Sumo robots help students
Students tested their computer programming and design skills during a robotic sumo competition held at Appalachian State University. The competition was just one of many events held as part of the N.C. Science Festival designed to excite students about science, technology, engineering and math.
Math, computer programming and creative design are all skills
needed to succeed in sumo robot competitions.
The event was one of many recently held at
Appalachian State University as part of the N.C. Science Festival.
Similar to Japanese sumo
wrestling, two robots, known as sumo-bots, attempt to push each other out of a four-foot arena
within a three-minute time limit with the help of sensors, programming and innovative design.
Students created their sumo-bot using Lego components, motors, sensors, a microcontroller
and batteries.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx was one of the spectators at the competition. Foxx,
chairwoman of U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce
Training, said math and science education is critical to the strength of the U.S. economy and
praised N.C. Science Festival activities and Appalachian for providing for programs that support
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.
