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Beginning robotics...sumo bot? — Parallax Forums

Beginning robotics...sumo bot?

renkiyorenkiyo Posts: 3
edited 2011-07-05 01:13 in General Discussion
Hello,

I purchased and completed the beginner's Boe-Bot kit, and now I am looking for more projects to complete. I still consider myself a beginner but I'd like to learn more about robots/electronics. I'm looking at the SumoBot kit now - I'd like to try it, but there are two bots in the kit. Is it necessary if I already have the boe bot, and if not, can I make my boe bot into a sumo bot? Thanks.

RK

Comments

  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-07-02 20:01
    What is there specifically about a SumoBot that you want? Unless you're going to be involved in a competition, you don't need the "scoop/blade". The main thing that you don't have is the QTI sensor which you can get separately. The same software would work with the BoeBot as with the SumoBot as long as you have the QTI sensor. You might be more interested in getting a PING))) with its servo bracket. It all depends on what you want to do with it. All of the documentation is available from Parallax's website. You can look through it and think about add-ons ahead of time.
  • renkiyorenkiyo Posts: 3
    edited 2011-07-02 20:05
    My dad and I wanted to have mini robot competitions in our garage, just between the two of us and maybe some friends, so I'm not sure if we need the blades. QTI sensor sounds like a must, or maybe ping. So it seems like we could just use my boe-bot then, and then maybe buy only 1 sumo bot?
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-07-02 20:21
    If you're going to have a competition, everyone should have the same basic robot. Otherwise, some robots will have features that others do not. Also, the robots' weights will be different and that would be unfair. Why not get a QTI sensor or PING))) for your BoeBot, then your dad could get the same. The main advantage to the SumoBot is that they're intended for a specific kind of competition and they would all be the same. You could probably modify your BoeBot to have a "blade" and QTI sensor and have the same weight as the SumoBot.
  • renkiyorenkiyo Posts: 3
    edited 2011-07-02 20:38
    Okay, we will talk about what to do, then. So it looks like I'll need the QTI sensor/PING at least. Which one do you recommend is better to buy for the competitions? Thank-you.
  • FranklinFranklin Posts: 4,747
    edited 2011-07-02 21:06
    If you plan to follow the sumo rules you will need the QTI to keep your bot in the ring.
  • Matt GillilandMatt Gilliland Posts: 1,406
    edited 2011-07-02 21:32
    Welcome to the Forums renkiyo!
    Why not get a QTI sensor or PING))) for your BoeBot, then your dad could get the same

    Mike's advice is always good. The sumo bots are really designed for Robotic Sumo Wrestling (throwing each other out of the ring so to speak), therefore they should be of the same style, shape, and weight.

    There's other types of competition too. For example, as suggested, you could both get boe-bots, and QTI sensors and then have a line following "competitions" (he whose programmed bot follows the line in the least amount of time wins, etc).

    Or you could use Ping (sonar) sensors to detect objects - like navigating walls in a maze or have an obstacle course where your Boe-bots have to find their way through without bumping into things...

    Just a couple of "next step" ideas - the cool part though, is that you're having fun with Robots and your Dad!

    -Matt
  • Capt. QuirkCapt. Quirk Posts: 872
    edited 2011-07-05 01:13
    This is my hobby (24/7).

    Take your pick for types of "Garage Competitions"

    The largest European robotic event, RobotChallenge 2010. Many good examples here.

    Funny Sumo Sumo Bots Actually this is a bit advanced, but it's funny.

    Normal home built Sumo's Or somewhat normal because most sumo's are homemade.

    Japanese Line Follower Competitions They are so extreme in Japan.

    More great Sumo Bot Competitions. Advanced, maybe they are tired of slo bots :). Maybe you will have "fast" Sumo Bot garage competitions in a few years!

    A Competition in California Check out the Sumo Bot Rules for all recognized classes

    A List of Competitions held all over the place

    Explore you tube for a while. Invite your dad to explore you tube. Chances are, you will find something you want to try.

    Scavenge your old toys for wheels and Dad's old VCR for other great stuff. Use balsa wood to build your first bots with, and use the BS2!
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