BEAM

Mini –Sumo

Wrestling Edgebot

SUMO EDGEBOT

Summary:

The Beam Mini Sumo Wrestling Robot is what I have chosen and built prior to my assignment in Project Principles. The reason why I have selected this project is for me to build and understand a simple robot circuitry and mechanism that will develop some important skills as diverse as reading, researching, critical thinking, problem solving, mechanics, electronics. Also for me to apply what I have learned throughout the year. And the fact that I want to have fun while doing this project.

Acknowledgements:

For the acknowledgement, I would like to mention a few names that helped me on this project, Dave Southall, Isiah and Ralph.

Introduction:

The Mini Sumo Bot I have built is based from Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheel.

As what its name says, it tells us that it is based on Japanese wrestling -“sumo” which is the Japanese word for wrestling. Two of my classmates have also built the same project so we could have a match. A Mini-sumo is a competition between two mini sumo wrestling robots. It is a contest where one robot tries to push another robot out of a ring, without harming the opponent. Similar to traditional sumo matches, two robots face each other in a ring named a dohjo (robot sumo ring, a large flat disc). The robot is to stay in the ring while pushing the opposing robot out of the ring. The robot that stays in the ring the longest wins the match.

The basic strategy of a sumo bot is to make the other bot fall out before your bot. But the first behaviour of a sumo bot should have is to back away from the edge. Therefore, what I have selected and built is technically the basic of a sumo bot, which is an Edgebot.

Aims and Objectives:

My aim on this project is to design and build a mini sumo wrestling bot, which I have done nicely.

And of course my objective is to make this bot push forward and scoop away from edges.

THE CIRCUIT

The circuit is straightforward. It has 2 Relays, a capacitor, 2 motor, 2 switches (power switch and edge detection, and 2 LEDs. The “brain” of my edgebot are a part of double-pole, double throw (DPDT) relays, which control the forward.backward motion of each wheel. I have used a lever switch on the side of the bot as edge detection. When it closes, it quickly snap- charges the back up capacitor. When this capacitor has a charge, it bleeds its energy through both relays, making the motor run in reverse with the LEDS lighting up.

Theory of Operation:

The edgebot should push forward and should back away from edges. The motor will provide the pushing force. Whilst for the sensor, a lever switch could be use.

Prototyping and Testing:

The prototyping was been a difficult part for me. I wanted the two motors to reverse but ss I checked the circuit I have learned that only one motor will reverse or else it will just go straight and reverse on an edge. The prototype could also be used for testing the circuit. These are some pictures I have taken for my prototype on a breadboard:

Result:

“DEATH”

The result is “DEATH”. I gave my bot a name which is Death. It just came out from nowhere. Death could move forward and back straight away from edges which is what my aim and objective for my bot. This bot is powered by a 9v battery. Has 2 LEDs that lights up when reverses. It reverses for about two seconds that is created by the capacitor.

GANTT CHART:

Conclusions:

Doing this project has taught me a lot of things. Especially in managing this project. I have wasted too many times. Now, I know what to do next time.

My bot does what it should do therefore I conclude that this assignments was a success.

The difficult part for me in the project is the prototyping part. I didn’t know what it should be doing. I should have drawn a circuit diagram first and analyse what it should do.

But still I can say that it was fun. And if given a chance I would improve my bot so that it could do more like a big intimidating sumo wrestler.

Costing:

PARTS LIST AND COSTING

3 x LEDs -£0.34 each

2 x relays (DPDT) - £1.91 each

1 x 4700uF 16v (capacitor) -£2.20

1 x power switch (SPDT) - £ 1.32

1 x 9v battery -

2 x motors - £5.21 each

2 x wheels -£0.89

1 x SPDT snap lever switch -£1.71

1 x body material -£ 1.29

This is really cheaper than buying a kit in www.totalrobots.com