fifteenth seed, Ming Dienasty, they go out. Scraptosaur and Ceros, they go through!"
— Craig Charles announces the judges' decision

Results[]

MING - RESULTS
Series 3
The Third Wars - UK Championship
Heat, Round 1
Heat F, Eliminator vs. Mortis Lost
MING 2 - RESULTS
Series 4
The Fourth Wars - UK Championship
Heat, Round 2
Heat C, Eliminator vs. Bolt from the Blue, Diotoir (21) Qualified
Heat C, Semi-Final vs. The Morgue Lost
War of Independence
Representing UK, Semi-Finalist
Round 1 vs. The Mangulator (USA) Won
Round 2 vs. frenZy (USA) Lost
MING 3 - RESULTS
UK Series
Extreme Series 1
Mayhem
Mayhem vs. Hypno-Disc, Wheely Big Cheese Lost
Vengeance
Vengeance vs. Mega Morg Won
Series 5
The Fifth Wars - UK Championship
Heat, Round 1
Heat L, Eliminator vs. Terrorhurtz Lost
Series 6
The Sixth Wars - UK Championship
Heat, Round 2
Heat H, Round 1 vs. Hot Pants, Spam, The Hassocks Hog Qualified
Heat H, Round 2 vs. Supernova Lost
US Series
Nickelodeon Robot Wars
International Tag Team
Competing with Rick, representing the UK, Champion
UK Qualifier vs. Bigger Brother & Kat 3 (UK) Won
Final vs. Spin Doctor & The Revolutionist (USA) Won
MING DIENASTY - RESULTS
Series 7
The Seventh Wars - UK Championship
15th Seed, Heat, Round 1
Heat H, Round 1 vs. Ceros, Metalis, Scraptosaur Eliminated

Wins/Losses[]

  • UK Wins: 4
  • UK Losses: 7
  • US Wins: 2
  • US Losses: 0

Series Record[]

UK Series[]

Main Series Ming Series Record
The First Wars Did not enter
The Second Wars Did not enter
The Third Wars Heat, Round 1 as Ming
The Fourth Wars Heat, Round 2 as Ming 2
The Fifth Wars Heat, Round 1 as Ming 3
The Sixth Wars Heat, Round 2 as Ming 3
The Seventh Wars Heat, Round 1 as Ming Dienasty
Entered with Zorro
Series 8 Did not enter
Series 9 Did not enter
Series 10 Did not enter
Robot Wars Extreme Appearances
Series 1 Entered as Ming 3
Series 2 Did not enter

US Series[]

US Series Ming 3 Series Record
Season 1 Did not enter
Season 2 Did not enter
Nickelodeon International Tag Team Champion

Gallery[]

Outside Robot Wars[]

Ming III Debenham

Ming 3 at the Debenham Robot Rumble 2002

Ming III 2021

Ming 3 on display in 2021

Mingnew

Ming 3 in November 2022

Ming 3 made an appearance at the Debenham Robot Rumble 2002, with team captain Andrew Cotterell attending in full costume. It is known to have fought at least one battle during the later stages of the event against The Stag, which it lost despite leaving a dent in its opponent and removing one of its claw teeth.[11]

In the present day, Ming 3 sits on display at The Bottling Plant, Cotterell's pub in Plymouth.

Trivia[]

  • Ming Dienasty was one of nine competitors in The Seventh Wars that competed in at least five series of Robot Wars but was not chosen for the All-Stars tournament later in the series.
  • Like the Plunderbird series and the robots entered by Adam Clark, Ming always lost in the first round of the main competition in the odd-numbered series.
  • In almost all of Ming's losses, the winner of the fight lost its next battle, with the only exceptions being Hypno-Disc and Ceros.
  • Had Ming 2 defeated frenZy in the War of Independence, it would have fought Mortis in the grudge match they had been hoping for.
  • Ming 3's first round melee victory over The Hassocks Hog in Series 6 was essentially a vengeance match for its qualifier battle ahead of the same series, where The Hassocks Hog won the melee and Ming 3 was defeated.
  • Ming Dienasty and Terrorhurtz were the only seeds in Series 7 to fail to pass the first round (although technically Terrorhurtz was disqualified before the competition began). Interestingly, they also battled each other in the first round of the Fifth Wars.
    • Ming Dienasty is one of eleven seeded robots to lose in the first round of a UK Championship. It was also the last robot to have suffered this fate.
    • Ming Dienasty lost via a judges' decision, becoming only the second and last seed in history to lose in the first round via the judges, after 101 in Series 5.
    • Incidentally, Ming appeared in the same heat as 101 in Series 5, with both losing in the first round.
  • Ming ties with Lambsy for the greatest number of alliterative robots fought (Bigger Brother, Bolt from the Blue, The Hassocks Hog, and Mega Morg). Coincidentally, Ming itself started out as one; Ming the Merciless.
  • Spawned by some of Jonathan Pearce's introductions, Ming 3 has acquired a reputation as a "Razer clone". However, the Ming team have openly stated that Razer did not, in fact, have anything to do with the inspiration for the crusher.
  • Ming is one of three UK machines to be unbeaten in the US seasons of Robot Wars, the other two being its Tag Team partner, Rick, and Pussycat, who won the War of Independence.
  • Throughout the series that it appeared in, Ming never shared the arena with Mr. Psycho or Cassius Chrome.
  • Ming III makes a cameo appearance in the Extreme Warriors: Season 1/Robot Rebellion when Rebecca Grant interviews Team Boltz and their loanerbot Rot Box.

References[]

External Links[]

Honours[]


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