I'm still trying to find rule sets for the first U.K. Robot Wars -- but I think it's safe to say that the robot specifications for Series 1 were very similar to the rules for Series 2. Specification changes between the 1997 US Robot Wars and UK Series 2 were quite minor:

• Minimum weight for the featherweight class went down from 10 lbs. to 5 lbs.;
• Maximum weight for the heaveweight class went up from 170 lbs. to 175 lbs.;
• Pyrotechics became allowable -- on a case-by-case basis;
• Measurement points for tethered projectile length were re-defined;
• Maximum laser output was reduced from 3 mw to 1 mw;
• Safety certification for gas cylinders was added;
• Metallic fuel line covers were banned;
• Radio failsafe systems were required for middle and heavyweight robots;
• Electric power was restricted to 30 volts(?) DC/50 volts AC; and
• The rule forbidding fiber weaponry and construction was dropped.

The first challenge was called 'The Gauntlet' -- a maze with two paths of differing obstacles from which to choose. The robots pushed as far down the 15-metre course as possible in the time allowed. The 'bot covering the least ground was eliminated.

The remaining five robots went on to the next challenge: 'The Trial'. This was a game of skill, power, or speed that varied from week to week. Series 1 featured:

• Sumo
• British Bulldog
• Stock Car
• Labyrinth
• Snooker
• and Football

For the final challenge of the heat, the four remaining robots paired off and fought in 'The Arena' - the familiar combat event that dominates the current wars. The two remaining robots then fought each other for the heat championship.

In the First Wars, the six heat champions met in a single melee fight to determine the overall winner.