Mini Robot Sumo

Mini Robot Sumo is a sport in which two robots attempt to push each other out of a circle (in a similar fashion to the sport of sumo). The robots used in this competition are called mini-sumobots.

Here at Techbotics we love mini robot sumo and believe it represents a great way to get into programmable robots, because:

There is a clearly defined goal driving robot design

There is a clearly defined universe in which the robot must operate

Its a low cost introduction to real robots performing real tasks

There is an active internet mini robot sumo community

Its Fun!

The engineering challenges are for the robot to find its opponent (usually accomplished with infrared sensors) and to push it out of the MiniSumo Dohyo arena. A robot should also avoid leaving the arena, usually by means of a sensor that detects the edge.

The mini robot sumo match is played out on a dohyo. The Dohyo is a 2.5cm thick black disk 77cm in diameter, having a 2.5cm white line marking the outer edge.

The basic rules for mini sumo are:

The mini sumobot must fit in a tube 10cm x 10 cm while in starting position. (any height permissible)

The mini sumobot must weigh 500 grams or less

The mini sumobot must wait at least 5 seconds after the start of the match before moving

Mini sumobots must not jam opponent's sensors, be destructive or harmful in any way

The match is intended to be a pushing / shoving match and nothing else

The first mini sumobot to touch the outside of the ring loses the round

There are three rounds to a match, best two out of three wins

Mini Robot Sumo Resourses:

A great site with information on mini sumo rules, strategy, Dohyo construction, forum, events calendar and more. minisumo.org.uk also has 3 great printable Dohyo images, in A4, A3 and A1 sizes. These allow you to get started with your SAMrI sumobot straight away following construction:

Printable Dohyo

Official UK, Mini Sumo Rules

Robot Room, Mini Sumo Rules