Mindstorms Sumo Competition Two self-controlled robots are placed in a

ring and try to avoid falling out or avoid being pushed out by the opponent robot. The first robot that touches outside of the ring loses the round.  The first robot to win two rounds, wins the match.

Rules/Guidelines

• The robot can only be made from the pieces in your kit.

• At the start of each round, Lego Sumo robots must not exceed 35 centimeters in width and/or depth.Robots may expand to any size after starting.

• There is no height limit, as soon as movement is allowed in a round, the robot may then twist, fall,

and/or expand without size limits.  

The Design Process

Identify Problem/Design Brief

• Identification of the problem that requires a solution.

• The Design Brief is a short description of the task and conditions associated withsolving the problem.

Investigation and Research

• Once the goals are outlined research is done to find information about similar problems and resources available.

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Identification of Possible Solutions

• Identifying solutions is a brainstorming activity to determine the possible ways of solving a specific design problem.

Selection of the Best Solution

• Picking the best solution means just that – evaluate the solution ideas formed in the previous step and pick the “best” one.

Development of the Solution

• During this step the details of the solution are defined and preparation is made for the construction/ implementation of the solution.

Modeling and Prototyping

• The chosen solution is created, built, made, etc.

Testing and Evaluation

• Testing and evaluating the solution is a trial to see if the solution actually solves the design problem identified.

Redesigning and Improving

• The redesigning and improving of a solution can continue forever. During this step students act upon some of the findings from the previous Testing and Evaluation phase to improve their design.

Things to Consider

• What sensor(s) to use?• How to program?• Mass, Newton’s laws• Friction• Gearing• Wheel size• Power level• Make it sturdy

Things to Consider 2

• Detecting the opponent – Touch sensor– US sensor(s)

• Consider the “center of gravity”

How to Program a Sumo Robot

• Make the robot move around in the ring – Basic Sumo:

• Repeat the following forever:– Go forward until the edge– Backward slightly– Spin right

Sumo robot Multitask

Make sure the Power!

• Default power level is 75%

• Fully charge your battery!!!

• How to check the voltage level?– See the icon on the LCD