Sumobot Challenge

29th-30th November, 2024

At the heart of sumo bot competitions lies the fusion of mechanical design and programming prowess. Teams must meticulously construct their robots, optimizing their weight distribution, traction, and pushing power. They must also develop sophisticated control algorithms, enabling their robots to navigate the arena, anticipate their opponents' movements, and execute precise pushing maneuvers. The challenge objective is to force the opposing robot out of the arena by pushing or maneuvering them over the edge. Two bots compete in a head-to-head match following the basic system of traditional human sumo matches. Bots are allowed no weapons and are not allowed to flip each other. The sole purpose is a pushing match between the two bots to force the other from the arena.

Eligibility Criteria 3-8 Members

• Jr. Category : Robo-clubs/ Schools or individuals may nominate. Participants’ age should be between 6 to 10 years.
• Sr. Category : Robo-clubs/ Schools or individuals may nominate. Participants’ age should be between 11 to 16 years.

Bot Specification

General Rules:

•  All robots must comply with the following specifications to participate in the Sumo Bot Challenge.

Sr. Sumo Bot (Open Kits):

• Must fit within a 25cm x 25cm square base with unlimited height.
• May expand in size after the match begins, but must remain a single unit and not break apart.
• Maximum weight: 3kg including batteries (5% tolerance allowed).
• Batteries must be sealed and of a safe, immobilised electrolyte type (gel cell, lithium, NiMH, NiCad, or dry cells).
• Battery voltage for this challenge is 12 volts

Junior Sumo Bot (Lego Only):

• Must fit within a 25cm x 25cm square base with unlimited height.
• May expand in size after the match begins, but must remain a single unit and not break apart.
• Weight limit: 3 kg
• Must be built entirely from Lego.

Safety and Control:

• All robots must meet the following safety regulations:
• Screws, nuts, and other parts totaling less than 5 grams coming loose will not cause disqualification.
• Robots cannot emit infrared light that interferes with other robots. Infrared sensors are allowed for obstacle detection as long as they don't affect competitors.
•  Robots cannot use infrared-reflecting materials on the outside. Any paint should have a matte finish. Minor reflective parts are allowed if they don't affect other robots.
•  Robots cannot produce magnetic interference for other robots on the field.
• Batteries must be sealed, immobilised electrolyte type (gel cell, lithium, NiCad, or dry cells).
• Batteries must be 12 volts for this challenge.

Movement and Maneuverability:

 All robots must be able to move in all directions (not restricted to a single path)

Sumo bot game play:

A match is fought between two teams, each team having one or more contestants. Only one team member may approach the ring; other team members must watch from the audience. In accordance with the game rules (hereafter referred to as "these rules",) each team competes on a Dohyo (sumo ring) with a robot that they have constructed themselves to the specifications mentioned. The match starts at the referee's command and continues until a contestant earns two Yuhkoh points. The judge determines the winner of the match.

• One match shall consist of 3 rounds, within a total time of 3 minutes, unless extended by the referee.
• The team who wins two rounds or receives two "Yuhkoh" points first, within the time limit, shall win the match. A team receives a "Yuhkoh" point when they win a round. If the time limit is reached before one team can get two "Yuhkoh" points, and one of the teams has received one Yuhkoh point, the team with one Yuhkoh point shall win.
• When the match is not won by either team within the time limit, an extended match may be fought, during which the team who receives the first Yuhkoh point shall win. Alternatively, the winner/loser of the match may be decided by judges, by means of lots, or by a rematch.
• One Yuhkoh point shall be given to the winner when the referee' decision was called for or lots were employed.
• Match starts upon the referee's instructions, the two teams bow to each other in the outer ring, approach the ring, and place a bot within their half of the ring on or behind the Shikiri line. (A bot or a part of a bot may not be placed beyond the front edge of the Shikiri line toward the opponent. Note that it is not required that a bot be placed directly behind the Shikiri line; it may be offset to the side, as long as it is behind an imaginary line collinear with the Shikiri line.) When the judge announces the start of the round, the teams start their robots, and after a five second pause the robots may start operating. During these five seconds, players must clear out of the ring area.

Time of Match

• One Match will be fought for a total of 3 minutes, starting and ending upon the referee's command. The clock shall start ticking five seconds after the start is announced
• An extended match, if called for by the referee, shall last for a maximum of 3 minutes.
• The time elapsed after the judge announces Yuhkoh and before the match resumes will not be included in time of match. The standard delay before the match resumes shall be 30 seconds.

 Rules:

• aiming devices, such as IR LED intended to saturate the opponents IR sensors, are not allowed.
• Parts that could break or damage the ring are not allowed. Do not use parts that are intended to damage the opponent's robot or its operator. Normal pushes and bangs are not considered intent to damage.
• Devices that can store liquid, powder, gas or other substances for throwing at the opponent are not allowed.
• Any flaming devices are not allowed.
• Devices that throw things at your opponent are not allowed.
• Sticky substances to improve traction are not allowed. Tires and other components of the robot in contact with the ring must not be able to pick up and hold a standard 3x5" index card for more than two seconds.
• Devices to increase down force, such as a vacuum pump or magnets, are only allowed in the 3 kg class. They are not allowed in all other classes. 
• All edges, including but not limited to the front scoop, must not be sharp enough to scratch or damage the ring, other robots, or players. In general, edges with a radius of greater than .005", as would be obtained with a unsharpened .010" thick metal strip, should be ok. Judges or competition officials may require edges that they deem too sharp to be covered with a piece of tape.

Misconduct - Players, coaches, and spectators must exhibit respectful conduct at all times. Officials may remove participants from the Match or Tournament for infractions or violations of the Code of Conduct.  

Early Start - Players will arm but remain on the ground until the start signal begins the Set. 

Offside - After a successful goal, the striker and all teammates must retreat back across the centre line before attacking again. No point will be awarded until all active teammates have all cleared the attack zone.

 Judging Criteria:

The judge will meet the team to discuss their programming and design approach and judging will result in awarding the team points upon:

• The clarity of the team code and design approach
• The team demonstration of the code and design 
• Validating teamwork and collaboration during developing the team programming and robot design
• Validate whether the concepts presented are primarily the result of the team's brainstorming efforts or not.

This score will promote the team to win a "ROBOT DESIGN & PROGRAMMING AWARD"