In news that will be welcomed by people who enjoy watching robots fight to the death, Science Channel announced today that it has licensed the off-network cable rights to 16 episodes of the ABC series “BattleBots.”

Hosted by ESPN’S Samantha Ponder, the series will premiere Wednesday, July 12, at 10p.m. ET/PT on Science Channel.

Ponder is joined for the play-by-play by Chris Rose of MLB Network and NFL Network, with color commentary provided by ex-MMA fighter Kenny Florian. Alison Haislip (G4’s “Attack of the Show”) is the sideline reporter and Faruq Tauheed is ring announcer.

Judging the battles are former “BattleBots” competitor and special effects artist Fon Davis, the face of “Nerdist” Jessica Chobot and a special guest judge for each round of the competition.

“‘BattleBots’ features the biggest, baddest, strongest, and fastest next-generation robots as they duke it out to become champions of an intense, fast-paced single-elimination tournament,” Science Channel said in its announcement, adding: “Each robot rumble match consists of two robots competing in a single three-minute bout in which the goal is to destroy or disable their opponent. If there is no knockout during the three-minute battle, the panel of judges will declare a victor to move on in the tournament.”

Executive producers are Lloyd Braun, Chris Cowan, Edward P. Roski (Trey), Greg Munson and Aaron Catling.

Here’s a taste …