Rules
Autonomous SumoBot
- Max width: 20.0 cm
- Max length: 20.0 cm
- Height: unlimited (see detailed rules)
- Weight: max. 2.5kg
- Weapons: Strictly Prohibited
- Robot control: Autonomous (software controlled)
- Ring Diameter: 154.0 cm
- Length of Event: 3 x 1 minute rounds
Scoring:
- 1 point when the opposing robot is the first to touch the space outside the ring.
- No flipping allowed.
Lego Mindstorms SumoBot
- Same rules as above
- If there are enough Lego Mindstorms SumoBots, they will compete separately, otherwise they will compete with the other SumoBots
*No R/C robots this year
Prizes:
- Auto SumoBot: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place
- Lego Mindstorms SumoBot Winner
- Best Dressed Robot
- Best Robot Name
- Most Innovative Design
- Recycle-Bot (incorporating recycled material)
What is Auto SumoBot?
Two robots compete in a head-to-head match following the basic system of traditional human sumo matches. Robots are not allowed weapons, and are not allowed to actively flip each other. The sole purpose is a pushing match between the two robots to force the other from the arena. During the Prem Competition these robots must be fully autonomous (see notes below).
Detailed Rules:
Dimensions
At the start of each round, SumoBots must not exceed a specified width and length. This is measured using a box of the correct dimension that must completely cover the SumoBot.
There is no height limit to the SumoBot. The lack of a height limit is important to some builders, as they may stack up electronics, motors, and other parts that wouldn’t otherwise fit.
The lack of a height limit combined with the ability to change orientation during a round provides for creative opportunities. Crafty inventors build tall scoops on top of their robots. The robots then fall down to become longer than would be initially allowed.
All SumoBots must start in the measured orientation and can only change orientation under their own power once the contest has started.
Some damage may occur from scoops and rams during the competition. This is expected and acceptable to any reasonable extent.
A robot’s design should be sufficient to survive the expected pushing, shoving, and physical rigors of competition. A weak robot will be allowed to compete at its own risk.
Weapons
Weapons are strictly prohibited however scoops, rams and pusher arms are allowed as long as they are not independently powered. Read the dimension rule above.
Tournament Rules
Depending on the number of entries the competition may be structured with double-elimination, group heats or round robin. This will be determined closer to the date.
All robots, must, at the beginning of each round, be capable of movement.
Start
Upon the referee’s instructions, the two teams approach the ring and place a robot within their half of the ring on or behind the starting line. Note that it is not required that a robot be placed directly behind the line; it may be offset to the side. When the referee announces the start of the round, the teams start their robots, and after a five second countdown the robots may start operating. During these five seconds, players must clear out of the ring area.
Software controlled autonomous Sumobots must be fitted with a 5 second delay start button. Once the button is pressed the Sumobots can only start moving after 5 seconds.
Stop, Resume
The match stops and resumes when a referee announces so. The timer will be stopped when the match is stopped. When the timer reaches the time limit the match will end.
End
The match ends when the referee announces so. The two teams retrieve the robots from the ring area.
Scoring
Points are awarded for pushing the other SumoBot out of the ring. The referee has the final word to award points if it is unclear which robot was pushed out first.