We spent most of April and May preparing for a SumoBot competition at the Triangle Math and Science Academy (TMSA) on 5/21. We used the robot from state competition with modifications and also the SugoBot. The kids loved personalizing the robots and competing with them.
We spent a lot of time breaking down the code necessary to stay on the table and to try to push the opponent off. The kids learned about reflected light intensity on black vs. white and how to use Port View on the robot to check the current values.
Part of their strategy was to increase the robot weight to the max (1000kg or 2.2lbs) and to put good armor around the robot.
The kids got to pick their own teams.
Competition consisted of 40 teams and was divided up by age (middle vs. elementary) and weight. Johnny and Gavin lost first round but had long, intense matches. Luke and Jacob's robot went on to round two where it was eliminated. Zoe's robot gave a good fight but also lost in round one. And, I'm very sorry to say that Caroline, Beth, and Zoe's robot was disqualified because the code failed to have it completely leave the box. That was quite sad. Still, the competition was fun and friendly.
Sometimes it is fun to compete with more than two robots at once!
Our TMSA SumoBot experience via video.
