Mekathlon - International Autonomous Sumo Bot Competition
Win cash prizes up to ₹25,000.
An international robotics event for students in grades 3-12 to design, build, and code autonomous sumo robots, competing for cash prizes up to ₹25,000.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹999
Participation format
Team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Matches consist of 3 rounds, each lasting up to 1 minute.
Eligibility
Open to students across India from grades 3 to 12. Participants compete in two categories: Developers (Grades 3-7) and Innovators (Grades 8-12). Teams can have 1 to 5 members. No prior robotics or coding experience is required.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 12
- Age range
- 8 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in grades 3 through 12 in two categories: Developers (Grades 3-7) and Innovators (Grades 8-12).
- Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge of robotics or coding is required.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹25,000
The first-place winner in the 'Innovators' category (grades 8-12) receives a cash prize of ₹25,000. Other cash prizes are available for winners in different positions and categories.
Prizes
Trophy & Medals
Winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions at the zonal and grand finale levels receive medals. The top winning teams at the Grand Finale in Bengaluru are awarded a trophy.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Winners at the zonal and finale stages receive a Certificate of Merit.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 7 Oct 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Oct 2025
- Competition
- 18 Oct 2025 to 24 Nov 2025
- Results
- 17 Jan 2026
How to apply
- 1Register all team members on the official Mekathlon website.
- 2Select the 'Sumo Bot' competition from the event list in your user dashboard.
- 3Add registered team members to your team for the competition.
- 4Select your preferred city for the zonal qualifying round.
- 5Complete the registration by paying the team fee.
Rules and guidelines
- The robot must be autonomous and operate without external input during a match.
- The robot's voltage must not exceed 16.8V.
- A match consists of 3 rounds, each lasting 1 minute.
- A point is awarded when a bot forces the opponent to touch the area outside the ring.
- The first team to score two points wins the match.
- The robot must be fully autonomous and operate without any external remote control during a match.
Technology requirements
- A computer or laptop with an internet connection for programming the bot.
- Robotics kit and components for building the sumo bot (a kit may be provided or recommended by the organizer).
- Software for coding the robot's autonomous functions.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for Indian residents is ₹999 per team (inclusive of GST). For non-India residents, the fee is USD 50 per team.
Refund policy
Refund policy is not specified. Please refer to the official Mekathlon website for details.
About this opportunity
The Mekathlon Autonomous Sumo Bot challenge is an exciting international robotics competition where students design and build self-operating robots for a sumo-style battle. The primary objective is for a bot to autonomously detect and push its opponent out of the ring, providing a hands-on platform for students to apply and develop key STEM skills.
The competition is open to students from grades 3 to 12, divided into 'Developers' (grades 3-7) and 'Innovators' (grades 8-12) categories for fair competition. Participants gain invaluable experience in mechanical design, sensor integration, and programming logic, with winners receiving cash prizes, trophies, and medals.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of zonal qualifying rounds held in various cities across India. The top 6 teams from each zonal round are invited to participate in the Grand Finale, which is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru.
How entries are judged
Bots are judged on their ability to autonomously push an opponent out of the arena while staying inside. Key criteria include autonomous operation, overall design, strategic effectiveness, and adherence to technical specifications.
Selection process
Selection for the Grand Finale is based on performance in the zonal rounds. The top 6 teams from each zone, determined by match wins and points, will qualify for the final event.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Not applicable. This is a project-based competition.
Frequently asked questions
How do students effectively manage competitive pressure during the event?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their preparation, practicing teamwork, and viewing the competition as a learning experience. Encouraging a growth mindset and celebrating small successes can also be beneficial.
What are common mistakes participants make during robot design and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include neglecting weight distribution, insufficient traction, and complex programming without robust testing. These can be avoided by thorough planning, iterative design, extensive testing in various scenarios, and simplifying code where possible.
How can teams optimize their robot's autonomous performance for the competition arena?
Optimizing autonomous performance involves fine-tuning sensor calibration, refining movement algorithms for speed and precision, and developing adaptive strategies to counter opponent movements. Regular practice on a replica arena is highly recommended.
What key strategies are crucial for success in autonomous sumo bot competitions?
Crucial strategies include robust defensive maneuvers, aggressive pushing power, intelligent opponent detection, and efficient navigation within the ring. A balance between offense and defense, coupled with quick decision-making by the bot, is vital.
How does participation in this competition impact students' future STEM pursuits and career prospects?
Participation significantly enhances practical STEM skills, fosters problem-solving abilities, and builds a strong foundation in robotics and AI. This experience can open doors to advanced studies, internships, and careers in engineering and technology fields.
What technical requirements are necessary for building and programming the sumo bot?
Participants will need a computer or laptop with internet access for programming, a robotics kit with necessary components for construction, and appropriate software for coding the robot's autonomous functions. Specific recommendations are available on the official website.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Aerogo Rubber Powered Glider Workshop
by AEROGO
Construct and test a rubber-powered glider while learning fundamental aeromodelling principles and gaining practical experience in aircraft design and construction. This hands-on workshop is ideal for young aviation enthusiasts.
What your child could gain:
Techradiance Jr. World Cup - Fastest Line Follower Championship Category
by Harbour Edutech Pvt Ltd (Techradiance)
India's national STEM & Robotics Championship for grades 3-12. Features ₹10 Lakh prize pool, mentorship, and IIT Delhi grand finale.
What your child could gain:
TECHSTIEN AI Gesture Controlled Robot Workshop & National Championship at IIT Delhi
by Wingfotech Pvt. Ltd.
A hands-on workshop teaching AI-driven gesture control technology integrated with robotics, culminating in a national championship at IIT Delhi for students in grades 3-9.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app