Sumo

Robot sumo is competitive robotics at its purest: two autonomous machines in a ring, and only one rule that matters — push the opponent out before it pushes you.

FIBO is Robotec’s autonomous combat platform, built to detect, track and push opponents out of the arena while staying precisely aware of the boundary. Its compact 25 × 25 cm chassis and high-traction two-wheel differential drive, powered by high-torque motors, give it rapid acceleration, agile maneuvering and strong pushing force. Infrared distance sensors positioned around the chassis identify and track opponents in real time, while edge-detection sensors underneath continuously watch the arena boundary to prevent accidental exits and trigger fast evasive maneuvers near the edge. A custom front lifting wedge gives it a mechanical advantage for lifting or destabilizing opponents during pushing engagements.

Motion-control algorithms coordinate sensor data and drive commands to run search, attack, pursuit and recovery behaviors autonomously throughout the match. Electronics, power distribution, motor control, sensing and embedded software were all developed in-house by the team.