National Championship Series · Season 2026–27 · 30–31 Jan 2027 · E-Cell, IIT Delhi

Robo War / Sumo Bot Championship 2027

Build a tough, remote-controlled robot and push your opponent out of the ring in head-to-head, best-of-three bouts.

Register your team+91 96671 37548See how it works
Rugged wheeled robot built by students
Dates30–31 Jan 2027
EligibilityClass 3rd onwards
VenueIIT Delhi
PrizesWorth up to ₹10,00,000
Team sizeUp to 5 members

Championship overview

The Robo War / Sumo Bot Championship is a high-intensity robotic combat and pushing competition and a flagship event of TechRadiance's National-Level Championship Series. Students design, build and pilot robust robots that dislodge, immobilize or push an opposing robot out of a circular arena.

Two robots meet head to head in each match, driven by their teams by remote control. Strength, stability, traction and tactics decide who overpowers the opponent within the match time.

Key highlights

  • 500+ students and 100+ teams expected
  • Certificate of Participation from TechRadiance, in association with E-Cell, IIT Delhi
  • Prizes worth up to ₹10,00,000 for winning teams
  • Two weight classes: Featherweight (up to 1.5 kg) and Lightweight (up to 3 kg)
  • Hands-on mechanical design, power transmission and control systems

Two days, two levels of challenge

Choose your weight class at registration. Robots are weighed at inspection before their first match.

Featherweight

Up to 1.5 kg

Lightweight

Up to 3 kg

Day 1 · Qualifier

League stage

  • Each team plays one league match against one opponent, within its weight class, as per the fixtures drawn by the organizers
  • Each match is best of three rounds, 5 minutes for the whole match
  • Win a round by pushing the opponent out of the ring or immobilizing it for a continuous 10-second count
  • Points for wins; net round difference decides standings
  • Damaging or interfering with another robot outside legal in-match contact is prohibited
  • A penalty may be imposed for rule violations, unsafe operation or inappropriate conduct

Ranking: match wins, round difference, time-to-win, penalties, then a tie-break if required. The top teams advance.

Day 2 · Final

Knockout stage

  • Single-elimination knockout bracket
  • Each bout is best of three rounds (5 minutes), with a sudden-death round if tied 1–1
  • Push the opponent out or immobilize it within the time
  • Illegal contact, prohibited parts or unsafe moves can cost penalty rounds or the bout
  • Touching, repositioning or unauthorized help during a round attracts penalties or bout disqualification

One overall winner progresses to the International Finale. Ties after sudden death may go to a decider round.

Rounds Won−Penalty Rounds=Bout Result

Entry fee

₹3,999₹2,999 Limited-time price

per team of up to 5 students, inclusive of GST. Same fee for both rounds.

Closed Round

For 1st to 3rd rank holders or Merit Certificate holders from the TechRadiance Zonal Rounds.

Open Round

For Participation Certificate holders and all enthusiasts, regardless of prior participation.

Register online

Robot specifications

Robots must be built strictly to these specifications.

Maximum weightFeatherweight 1.5 kg, Lightweight 3 kg, including battery and control unit
Control modeWired, or wireless (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) remote control by the team pilot. RC transmitter and receiver sets are not allowed
Chassis sizeUp to 10 cm high, 25 cm long and 25 cm wide
Chassis materialAcrylic or 3D-printed body
Drive motors2 × DC geared motors, maximum 300 RPM
Motor driverL298N, L293D or equivalent module
WheelsRubberized wheels with a castor wheel for balance
Circuit assemblyBreadboard or distribution/PCB board
BatteryLithium, NiCad or dry cell, 6V to 12V
ProhibitedFire, flame or incendiary devices; projectiles or detachable weapons; liquids, adhesives or corrosive substances; lasers above Class 1; spinning blades or any weapons. Pushing and lifting mechanisms only

The arena

A circular dohyo-style ring, about 200 cm across, raised slightly above the floor with a clearly marked edge.

A robot is out when any part of it touches the ground outside the boundary.

approx. 200 cm diameter

Rules

Robot behaviour
  • Only the team's own pilot(s) operate the robot by remote control. Interfering with an opponent's control signal is prohibited.
  • Robots engage only with their own structure and permitted mechanisms: no thrown objects or detachable parts.
  • Robots over the weight, size or power limits may be disqualified.
  • Every robot passes weight and safety inspection before its first match. Any later change needs re-inspection.
Materials and construction
  • Allowed robotic, mechanical and electronic components may be used, provided the robot meets all specifications and safety requirements.
  • All materials must be safe, non-toxic and non-hazardous.
  • No spinning blades or weapons: robots may only push or lift. No component intended to cause damage or injury.
  • The robot must be primarily the team's original work. Ready-made robots, including LEGO and pre-built combat kits, are not permitted.
  • Commercial components may be used individually within the team's own design.
Match conduct
  • Matches start only on the referee's signal; moving early may bring a warning or penalty.
  • A round ends when a robot is pushed out, is immobilized for a continuous 10-second count, or time runs out. At time-out the referee awards the round to the more dominant robot.
  • Touching, repositioning or unauthorized help during a round attracts penalties or disqualification.
  • If both robots leave the ring together, the round is replayed unless the referee decides otherwise.
Conduct and authority
  • Judges and referees may disqualify any team whose robot or conduct is unsafe or unfair.
  • The organizers may modify any or all of these rules as necessary.
Important: robots not conforming to these specifications may be disqualified.

Team guidelines

  • Bring everything you need: robots, laptop, chargers, cables, hardware, tools and batteries. Spares may be bought at the on-site desk, subject to stock.
  • Teams have up to 5 members.
  • Register online through the TechRadiance website and declare your weight class.
  • Have a robot ready, built as guided in TechRadiance workshops or to the published specifications.

Team video recognition

  • Prepare a 1 to 5 minute video, maximum 100MB, showing readiness, creativity or enthusiasm.
  • Share it at contact@techradiance.in (Google Drive or WeTransfer) or WhatsApp +91-7015568312 / +91-9667137548, with team and school name.
  • Videos go on the TechRadiance Instagram page. The top 3 to 5 by likes receive a special recognition award.
Posting on your school's social media and tagging TechRadiance can improve visibility and your chances of recognition.

Awards & recognition

Prizes worth up to ₹10,00,000

Plus a Certificate of Excellence and an Internship Opportunity for winning teams.

Best Organizer of the Series

Awarded to one school for outstanding event organization.

Best Coordinator

Awarded to the most dedicated teacher for exceptional coordination.

Best Accommodation of the Series

Awarded to one school for excellent hospitality arrangements.

Certificates of Achievement

All participants receive a certificate recognizing their efforts.

Ready to enter the ring?

Join us in shaping the future of technology through robot combat and sumo robotics.

Register your team

Robo War and Sumo Bot Competition for Students

A robo war / sumo bot competition is a head-to-head robotics event where students build strong, remote-controlled robots that try to push their opponent out of a circular ring. Design, traction, power and driving strategy all decide the winner.

It is an exciting, hands-on way for young learners to explore mechanical design, electronics and control systems while competing with other young innovators.

Explore all robotics and coding competitions for students by Techradiance.