The 1st Annual AU IEEE Hardware Competition

The Rules are up! View them here.

A short powerpoint explaining the competition can be viewed here.


What is the Hardware Competition?

- Teams build “sumo bots” to try and push each other off a raised playing field. The robots are radio-controlled, so no complicated programming required.

- It is accessible for all levels of students, from 1st semester EE up to grad students / professors. IEEE will provide radio control units to ensure reliable, interference-free controls during competition. A basic entry could simply be a RC car with its guts removed and the IEEE radio unit wired in in its place. However, you can build your entry as complex as you like, incorporating additional motors, servos, and hardware.

- The competition is local to Auburn, AU students & faculty IEEE members in Auburn area. This is a good chance to get some experience in hands-on engineering while having fun with friends in a familiar environment.

- $100 Cash Prize for the winning team!

You read correctly, IEEE is offering $100 for you to build and compete with a sumo robot. There is no entry fee, however, all participating teammates must be IEEE members to compete and win. See how to become an IEEE member elsewhere on this site.


What is the Hardware Competition NOT?

- It is not Battlebots. No weapons or intentional damage allowed. The purpose of this competition is to have fun and gain engineering experience, not _completely_ demolish the other teams' robot.

- It is not expensive (unless you want to make it that way!). A winning entry could be something as simple as an RC car. Be sure to consider that things such as weight and robot shape can contribute greatly to the success of your entry.

- It does not require a lot of technical knowledge to create a competitive entry. IEEE is supplying Remote control units to teams who want to use them for the competition. You don't have to design and build your own radio control system, you can use ours instead! If you know how to connect a couple wires, use a screwdriver, and aren't afraid of voiding the warranty on an RC car, you can make a barebones competition entry. Don't let this limit you however, feel free to design your own chassis, sensors, and pushing mechanisms for an added edge.


Interested? here's a Summary:

- Held at IEEE Spring Cookout @ MLK Park on April 19th (Noon - ?)
- $100 Prize for first place, complimentary BBQ for all teams & spectators
- IEEE Membership required for entry
- Sign-ups in Greene Room outside the IEEE office
- Rules, etc. are posted on website, IEEE Notice board, and outside IEEE Office