Mini-Sumo Bot

What Is A Sumo Bot?

This project was inspired by the competition style of sumo robotics of which an example can be found here. Two bots are placed in a black ring with a white border with the objective being to autonomously knock the other bot out of the ring. This is why it makes a good project when it comes to the use of sensors.

In this instructable, I will guide you on how to create a mini sumo bot of your own. It is a great project to pass some time or to even start a robotics event of your own. It is compact, full of learning opportunities and very fun to play with.

Bill Of Materials

• Green PLA
• 2x SG90 Continuous Servos
• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
• Infrared Sensor
• 2m Red Jumper Wire
• 2x M4 Bolts
• 2x M4 Hex Nuts
• 1x Lithium Ion Battery 3.7V 3600 mAh
• 1x Li-Ion 18650 Battery Holder
• TP4056 Li-Ion Charging Module
• 5V DC-DC Boost Converter
• Arduino Nano
• Small Breadboard
• Blue Tack
• 2x Wheels
• 2x M3 Small Screws (For Servos)
• 1x SPDT Switch

Helpful Equipment

• 3D Printer
• Dremel Kit
• Hot Glue Gun
• Computer

First, download the attached file and open it up using the software FlashPrint or another 3D printer software. Save this file onto an SD card and insert into the 3D printer. After setting up the printer, loading the filament and heating the extruders, print the design.

Once the chassis has been printed, the supports will need to be removed. Using a chisel or bevel, these can be pried off with ease. A file can also be used to smooth out and clean up rough edges. Although take care so as not to destroy the chassis or hurt your fingers.

For this step, the servo must be combined with the wheel securely in order to ensure that it doesn't fall off during competition. This joint can be accomplished by screwing the two parts together which makes for a strong joint.

Once the wheels have been attached to the servos, the can now be fitted to the chassis permanently. The best way to do this I found was to use a hot glue gun as its strong enough to hold the servos to the chassis, but it also allows for any changes to be made to the positioning of the servos if ever necessary.

Make sure the servos are aligned properly and in the correct orientation when fitting them to the chassis!

This step is pretty straight forward as the two holes for the screws have already been shaped out. Just line up the roller ball with the chassis and secure the two components together using M4 screws and hex nuts.

Additional hex nuts can be placed in between the roller ball and the chassis acting as spacers to reduce the downward sloped angle of the sumo bot.

First, secure the infrared sensor to the front of the bot using hot glue while making sure the sensor is able to clearly scan the ground below it. Next, secure the ultrasonic sensor to the necessary holes at the front of the bot as can be seen in the photos above.

Finally, add in the breadboard with the Arduino nano on it to the center of the bot and secure it using blue tack so that it is easy to remove in times of troubleshooting and repair.

The Lithium ion battery should be connected in parallel with both the TP-4056 Li-Ion charging module and the 3V-5V step up booster. Make sure to connect jumper wires to terminals of the correct polarity during this process.

When soldering remember to take care by staying aware, working in a well ventilated area and by wearing eye protection.

A switch should be placed on the positive output of the 5V boost converter in order to allow for the bot to turn on and off. The output of the DC-DC converter goes directly to the Arduino Nano's power input.

First of all, in order to program the Arduino Nano, you will need to download the Arduino IDE and the necessary drivers for the Nano. After doing this you should be able to upload the code linked below by connecting your computer to the nano via a USB to Micro-USB cord.

Next, using the diagram above, connect each of the necessary components and sensors to the Nano.

• The 2 Servos should be connected to pins 9 and 10.
• The infrared sensor should be connected to an analog pin (this sensor is not included in the code as it competition specific only - should be added by the user)
• The HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor should have its echo pin connected to pin 5 and its trig pin connected to pin 4.

Once this is done, test out the bot and make any adjustments necessary.

Everything is now set and your bot is complete.

Enjoy!