SumoBot Competition

Energy Source:  The host of the competition should supply a 12V DC Power Supply. This means the controllers must be able to connect the power supply via alligator clips. As a league, you could choose to use 12V batteries onboard the robot but this will have to be considered in the weight of the robot and will add additional cost to each entry. 

Maximum Weight: SumoBots may be up to 6 pounds. They can be less but keep in mind that a heavier robot will usually perform better when trying to push another heavy robot. SumoBots that exceed the weight limit should not be allowed to compete until they reach 6 pounds or less since it will give the robot an unfair advantage. 

Maximum Size: The SumoBot must fit inside an 8.5” x 11” (a sheet of legal paper) rectangle at the start of the match. There is no height limit. The SumoBot may expand to any size after the start of the match. 

Components: Teams may use commercially supplied materials and components but teams (students only) must show that they designed and fabricated the majority of the SumoBot including the chassis, body and transmission. Use of a commercially purchased robot or kit is prohibited. 

Motors: Teams may use any kind and number of DC motors not to exceed a continuous current pull of 1 amp total. When DC electric motors start spinning, they will have a spike in current pull and then settle down to a relatively steady current under a single operating condition. Be sure to check what the current pull is when the robot is driving freely and when the robot is under load- load being the additional 6 pounds of the robot it may have to push out of the way. 

Control: RC and other wireless controls are prohibited. This is to keep costs down for all teams and keep it fair between all schools and organizations depending on external budgets. The electronic control boxes must be designed and fabricated by the students. The control box may be opened at check-in so that the judges can inspect it. The control box must provide the SumoBot with sufficient maneuverability to provide a credible threat to the opponent’s SumoBot. Each SumoBot must have its own control box hard-wired to the SumoBot. Teams may not share control boxes. Details on how to make these controllers are on the "SumoBot Controller Page."

Controllers will all be tethered meaning there will be a cable between the controller and SumoBot. All tethers must be at least 10’ long when measured from the car to the control box. The SumoBot may not be pulled or kept from being pushed by pulling on the tether. The tether may not be used as a weapon to strangle the opponent’s vehicle. A SumoBot may not damage its opponent’s tether. The tether should be kept behind the vehicle as much as possible. The judge will stop the clock and untangle the tethers if they interfere with the SumoBots. 

Tournament Format: The suggested competition format is a double elimination bracket. This allows each team a guaranteed two battles if they lose them. Each match will pit two SumoBots against each other for two minutes in an attempt to knock the opponent off the platform or temporarily disable the robot by gently flipping them. The winner is the last SumoBot remaining on the table and still able to move. If A SumoBot becomes incapacitated for whatever reason, then that bot is the loser of the match. During the main two-minute game, both robots must be moving. If both SumoBots remain on the table after 2 minutes, then a 30-second overtime period will be added. If both robots still remain on the platform after 30 seconds, the winner in overtime will be the SumoBot closest to the center of the table at the end of the overtime period. \

Do Not's

• SumoBots may not shoot projectiles or missiles of any kind. All parts of your SumoBot must be securely fastened so that the danger of flying parts is minimized. 

• Chemical or flammable agents are not allowed. 

• Adhesives may not be applied to the tires. 

• SumoBots may not contain any sharp points or edges. All metal corners must be rounded or covered with protective material. The SumoBot may not cause damage to the table or clamp onto the edge of the table. 

• No Pinch points or exposed drive mechanisms may be present. The SumoBot may not have components that have the potential to pinch or crush fingers, skin, or other body parts. Drive mechanisms must be covered so that your SumoBot can be safely touched from any orientation while it is operating. 

• Exposed rotating components such as chains, wires, blades, or rigid bodies are prohibited. The SumoBot itself may spin as long as the judges rule that this does not present a hazard. 

• Electrical components that present a shock hazard are not allowed. 

Suggested Registration Rules

1. Each school or organization may enter a maximum of 5 SumoBots. The competition should aim to have between four and six schools/organizations with a maximum of  30 SumoBots on the roster. This will plan out to about 4-5 hours of matches. Additional time will be needed for registration and an optional award ceremony. 

2. Each SumoBot must be controlled by a two-person team. One member works the control box and the second person keeps the wire tether out of the way.  The tether must always have slack in it, a judge will be on-site to validate slack at all times. 

3. SumoBots must be ready to compete within one (1) minute of being called by the judge. A SumoBot that is not ready within one minute will forfeit the match. This will be to keep the competition moving along. A typical cycle time of a match setup, play, and breakdown is up to 5 minutes. 

4. A SumoBot that presents a hazard to the participants and/or spectators will not be allowed to compete. Any vehicle that will damage the table will also be disqualified. 

5. Each entry from a given school must represent a distinctly different design. Cosmetic differences do not constitute different designs. If a school has multiple entries without distinct differences, only the best finisher with a given design will be counted in the final results. 

6. Entries from previous years are strictly prohibited. ALL SUMOBOTS ARE STUDENT-DESIGNED AND BUILT.