The HTU Sumo Robotics 2024 competition was an unforgettable experience for my team, Double Face. We entered the competition with high hopes, determined to create a robot that could outthink and outperform the competition. Winning the 1st place Best Programming Award was a proud moment for us, and it validated all our hard work.

What an experience we had in our first Sumo fight. We accomplished a lot more than the expected. We learned our lessons for the next year.

Our team consisted of myself and my talented partner. We focused on building a robot that excelled in both strategy and precision. The preparation was intense, and we spent long hours testing various designs and coding algorithms to ensure our robot could make intelligent decisions on the fly. The goal was to create a machine that could anticipate the opponent’s moves and counter them effectively.

Challenges & Solutions

The road to victory wasn’t without its obstacles. One of the toughest challenges was optimizing the robot’s sensor system to detect and react quickly to the opponent. We also encountered issues with maintaining speed and balance simultaneously. After a lot of trial and error, we implemented an advanced control algorithm that gave our robot the edge it needed to navigate the arena swiftly while maintaining stability. Our ability to problem-solve as a team was key to overcoming these issues.

Competition Experience

Competition day was filled with excitement and nervous energy. As we watched other teams perform, it became clear that we were up against some tough opponents. However, the real test came when our robot entered the arena. The precision with which our robot executed its movements was a testament to the hours we had spent fine-tuning its program. Watching it successfully detect and avoid opponents while positioning itself for the win felt incredibly rewarding.

Victory & Reflections

When we were announced as the winners of the 1st place Best Programming Award, it felt surreal. All the hard work, late nights, and dedication paid off. Winning this award was not just about the prize but about the validation that our programming skills and teamwork were among the best in the competition. It reinforced my passion for robotics and programming, motivating me to continue developing innovative solutions.

Future Goals

While winning was an incredible experience, there’s always room for growth. I’m already thinking about how we can improve our robot’s decision-making algorithms for future competitions. I plan to delve deeper into AI and machine learning to make our robot even smarter and more responsive in dynamic environments. The lessons learned from this competition will undoubtedly influence my future projects and endeavors.

Acknowledgments:

Our achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance of various individuals and organizations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Eng. Youseg Jarbou & Eng. Omar Tobassi for their guidance and mentorship.