In the early days of asteroid mining, alien "cargo capsules" or pods were discovered that travel for hours, sometimes days, sometimes long enough that you would die en route there and back again.  These cargo capsules use a device that became known as a vortex generator. The vortex generator forms the basis for trade networks that connect to a fixed  planet or biosphere.  The vortex generator was hacked, but badly. It is not really understood yet.  Humans were paid to risk travel in the pods, because of what might be found on the other end (more alien tech) of a trip. It was a wild ride for humanity. They found the robots, and they then sent robots out on trips as well.  

As humanity moved out into space and exploited the alien pod networks, pods enabled trade in rare minerals and exotic technologies.  As humans are involved, trade disputes emerged as well. The solution for settling those disputes evolved into battles between robots. This in turn led to modofied robots known as MEK'NOIDS™. These robots combine alien and human technology. The sport of battling robots quickly followed. Naturally, sport betting on battling robots followed as well. MEK'NOIDS™ tournaments are the spectator sport of choice across human space.

Humanity is now scattered across space outposts, lunar bases, asteroid mining colonies, the outer plants, and terraformed worlds.  New pod networks continue to be discovered, and new technologies are added to battling MEK'NOIDS™. The robots are waiting for you ...