Sumo Bot

Participants from the given category can participate in the Sumo Bot manual and autonomous competition:

• Developers - The participants will be students of Grades 3 to 7
• Innovators - The participants will be students of Grade 8 to 12

In the Developers category, only 30 teams are eligible to participate from both the types - autonomous and manual. The participants of a team can be from varying grades that are demarcated under the given category.

In the Innovators category, only 30 teams are eligible to participate from both the types - autonomous and manual. The participants of a team can be from varying grades that are demarcated under the given category.

Team size: Minimum 1 and Maximum 5

In the Sumo Bot competition, two teams will compete to race against time, with each team consisting of 1 Wireless Bot/ autonomous bot:

1. Register yourself and your team members as a user on the official Mekathlon website.
2. Once your team members are registered, you may select the Racer Robo competition from the competition list in your login panel, and apply. You will also be needed to select members from your team who will participate in the competition. A minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 members in 1 team can participate. Also, select your city for participating in the event
3. Clearly select the category (Manual or Autonomous) in the registration form.
4. Construct a manual/ autonomous bot. Ready-made bots will not be allowed to compete. Only self-made bots will be allowed to participate.

• Each team can present only one Sumo Bot for the competition. The designed bot has to be as per the given dimensions:

• The robot may expand after the start of the round, but must stay in one piece.
• Each robot must carry a top marker unique identity so that it can be distinguished by the referee easily. Unmarked robots are not eligible to play.
• The robot must be constructed and programmed in a way that their movement is not limited to only one direction and must move in all directions.
• The electric voltage anywhere inside the machine cannot exceed 16.8V at any given point in time.
• Batteries must be sealed and immobilized electrolyte type (gel cell, lithium, NiCad, or dry cells) batteries are only allowed.
• Infrared light-reflecting materials must not be used on the outside. Minor parts that reflect infrared light could be used only if other robots are not affected. Robots must not produce magnetic interference for other robots on the field.
• Bots can use RF Modules but must ensure that the RF Module has the function to change different frequencies/channels and not affect other bots.
• If a team claims that their robot is affected by the other team's robot in any way, they must show proof/evidence of the interference. Any interference must be confirmed by a referee if a claim is placed by the other team.

Manual Bots:

• Must be controlled wirelessly (no wired remotes).
• No jammers or frequency-hopping devices allowed.

Autonomous Bots:

• Must operate without external inputs during the match.
• Use of sensors for detection and navigation is allowed.
• The bot must start immediately after turning on, either using a switch or remote.
• The bot may use a remote control device only to start/stop the robot when the referee gives a corresponding command. The infrared remote control device is held by the referee.
• When a bot is deactivated, it must be incapable of moving or operating. Deactivation cannot require more than 30 seconds.

Prohibited Components:

• Any components that may disturb the operation of the opponent (for example, flashlights or jamming devices such as IR LEDs intended to saturate the opponent's IR sensors).
• Any components that may damage or scratch the surface of the sumo ring.
• Any components that are designed to damage the opponent.
• It is forbidden to use any liquids, powders or gases as a weapon against the opponent.
• It is not allowed to use any inflammable materials in the robot.
• The robot must not include any throwing devices (for example, throwing a net at the opponent).
• The robot must not include any parts that fix it onto the sumo ring (for example, glues, suction cups, etc.). Magnets are allowed.

The Sumo Ring:

• The wrestling ring, also known as the dohyo, is defined as the playing surface surrounded by and including the border line.
• The ring shall be circular in shape. It will be covered with a black colour coating and a white outline on its border. The appropriate diameter will be 180cm, height 5cm, and the surface would be made of coated wood/steel plate.
• The starting cross is placed in the middle of the field dividing it into four equal sectors. The robots must always be located in two reciprocal sectors (see Figure 1).
• The referee removes the starting line from the field once the robots have been fixed. Once the robot has been fixed, it cannot be moved anymore.

The Match

A match is fought between two teams. Only one team member may approach the ring; other team members must watch from the audience. In accordance with the game rules, each team competes in the sumo ring with a manual or autonomous robot that they have constructed themselves as per the specifications mentioned. The match starts at the referee's command and continues until a contestant earns two Yuhkoh points. The judge determines the winner of the match.

• One match shall consist of 3 rounds, within a total time of 3 minutes (1 minute for each round), unless extended by the referee. Match time is measured during rounds, not between them.
• The team who wins two rounds or receives two "Yuhkoh" points first, within the time limit, shall win the match. A team receives a "Yuhkoh" point when they win a round. If the time limit is reached before one team can get two "Yuhkoh" points, the team with the maximum Yuhkoh points wins.
• When the match is not won by either team within the time limit, an extended match of one round or an additional three minutes may be fought, during which the team who receives the first Yuhkoh point shall win. Alternatively, the winner or loser of the match may be decided by judges, by means of lots, or by a rematch.
• The match starts upon the referee's instructions; the two teams bow to each other in the outer ring, approach the ring, and place their bot inside the ring. When the judge announces the start of the round, the teams start their robots, and after a five second pause the robots may start operating. During these five seconds, players must clear out of the ring area.
• One round will be fought for a total of 3 minutes, starting and ending upon the referee's command. The clock shall start ticking five seconds after the start is announced.
• The participants have a maximum of 30 seconds between the rounds to maintain their robots.

The match shall be stopped and a rematch started under the following conditions:

• The bots are entangled or orbiting each other with no perceivable progress for five seconds. If it is unclear whether progress is being made or not, the referee can extend the time limit for observable progress for up to 30 seconds.
• Both bots move without making progress, or stop at the same time without touching each other. However, if one robot stops first, the referee will start a 10-second countdown for the operator to move the bot, after which it will be declared as not having the will to fight. The opponent shall then receive a Yuhkoh point.
• If both bots touch the outside of the ring at about the same time, and it cannot be determined which touched first, a rematch is called.

Match Postponement:

• If a team is unable to compete in a match as originally scheduled, e.g., due to problems with their bot, they may request that the match be postponed to a later time. All such requests are subject to the approval of the judge and officials.
• A team may also receive a match postponement if they have another participation scheduled in another category at the same time. In such cases, their match will be postponed to the next available slot or the end of the round.
• Mekathlon reserves the right to postpone any match for any reason at its sole discretion. Such postponements will not count as a team-requested postponement.

The decision of the referee is not subject to appeals. Complaints must be submitted during or immediately after the match. Any later complaints will not be accepted. In case of any conflicts or disputes, the final word will be said by the referees and/or the organisers.

Scoring Criteria:

One Yuhkoh point shall be given when a team forces the body of the opposing bot to touch the space outside the ring, including the side of the ring itself. However, if the opponent bot while pushing also enters the white area, no point will be given.

A Yuhkoh point is also given in the following cases:

• The opposing bot touches the space outside the ring on its own.
• One or more wheels of the robot roll out of the ring, and the robot cannot return. The opponent earns one Yuhkoh point.
• When the opponent bot has fallen over on the ring or similar conditions, Yuhkoh will not be counted, and the match continues.
• If the participating team fails to show up at the ring or exceeds the time given for maintenance.
• When referee’s decision is called to decide the winner, technical merits in movement and operation are considered.

The Warning:

A contestant who acts as indicated below gets a warning. If the contestant gets two warnings, the opponent earns one Yuhkoh point.

• If the operator or any of their items (e.g., remote control) ends up in the ring during the round.
• If the robot moves before the beginning of the round.
• If the robot is replaced after being placed in the ring.
• If the referee believes that an operator is deliberately avoiding engagement, the referee will notify the operator to engage. Failure to do so will result in a warning.
• If the participant does not comply with safety requirements.
• In case of any other action considered unfair.

Venue: Bengaluru (India)

Registration Fee:

• For Indian residents: INR 999/- (Inclusive GST) per team.
• For non-India residents: USD 50 per team.

Zonal Round:

Each competition category (manual and autonomous) will announce a 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winner. Each winning team will receive a certificate and a medal.

The top 6 teams will be invited to participate in the Grand Finale, scheduled in Bengaluru.

A team will be disqualified if it takes any of the following actions during the game:

• The design and build of the robot are not as per the desired criteria.
• The team intentionally damages or tries to damage the field, facilities, or game objects.
• The team performs any acts that are not in the spirit of fairplay.
• The team fails to obey instructions or warnings issued by referees.

The design and build of robots should not pose any kind of danger to any person at the competition scene. All robots must be designed and built to cause no damage to any robots of the opposing team or the field. Given below are some safety measures to be followed:

• Team members must wear running shoes during the games and test runs.
• The use of explosives, fire, or dangerous chemicals is prohibited.
• Accumulators, and lead-acid batteries are not allowed.
• When using radio for signal transmission, teams must design systems, circuits, and mechanisms to ensure they do not go out of control and/or move dangerously even if a short circuit occurs or a connection is broken.
• Use wires, connectors, terminals, etc., with a rated current equal to or higher than the assumed maximum current.