Chapter 1: Assemble the SumoBot · Page 1
Chapter 1: Assemble the SumoBot
There's an old axiom among robot enthusiasts that states, "It's harder than it looks...."
Speaking from experience, we know this to be true. That said, the purpose of this
statement is not to alarm or dissuade the new robot builder, but simply to remind him or
her that robotics – even on a small scale – is a serious endeavor and shouldn't be taken
lightly. Patience is indeed a virtue. Follow the construction steps carefully and you'll
have your SumoBot running and ready to compete in about an hour or so.
The SumoBot is capable of doing any of the things other rolling robots can do. As you
learn to program the SumoBot for competition, you’ll become a more proficient – and
efficient – programmer and will learn to exploit the BASIC Stamp microcontroller’s
capabilities. The SumoBot demonstrates the importance of a PBASIC program that uses
constants and variables, as well state-oriented design. A well-designed program means
you can easily tune the software for the right mechanical control in just a few places
rather than rewriting your entire program.
A surface-mounted BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller provides the intelligence for the
SumoBot. The BASIC Stamp is used throughout the Stamps in Class educational series,
and provides plenty of program space, speed and memory for use with a SumoBot.
The SumoBot is a purpose-built rolling robot, much like its general-purpose cousin the
Parallax Boe-Bot. While they share the same differential drive mechanism and the use of
sensors, the SumoBot design meets the specific criteria defined by Mini-Sumo
competition rules:
• Maximum [width and depth] dimensions of 10 cm by 10 cm
• Maximum mass of 500 grams
The standard SumoBot comes with two sets of sensors: two QTI line sensors to keep the
SumoBot on the playing surface and two sets of infrared emitters/detectors used to locate
its opponent. Advanced users may expand on the standard SumoBot design by adding
ultrasonic or IR distance measuring, tilt sensing and motor current sensing.
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