BBC Two orders 'Robot Wars' reboot

GLASGOW, Scotland, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Competitive robot game show Robot Wars is returning to television after over a decade off the air.

BBC Two has commissioned the Mentorn Scotland production company to develop six hourlong episodes of the show, originally stemming from events created by former LucasToys designer Marc Thorpe in San Francisco.

The new, technologically advanced series will include "more robots, more battles and more science than ever before," according to Mentorn, which announced the news Wednesday.

The project will be recorded in a Glasgow-based fighting arena, allowing live audiences to witness the robo-battles.

"Robot Wars is an absolute TV classic, and I'm thrilled to be updating it for the next generation of viewers," said BBC Two and BBC Four controller Kim Shillinglaw. "With new technological advances making for an even more exciting and immersive experience, this is a fantastic example of the kind of content-rich factual entertainment that BBC Two excels at."

Robot Wars first aired in 1998 and was hosted by former Top Gear host and later by Jeremy Clarkson and Craig Charles before being canceled in 2004.

For the new series, roboteers are encouraged to apply for a shot to compete in the upcoming game show, executive produced by Chris Brodgen of Tinopolis, Andrew Robertson of Mentorn Scotland and Jo Street of BBC.

No word yet on an expected air date.