Hackbot

From Combat Robot

A Hackbot is a 'bot that has been constructed by modifying an existing (usually toy) r/c device for use in combat.

The decision to 'hack' a preexisting device for use in combat instead of constructing a robot platform from scratch has had some success, mainly in the lighter weight classes. The obvious advantages being that the starting platform device may already have many elements of your drive, r/c, and perhaps even weapon systems, saving you untold hours of design and build time, not to mention materials costs. The disadvantages are that you are limited to the mechanical specifications of the components and design of the toy (or other device) you selected to hack.