MINDSTORMS NXT SUMO Competition FAQ's

Q: What "extra" parts can be used? A: Any LEGO pieces may be used in building your robot. This includes: Battery-Boxes, Extra Motors, RCXs, RCX sensors, PF motors,rubber bands, LEGO sails, and other hard-to-get pieces. Q: Can I use an RCX AND an NXT? A: Yes. Remember, the robot is still REQUIRED to have an NXT, and it must weigh no more than 2 pounds. It may be very difficult to have 12 batteries on a 2 pound robot.

Q: What can I do to improve my chances of being selected as a finalist?
A: There are a few things that will make your robot more appealing to the judges:

1) Document your robot and program - This will make it easier for the judges to build

2) Don't use lots of rare or unusual pieces - While using any LEGO piece is allowed, using them may make it harder for the judges to build the robot

3) Make sure your robot conforms to the size & weight limitations

4) Include an LDD file

Q: Should I use LDD?
A: LDD is an EXCELLENT way to document your robot. While it's not required, it may improve your chances of being selected.

Q: What if my robot is complex and hard to build?
A: As long as the robot is well documented, it doesn't matter how complex it is, or how long it takes to build. However, a complex will require more documentation than a simple robot.

Q:What color will the starting lines be?
A:They will be very dark. The starting lines will not be visible to the light sensors on the robots.

Q: How could my robot 'push' someone out of the ring if the edges are raised so much
A: The whole RING is raised, not just the edges.

Q: What is 1'
A: 1'= 1 foot = 30.48 cm = 12" = 12 inches

Q: Does the robot have to start moving backwards, then move forwards?
A: The robots will be placed on the circle, facing away from each other. The first thing both robots must do is move [farther] away from the center of the ring (forwards). Then, they can turn and ATTACK!

Q: Do we have to set a timer to tell the robot to wait three seconds, then move?
A: Yes. Or, the program could simply use a "wait" block, set to time & 3 seconds.

Q: Will you post videos of the matches on Youtube or somewhere else.
A: Yes. We will try to post videos on MINDSTORMS.com

Q: What software can we use? Can we use third-party software blocks?
A: You must use the software that comes with the NXT. You may use third party blocks, however, if the judges are not able to get the same blocks, the robot may not preform as you intended.

Q: Can I make a robot with 2 NXT's and 1 RCX?
Q: Can we use zamor spheres for shooting?
Q: Can we use pneumatics?
A: Yes. If the parts came in a LEGO set, or are currently available on the LEGO web site, you may use them.

Q: Are non-LEGO elements allowed?
Q: Can I use an ir seeker on my sumo bot instead of the us sensor?
Q: Are non-LEGO elastics allowed?
A: No.

Q: Can we cut pneumatics tubing?
Q: Can I modify a LEGO piece?
A: When the judges build the robots, they will not be cutting pneumatic tubing, or modifying pieces. So, if your robot requires that, it may not work as you intended.

Q: What "extra" parts can be used?
A: Any LEGO pieces may be used in building your robot. This includes: Battery-Boxes, Extra Motors, RCXs, RCX sensors, PF motors, rubber bands, LEGO sails, and other hard-to-get pieces.

The robot must:
1) Have an NXT.
2) Weigh no more than 2 pounds
3) Fit into a 1'x 1' square frame at the start of the round (it may expand after)

Q: How much kg is 2 pounds?
A: 2 pounds is the same as 0.909 kg, or 909 grams

Q: After combat starts, can the robot extend outside the 1'x1' frame?
A: Yes.

Q: What if instead of the 2 lbs. limit, there were weight divisions?
(light, heavyweight, etc.,)
A: That would be a different competition.

Q: Do we have to tell how to build our robot piece for piece?
A: Yes. Or at least explain it well enough that someone else could build it.

Q: How do you enter this sumo competition?
A: Build & program a robot. Then post your pictures & program here on NXTLOG

Q: Can we only use LDD?
A: You do not need to use LEGO Digital Designer. But, it may help. You must have some pictures of your actual robot.

Q: How far apart are the starting lines?
A: 1 foot.

Q: The rules say: "The robots will be placed on the circle, facing away from each other. The first thing both robots must do is move [farther] away from the center of the ring (forwards). Then, they can turn and ATTACK!". Does "Then, they CAN turn and ATTACK!" mean they HAVE to attack?
A: No, they are not required to attack. That's why it says "they CAN", not "they MUST". Any strategy is allowed.

Q: Are they allowed to first do a evasive maneuver to avoid a head on collision?
A: That is allowed, and it may be a smart approach.

Q: How far is "[farther] away from the center"? 1"? 2"? A millimeter?
A: Yes. Those are all farther. If the judges do not think the robot moved away from the center, the robot will be disqualified.

Q: Do the rules mean the robots will face away from each other.(i.e. backwards)?
A: Yes.

Q: Will they have to turn around and then do the rest of the program?
A: Some robots will simply drive to the edge, then turn and repeat. Others will quickly turn. Both are allowed.

Q: Is the robot required to move?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I collaborate with a buddy? He's good at design, I'm good at programming...
A: Yes, that's fine.

Q: Are violent behaviors allowed?
A: No. Destroying the other robot is not the goal. The goal is to push it off the circle. The judges will consider that, when selecting the finalists.

Q: Are mechanisms meant to fiddle with the buttons allowed?
A: Yes. While that may not actually push the other robot off the circle, it could be fun to watch.

Q: What if someone copies my design?
A: If the judges believe an entry is a copy of an earlier entry, the later entry will simply not be selected as a finalist.
** The judges also understand that with a large number of people building robots, some will be very similar. Don't worry if someone appears to have copied your design. Making this decision will be up to the judges. And, the main concept behind NXTLOG, and this sumo competition is to share ideas and learn from others.

Q: What if our questions are not answered in the FAQ's?
A: Keep checking back. We'll be updating the FAQ's as new questions arise.