The document provides information about a Mindstorms sumo competition where two robots try to push each other out of a ring. It outlines the rules that robots must be under 35cm initially and can expand after starting, and there is no height limit. It then discusses the design process for creating a sumo robot, including identifying the problem, researching solutions, selecting the best solution, developing and prototyping a model, testing and evaluating, and redesigning if needed. It provides tips to consider such as what sensors to use, how to program movements and detect opponents, and ensuring sufficient power level.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The Design Process

5. 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 with
solving the problem.

6. 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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Modeling and Prototyping
• The chosen solution is created, built,
made, etc.

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

12. 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.

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

14. Things to Consider 2
• Detecting the opponent
– Touch sensor
– US sensor(s)
• Consider the “center of gravity”

15. 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

16. Sumo robot Multitask

17. 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