When the arena lights come up and the countdown hits zero, everything on a BattleBot® — every panel, every weapon, every hidden bracket — gets tested at once. Metal slams into metal. Sparks fill the air. And underneath all that chaos, the machines that come out on top usually have one thing in common: fastening systems built to take a hit and keep holding.
That’s why RivetKing® is proud to sponsor BattleBots®, the internationally recognized combat robotics competition watched by millions of fans around the world. The spotlight usually lands on spinning blades and crushing jaws, but the builders behind these machines will tell you the real battle is won beneath the armor, with fastening hardware engineered for punishment.
Why Rivet Nuts Matter in Combat Robotics
The top-performing BattleBots are engineered to incredibly tight tolerances, and many depend on 50 or more rivet nuts throughout their frame and armor. Thick, hardened materials are difficult to tap, and welding isn’t practical when a team needs to make fast repairs between matches.
That’s where rivet nuts come in. According to SafetyRob, senior engineer at BattleBots®: “With thicker hardened materials, tapping is difficult and welding is not a quick change option. This is why we use rivet nuts. We are able to remove armor to access the delicate electronics or gears we are trying to protect.”
From holding armor panels in place to anchoring high-impact weapon systems, rivet nuts allow teams to keep their robots combat-ready from the opening buzzer through the final hit — without sacrificing the speed of access technicians need mid-competition.
Built for a Zero-Failure Environment
In combat robotics, one loose connection can end a match in seconds. That’s the standard RivetKing® fastening products are built to meet: the strength, consistency, and precision that experienced builders rely on when failure simply isn’t an option.
It’s a demand that goes well beyond the BattleBox®. The same fastening reliability that protects a combat robot from a direct hit is what keeps high-stress industrial applications running safely and efficiently, day after day.
“BattleBots represents the innovation, technical excellence, and performance mindset that aligns naturally with the RivetKing® brand,” said Taryn Goodman, Vice President of Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. “We’re proud to support builders who continue pushing the limits of what’s possible through advanced robotics and engineering.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Engineering Standards
This sponsorship connects RivetKing® with robotics enthusiasts, engineers, manufacturers, and fabricators alike — audiences who understand firsthand how much fastening technology matters, whether it’s on a competition floor or a production line.
“Seeing BattleBots live in Las Vegas gives you a whole new appreciation for the engineering behind these machines,” said Jay Franetovich, Senior Tool Product Manager at Industrial Rivet & Fastener Co. “The speed, accuracy, and punishment these robots withstand is incredible, and it’s exciting to see how critical fastening performance is in an environment where every connection matters. I’d recommend seeing a show live if you are in Las Vegas!”
Looking Ahead
As the next generation of BattleBots takes the arena, RivetKing® will remain behind the scenes, supplying the fastening solutions that help these machines perform under extreme stress. Combat robotics and industrial manufacturing may look worlds apart, but they share the same bottom line: championship-level performance starts with fastening hardware engineered to hold strong under pressure.
Originally published in Distributor’s Link Magazine, 2026.