Mekathlon Manual Sumo Bot Competition
₹1.5 Lakhs Prize Pool
A hands-on robotics competition for students in grades 3-12. Design, build, and control a sumo robot to push opponents out of the ring.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹999
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Zonal events are typically one day, with the Grand Finale spanning two days.
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 3-12, grouped into Developers (Grades 3-7) and Innovators (Grades 8-12). Teams can consist of 1 to 5 members. No prior robotics experience is necessary. Zonal rounds are held in major Indian cities, with the finale in Bengaluru.
- 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 a recognized school.
- Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge of robotics is required.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,50,000 Cash Prize Pool
A total cash prize pool of ₹1.5 Lakhs will be disbursed among the winning teams at the Grand Finale.
Prizes
Trophy & Medals
Winners at the zonal and final rounds receive medals. Grand Finale winners are awarded a trophy.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate, while winners receive a certificate of achievement.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Nov 2025
- Competition
- 7 Dec 2025 to 18 Jan 2026
- Results
- 31 Jan 2026
How to apply
- 1Register all team members on the official Mekathlon website.
- 2Select the 'Sumo Bot' competition from the event list in the user dashboard.
- 3Complete the application form, add team members, and choose a preferred city for the zonal round.
- 4Pay the registration fee online to confirm participation.
Rules and guidelines
- Each team must design and build their own manual sumo bot; ready-made bots are not allowed.
- The robot's dimensions must not exceed 25cm x 25cm before the match begins.
- A match consists of three rounds, and the first team to win two rounds is declared the winner of the match.
- A robot wins a round by successfully pushing the opponent's robot out of the circular arena.
- The use of any weapons, flipping mechanisms, or parts designed to damage the opponent's robot is strictly forbidden.
- Only one team member is allowed to operate the robot and be near the ring during a match.
- The electric voltage within the robot cannot exceed 16.8V at any point in time.
- The total weight of the robot, including all components, must not exceed 3kg.
Technology requirements
- Participants can use any robotics kit or individual components to build their bot.
- A wireless remote control system is required to operate the manual sumo bot.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for Indian residents is ₹999 per team. Payment can be made online via UPI, card, or net banking during the registration process.
Refund policy
Registration fees are generally non-refundable. Please refer to the official Mekathlon website for detailed policies.
About this opportunity
The Mekathlon Manual Sumo Bot competition is an exciting national event where students design and operate their own remote-controlled sumo robots. The main objective is to strategically push an opponent's robot out of a circular arena, known as the Dohyo, putting engineering skills, strategy, and control to the test in a competitive format.
Participation is open to students from grades 3 to 12, divided into Developers (Grades 3-7) and Innovators (Grades 8-12) to ensure fair competition. No prior robotics experience is required, making it a perfect opportunity for beginners to dive into STEM, while experienced students can hone their skills on a national stage.
Rounds and format
The zonal rounds are invited to participate in the Grand Finale. The competition is conducted in a league format. Each match consists of 3 rounds, with each round lasting up to 1 minute.
How entries are judged
A team earns a 'Yuhkoh' point by forcing the opponent's robot to touch the area outside the ring. The first team to score two Yuhkoh points wins the match. If no team scores two points within the three rounds, the team with one point wins. The final winner is decided by the judges based on points and performance.
Selection process
Top 6 teams from the zonal rounds are invited to participate in the Grand Finale held in Bengaluru.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
No specific curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants effectively prepare for the strategic aspects of the sumo bot competition?
Effective preparation involves understanding opponent robot behavior, practicing defensive and offensive maneuvers, and designing a robot with optimal weight distribution and traction. Analyzing past competition strategies can also provide valuable insights.
What are the key factors judges consider when evaluating robot performance and design?
Judges typically assess robot design for adherence to rules, innovation, and robustness. Performance evaluation focuses on control, strategic movement, ability to push opponents, and overall effectiveness in the arena, rather than just raw power.
How do teams manage the technical challenges of building a robust and competitive robot?
Teams often overcome technical challenges through iterative design, extensive testing of components, and collaborative problem-solving. Utilizing online resources, mentors, and community forums can also provide solutions and guidance.
What are the benefits of participating in a national-level robotics competition for students?
Participation offers hands-on experience in STEM fields, develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. It also provides a platform for national recognition, networking with peers, and potential career advantages in engineering and technology.
How can participants overcome performance anxiety during the competition rounds?
Managing performance anxiety involves thorough preparation, practicing under simulated competition conditions, and focusing on teamwork. Deep breathing exercises and positive visualization techniques can also help maintain composure during intense matches.
What are the essential safety measures participants should be aware of during the competition?
Participants must ensure their robots adhere to all safety regulations, including prohibitions on dangerous materials or damaging components. Strict adherence to arena rules and referee instructions is crucial for a safe competitive environment.
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