Sumo Bots

Lesson 1: Introduction to SumoBot and Building Basics

Objective: Understand the concept of Robot Sumo, learn about SumoBot, and begin building the basic robot.
Materials: VEX IQ Super Kit, SumoBot building instructions (from the URL), printed diagrams, markers for the Sumo ring.

1. Warm-Up (10 min)
   • Introduce the concept of Robot Sumo: two robots compete to push each other out of a ring.
   • Show videos/examples of Robot Sumo matches for inspiration.
   • Explain the rules of the game (e.g., size and weight limits, staying inside the ring).
2. Activity: Build the SumoBot (35 min)
   • Provide the students with the VEX IQ Super Kit and SumoBot building instructions.
   • Begin assembling the base of the robot (focus on drivetrain and stability).
   • Encourage teamwork and problem-solving during the build process.
3. Wrap-Up (5 min)
   • Check progress and discuss challenges faced during the build.
   • Assign students to complete their builds at the start of the next lesson.

Lesson 2: Completing the Build and Introduction to Programming

Objective: Finish building the SumoBot and explore basic programming with the VEX IQ Brain.
Materials: VEX IQ Super Kit, laptops/tablets with VEXcode IQ or comparable programming software.

1. Warm-Up (5 min)
   • Quickly recap the purpose of Robot Sumo and review the rules.
2. Activity: Complete the Build (20 min)
   • Allow students to finish building their SumoBots.
   • Check for structural integrity and adherence to size/weight limits.
3. Programming Basics (20 min)
   • Introduce students to VEXcode IQ or equivalent programming software.
   • Teach students how to write a simple autonomous program:
     • Move forward for 3 seconds.
     • Turn left for 2 seconds.
   • Upload the program and test it on their robots.
4. Wrap-Up (5 min)
   • Discuss the importance of programming and testing.

Lesson 3: Programming for Autonomous Sumo Matches

Objective: Learn to program the SumoBot to detect opponents and avoid leaving the ring.
Materials: VEX IQ Super Kit, laptops/tablets with VEXcode IQ, Sumo ring with clear boundaries.

1. Warm-Up (5 min)
   • Discuss the importance of sensors in robotics. Introduce the color sensor and distance sensor available in the VEX IQ kit.
2. Activity: Programming Sumo Strategies (35 min)
   • Guide students through programming their SumoBots to:
     • Use the distance sensor to detect opponents and charge forward.
     • Use the color sensor to detect the ring's edge and turn back inside.
   • Test and debug the programs in the Sumo ring.
3. Wrap-Up (10 min)
   • Highlight the importance of testing and debugging programs.
   • Reflect on what strategies worked and what didn’t.

Lesson 4: Testing and Iterating Strategies

Objective: Refine the robots’ programming and strategies for competitive matches.
Materials: VEX IQ robots, Sumo ring, laptops/tablets with VEXcode IQ.

1. Warm-Up (5 min)
   • Discuss how testing and iteration improve results in engineering.
2. Activity: Refine and Test (40 min)
   • Allow students to test their robots in mock matches.
   • Encourage them to identify weaknesses (e.g., slow reaction times, poor edge detection) and improve their programming or hardware.
   • Share strategies with classmates and discuss different approaches.
3. Wrap-Up (5 min)
   • Reflect on what improvements were most effective.

Lesson 5: Introducing Remote Control and Hybrid Matches

Objective: Learn to use the VEX IQ controller for remote-controlled matches and explore hybrid strategies.
Materials: VEX IQ kits, controllers, laptops/tablets, Sumo ring.

1. Warm-Up (5 min)
   • Introduce the concept of remote-controlled matches and how they differ from autonomous ones.
2. Activity: Remote Control Programming (40 min)
   • Teach students how to pair the VEX IQ controller with their robot.
   • Practice controlling the robot manually in the ring.
   • Explore hybrid strategies where part of the match is autonomous, and part is remote-controlled.
3. Wrap-Up (5 min)
   • Discuss the pros and cons of remote-controlled vs. autonomous strategies.

Lesson 6: SumoBot Tournament and Reflection

Objective: Host a friendly SumoBot competition and reflect on the learning experience.
Materials: VEX IQ robots, Sumo ring, scorecards, stopwatch (for timekeeping).

1. Warm-Up (5 min)
   • Review the rules for the tournament.
2. Activity: SumoBot Tournament (40 min)
   • Organize a bracket-style competition.
   • Assign referees and timekeepers to enforce the rules (e.g., detecting out-of-bounds events, counting points).
   • Allow students to adjust their strategies between rounds.
3. Reflection and Celebration (15 min)
   • Discuss what students learned about building, programming, and competing.
   • Celebrate achievements and teamwork.