Robofest India BottleSumo Senior Division: Autonomous Robotics Competition
Up to $80,000 LTU Scholarship
Autonomous robotics competition for Grades 9-12 where teams build robots to push bottles off a table and outlast opponents in head-to-head sumo matches.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Team
Teams of 1 to 3
Duration
Single competition day at India qualifier; World Championship is a 2-day event in May
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 9-12 across India. Teams of up to 3 students. Senior Classic track restricts to LEGO EV3, NXT, SPIKE Prime/Robot Inventor, VEX IQ; Senior Unlimited track permits any platform and programming language.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 17 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Basic robotics and programming knowledge
- Familiarity with at least one supported platform (LEGO EV3/NXT/SPIKE Prime/Robot Inventor or VEX IQ for Classic track; any platform for Unlimited track)
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Up to $80,000
World Championship winners are eligible for Lawrence Technological University scholarships of up to USD 80,000.
Prizes
Trophies & Top-20% Awards
Time Trial session awards the top 20 percent of participating robots. Single Elimination Tournament awards 1st and 2nd place trophies.
Certificate
Robofest Participation Certificate
Participation certificates issued by Robofest. Lawrence Technological University recognises Robofest competition results in its scholarship review process.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Strong Robofest results are viewed favourably in Lawrence Technological University admissions and scholarship decisions.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Competition
- 14 May 2026 to 15 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Visit robofestindia.org or robofest.net to review the BottleSumo 2026 rulebook
- 2Form a team of up to 3 students in Grades 9-12 and register for the chosen track (Senior Classic or Senior Unlimited)
- 3Pay the team registration fee through the Robofest registration system
- 4Submit signed consent forms before the competition
- 5Compete at the assigned India regional event
Rules and guidelines
- Teams must consist of up to 3 students all in Grades 9-12 at the time of competition
- Robots must operate fully autonomously during matches with no remote control or human intervention
- Senior Classic track is restricted to LEGO EV3, NXT, SPIKE Prime/Robot Inventor, and VEX IQ platforms
- Senior Unlimited track permits any robotics platform and any programming language
- Penalties apply for pushing a team's own bottles off the table
- Maximum match duration in the elimination tournament is 2 minutes
Fees and financial support
Fee details
World Championship team registration fee is USD 100. India regional event fees are set by Novatech Robo and are not published on the official site at the time of research. Contact Novatech Robo via robofestindia.org for the current INR fee.
About this opportunity
Robofest India BottleSumo Senior Division is an autonomous robotics competition for high school students in Grades 9-12, organised by Novatech Robo as the official India partner of Lawrence Technological University's Robofest program. Teams of up to three students design, build, and program autonomous robots to compete in two formats — a timed Time Trial pushing bottles off a table, followed by a Single Elimination Tournament of head-to-head sumo matches.
The Senior Division has two tracks. The Senior Classic track restricts teams to LEGO EV3, NXT, SPIKE Prime / Robot Inventor, and VEX IQ platforms. The Senior Unlimited track allows any robotics platform and programming language, giving advanced builders complete freedom of hardware and software choice. Robots must operate fully autonomously during matches.
Top performing Indian teams qualify to represent India at the Robofest World Championship hosted at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan, USA. World Championship winners across divisions are eligible for LTU scholarships of up to USD 80,000. The competition develops engineering design, autonomous programming, sensor integration, real-time decision-making, and teamwork skills aligned with university-level robotics curricula.
Rounds and format
Session 1 (Time Trial): Each robot pushes 5 bottles off the table, timed to seed the tournament bracket. Top 20 percent receive awards. Session 2 (Single Elimination Tournament): Head-to-head sumo matches with no bottles, maximum 2 minutes per match. 1st and 2nd place trophies awarded.
How entries are judged
Time Trial is judged by elapsed time to push all bottles off the table. Single Elimination Tournament is judged by points scored by pushing the opponent off the playing field. Penalties apply for pushing the team's own bottles off the table.
Selection process
Top performing Indian teams qualify to represent India at the Robofest World Championship at Lawrence Technological University, USA.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the autonomous robotics challenges in BottleSumo?
Effective preparation involves thoroughly understanding the rulebook, practicing robot design and programming for both time trials and sumo matches, and conducting extensive testing. Teams should focus on sensor integration, robust autonomous navigation, and strategic decision-making algorithms to adapt to unknown factors on competition day.
What strategies help participants manage competitive pressure during the Robofest India regional events?
Managing competitive pressure involves consistent practice to build confidence, developing contingency plans for robot malfunctions, and fostering strong teamwork. Participants should focus on their own performance, learn from each match, and maintain a positive attitude, remembering the primary goal is learning and skill development.
How are the judging criteria applied in both the Time Trial and Single Elimination rounds of the competition?
The Time Trial round is judged primarily on the elapsed time taken for the robot to push all bottles off the table, with penalties for errors. The Single Elimination Tournament is judged on points scored by pushing the opponent's robot off the playing field, with specific rules for contact and boundary violations. Both rounds emphasize autonomous operation and adherence to rules.
What are common mistakes students make during preparation or competition, and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include insufficient testing, neglecting robust mechanical design, and overlooking rule details. To avoid these, teams should engage in iterative design and testing, ensure their robot is durable, and meticulously review the rulebook. Practicing under simulated competition conditions can also help identify and rectify issues.
How does participation in this competition impact a student's future academic and career prospects in robotics and STEM?
Participation significantly enhances a student's profile by demonstrating practical skills in robotics, programming, and engineering design. It provides valuable hands-on experience, fosters problem-solving abilities, and offers a pathway to international recognition and potential scholarships from institutions like Lawrence Technological University, boosting academic and career prospects.
What resources are recommended for teams to enhance their robot design and programming skills for BottleSumo?
Teams are encouraged to utilize the official Robofest rulebook and general guidelines, explore online tutorials for their chosen robotics platform, and study previous year's competition videos. Engaging with robotics communities and mentors can also provide valuable insights and technical support for improving design and programming strategies.
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