Robotronia

Robotronia is an interactive robotics collective bringing playful mechanical art and practical services to Black Rock City during Burning Man. The collective creates a series of whimsical interactive robots designed to entertain and engage participants, including “Pump-Bot” (featured in the annual “Pump-Off” hip-thrusting competition), “Humdrum” (described as Black Rock City’s favorite pet), “Hotshot the Robot,” “Mind Eraser,” “Big Giant Head,” “Periscope of Procrastination,” and “Screen of Further Procrastination.”

Beyond entertainment, Robotronia provides essential infrastructure services at their plaza location, offering battery charging stations and electronics repair services to help keep fellow burners’ devices and equipment functioning throughout the event. The collective embodies Burning Man’s principles of radical self-reliance and communal effort by combining interactive art installations with practical support for the temporary city’s residents. Their annual “Pump-Off” competition has become one of Black Rock City’s most celebrated events, where participants demonstrate their skills to earn prizes and ultimate bragging rights.