National Havoc Robot League

National Havoc Robot League (NHRL), formerly the Norwalk Havoc Robot League, is a robot combat organization in Norwalk, Connecticut, which holds tournaments of cage match fights between hobbyist competitors. Kelly Biderman is the current CEO of the organization.

History
Austin McChord founded NHRL shortly after leaving Datto in 2018. 18 competitors participated in the first event later that year. In 2021, McChord moved the organization to its current headquarters in South Norwalk. The facility also hosts a museum collection of past combat robots from multiple weight classes.

Events
NHRL hosts six tournaments each year which are open to all competitors. Robots are separated into weight classes of 3, 12, and 30 pounds. They compete in 1 versus 1 matches in enclosed arenas with double-layer polycarbonate walls and a negative pressure fire suppression system. Common weapons used by the competing robots include spinning blades, flipping devices, butane flamethrowers, and hammers. More unorthodox weaponry includes liquid nitrogen, airbags, and jet engines. Winners at each tournament receive cash prizes and are invited to a championship event held at the end of each year.

In November 2022, McChord announced that he would donate $1 million to STEM charities chosen by that year's finalists in the championship tournament. An additional $1 million of grants were made to collegiate robotics teams in 2023.