Open Sumobot Project Mk3

Thursday, Aug 4, 2016 | 2 minute read | Updated at Friday, Aug 8, 2025

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The Open Sumobot Project MK3 is an open-source Arduino-based mini sumo robot designed for competitive sumo robotics.

Mini sumo robots are autonomous robots that compete in a ring, attempting to push their opponent out while avoiding falling out themselves. The challenge lies in creating a robot that can quickly detect opponents, navigate the ring boundaries, and execute effective pushing strategies.

Electronics Components

The brain and sensory system of the Open Sumobot MK3 consists of:

Core Controller

  • 1x Arduino Nano V3 - The main microcontroller handling all logic and sensor processing

Sensors

  • 3x HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Distance Sensors - For opponent detection with 180-degree coverage
  • 2x TCRT5000 Line Sensors (Optional) - For detecting the white ring boundary lines
  • 1x SHARP IR Distance Sensor - Additional short-range opponent detection

Motor Control

  • 1x L298N Motor Driver - Controls the four drive motors with PWM speed control
  • 1x Power Switch - Main power control for the robot

Motion System

The robot uses a four-wheel drive system for maximum traction and pushing power:

  • 4x N20 6V 200RPM Motors - Providing strong torque at optimal speed for sumo combat
  • 4x LEGO Rubber Wheels - Excellent grip on standard sumo ring surfaces
  • 4x Custom 3D Printed Wheel Adapters (Wheel.stl) - Connect LEGO wheels to N20 motors

Multi-Sensor Detection

  • Front sensor for direct confrontation
  • Left and right sensors for side detection and tracking
  • SHARP IR sensor for close-range precision

Boundary Detection

The optional TCRT5000 line sensors detect the white boundary lines of the sumo ring, preventing the robot from accidentally leaving the competition area.

Getting Started

To build your own Open Sumobot MK3:

  1. Gather Components - Source all electronic and mechanical parts
  2. 3D Print Parts - Print the custom wheel adapters and mounts
  3. Assembly - Follow the schematic for electronic connections
  4. Programming - Upload the Arduino code and calibrate sensors
  5. Testing - Fine-tune behavior and test in practice matches

Repository and Resources

The complete project is available on GitHub with:

  • Full source code
  • Detailed schematics
  • 3D printable files
  • Assembly instructions
  • Performance data

GitHub Repository: Open-Sumobot-Project

Competition Ready

The Open Sumobot MK3 is designed to compete in oshwdem mini sumo competitions following international rules:

  • Maximum dimensions: 10cm x 10cm
  • Weight limit compliance
  • Autonomous operation
  • Standard sumo ring compatibility

Checkout the rules! Reglas de Loita Sumo

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Me

hello i am pablopeza

this is my blog

Based in A Coruña, works at Innogando S.L., and has been quietly stockpiling GitHub repos: a one-hand bottle opener, a 3D printer parts library literally named “Pezas_Printer,” sumo robots, line followers, and enough H-bridge motor drivers to open a shop.

Also part of BricoLabs , an A Coruña hackerspace/makerspace where a bunch of CAD, electronics and 3D-printing enthusiasts meet weekly at the Domus.