SUMO
Interested in robotics? Not sure where to start off? Join SUMO.
SUMO is an introductory robotics division designed for students eager to explore robotics systems. Members gain practical experience in essential skills such as circuit design and soldering, CAD software for 3D modeling and printing, sheet metal fabrication, and programming with embedded C++.
In teams of three, students apply these skills to build an autonomous robot for our annual SUMO competition, where the goal is to push the opponent out of the ring. The SUMO competition has been held over 10 times and continues to grow in popularity among both incoming and current University of Toronto students.
The Competition
1.
Mechanical:
- 3D CAD modelling
- Prototyping
2.
Software:
- Using ROS framework to simulate robot
- Programming sensors
- Process data from sensors
- Create your own algorithm
The competition will be open only to undergraduate students of University of Toronto. In addition, a student may not compete in the competition more than once. This is to encourage students to move on to UTRA’s bigger teams.
We are letting you choose your own groups and highly recommend that you get into groups of three. We recommend teams of 3, but will allow teams of 1 to 5. If your team consists of 6 or more, you will be required to divide into 2 groups.
The goal is to create a simulated version of an autonomous robot with IR range sensors to locate the opponent and light sensors to detect the edge of the ring. Two “sumo” robots are spawned in a black circular ring with a white border; the two simulated robots try to push one another out of the ring, the last robot in the ring wins. Students get to design the chassis in 3D CAD, and write the software for the robot using ROS.
UTRA hosts an online simulated autonomous mini-sumo competition at the end of the year, where the teams compete for bragging rights amongst their peers. We organize tutorial sessions which cover most of the necessary know-how, practical, and theoretical concepts required in the two areas involved.