The name “sumo” came from an old Japanese sport, which is two opponents fighting in a ring, each of them trying to push the other opponent out of it, And this is what should robots also do in the sumo robotics competitions, where two robots placed in the ring and each other trying to push out its opponent.

The idea:

Build a robot with a certain specifications and commensurate with the laws of that competition (Sumo), this robot must be in exact dimensions to fight and survive to not be cross out of ring any way.

So let’s have a look to The Sumo robot competition laws:

I will explain some important roles you should consider while building your own SUMO it also might help you Imagine and innovation your own Idea without going in deep details.

1. Dimensions: max didth 20 cm, max length 20 cm, height not specified.

2. Shape: the robot shape can be changeable after starting the race, but without the inseparable parts to maintain being one central Object.

3. Weight: does not exceed 3 kg.

4. Robot must be self-controlling.

Overview

Uses for Each Component

Now we have the required components, so let’s go in details to know what is used for..

1- Arduino Uno

It is a main board that control all the parts and link it together.

2- DC Motor

Which help robot to maneuver and move within the ring of COMPETING.

4- L298N Dual H Bridge for Arduino

It is a small panel that provides constant voltage to the motors, as well as the support of the Arduino plate with good control of movement and voltage.

5- Ultrasonic sensor

The ultrasonic sensor is used to locate the opponent's robot and is usually placed at the top of the robot.

6- IR TCRT5000

As we have already mentioned, the contest ring designed in a certain size and it have two colors, filling is black and frame is white. The contestant should not go out. Therefore, we use the IR sensor to make sure that the robot will not be out of the ring. This sensor has the ability to distinguish between the colors of the ring).

7- Battery 9v

It support the main board (Arduino) with the important voltage.

8- AA battery 4 * 1.5 v pieces + Battery house

It support the two motors (DC Motor) with the important voltage and it must be separated to give the full force for the wheels.

9- Jumper wires

Design

I’ve made two sumo robot designs using Google 3D sketch-up because I like to create paper models of my robots before I cut parts out of acrylic on the laser cutter. To verify that all the parts will fit together properly, it’s important that the paper models are printed at the exact size of drawings.

And I take into consideration to be in specific measuring with competition laws, so try to think in a more creative designs and do your own model.

In order to be more sensitive to the robot weight in submitted or then put the batteries in the front of the robot with the front shield at a 45 degree angle to the form of the robot.

the files are available to download in the files section.

Play Strategy

As we mentioned before that the robot must have its own ability to control it self, so it gives us the ability to programmed it in more than one way, it depending on how you want the robot to play on the ring just as any opponent in real want to win the game.

Play strategy (1):

· We will make the robot around itself continuously.

· The robot is always measuring the distance continuously during the rotation.

· If the opponent distance measured is lower than (10cm for example), that means the opponent is in front of robot us directly.

· The robot must stop rotating and then starts the attack (move forward with full force quickly).

· The robot must take the readings from the IR sensors always to be sure that we didn’t cross the ring border.

· If Read of IR presence of white color, it must move the robot directly in the opposite direction of the sensor (for example: If the front sensor, which gave an indication of the white color of the robot moves backward)!

Play strategy (2):

· At the start robot measure the distance in front.

· Robot move back the same measured distance.

· Robot stop rotating and then starts attack suddenly (move forward with full force).

· In case of opponent attach robot must rotate 45 degrees while to survive itself if falling out of the ring.

· The robot must take the readings from the IR sensors always to be sure that we didn’t cross the ring border.

Programming

Project code is available to download.

Accurate ultrasonic sensor library.

https://github.com/ErickSimoes/Ultrasonic/blob/master/examples/UltrasonicSimple/UltrasonicSimple.ino

EXPANDED TECHNICAL DETAILS

Computational Combat Robotics

This project creates a high-speed, autonomous "Mini Sumo" robot designed for competitive robotic sport.

Infrared Opponent Tracking: Uses a series of long-range IR sensors (e.g., Sharp GP2Y0A21) to detect the position of the other robot. The Arduino's firmware implements a "Search and Destroy" state machine, rotating until a target is acquired.
Dojo Edge-Detection Logic: Features downward-facing TCRT5000 reflectance sensors placed at the corners. If the robot detects the white edge of the Dojo ring, the Arduino instantly reverses and turns to avoid self-disqualification.

Performance

High-Current H-Bridge Hub: Manages high-RPM micro metal-gear motors using a TB6612FNG driver, allowing for the rapid acceleration and brute-force pushing power required in Sumo combat.