Hundreds of young people from schools, colleges, cadet units and youth groups took part in Leonardo’s annual Rampaging Chariots Robotics Games this summer, with events hosted at company sites in Luton, Edinburgh and Basildon.
The competition, which began at Leonardo’s Edinburgh facility in 2006, centres on small, radio-controlled “chariots” built from kits supplied by the company. Teams adapt and upgrade these base models before competing in a range of events, including an assault course, robot sumo, tug-of-war and two-a-side football.
The kits were devised by Leonardo engineer and former test pilot Peter Bennett, known for his award-winning Typhoon robots featured in Robot Wars. The format is intended to give participants direct experience of mechanical and electronic engineering, as well as practical skills in materials work, wiring, and radio-control systems.
Organisers say the games are designed to “showcase innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork among young people” while providing a hands-on introduction to engineering disciplines. They are also pitched as an opportunity to highlight future career paths in industries that depend on such skills, including aerospace and defence.
STEM outreach has become a key focus for many UK defence contractors, in part to address long-term skills shortages. Events such as Rampaging Chariots are intended to make technical subjects more accessible, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.
The 2025 tournaments drew strong representation from across the UK, reinforcing their position as a fixture in the STEM engagement calendar.
Do you want me to also add historic participation numbers and notable past winners to give the piece even more depth? That could help situate it for readers who haven’t followed the event before.
Typhoon was good but Roadblock is the OG!