Real Life Humanoid Robot Battles

ROBO-ONE is a tournament with small humanoid robots resembling robots from a toy store in gladiator battles for a $12,000 top prize.

Here is the translation of the japanese language Robo-one site

ROBO-ONE is by biped robot fighting competitions. On the ring of one, proceed by martial arts under the two-legged robot (system 3 round knock down a 3 minutes) the same rules as human martial arts. We aim to robot competitions and robot can enjoy the game the audience, arouse the enthusiasm of the participants. Therefore, an emphasis on technical excellence, and entertainment than winning or losing of the game. In addition, since the aim to spread and healthy development of robot technology, technical information will be published as much as possible.

The robots are usually built with RC Servos as actuators and mounted together with sheet metal shapes. The most common frame material is aluminum. However, there have been entries constructed with steel, plastic, and even wood. Different sensors are used by the robot for balance and to perceive its surroundings. A small onboard micro controller or equivalent is used to control the robots movements and if the robot is autonomous it is also programmed to adjust the robots behavior in response to sensor input

ROBO-ONE: The primary ROBO-ONE competitions take place twice a year, with the odd numbered competitions scheduled in the Tokyo area and the even numbered competitions staged in more remote locations to increase visibility and encourage participation in the sport.
The first day begins with pre-screening tests that insure the entries are capable of taking a number of steps (10 steps within 10 seconds), and rising from both a supine and prone positions. This is followed by a 2 minute autononmous demonstration judged by a panel of experts – typically the key members of the ROBO-ONE organizing committee. The specific details of the scoring system used have never been publicly disclosed. Only the top scoring entries win the right to return for the second days matches.
The matches held on the second day are roughly based on K-1 boxing events with each robot trying to knock its opponent down, or out of the ring.

ROBO-ONE J: A ‘junior’ level ROBO-ONE competition that usually featured smaller robots, and gave special emphasis to family participation. As of ROBO-ONE 11 (March, 2007) the ROBO-ONE J themes were combined into the primary ROBO-ONE competitions and ROBO-ONE J events were no longer staged.

ROBO-ONE Special: Annual one day competitions featuring a set of ‘special’ challenges including a timed Dash, a ball toss, climbing a set of stairs, opening a door, and an obstacle course. As of August, 2006 the stair climbing and door opening challenges were combined into the obstacle course portion of the competition.

ROBO-ONE Grand Prix: Each Winter eight to twelve of the top ROBO-ONE competitors participate in a series of matches held in different locations around Japan over a period of six to eight weeks. Points are awarded according to the win/loss records of each entry during the series.

ROBO-ONE Technical Conference: An annual one day conference, typically held in Kawasaki, Japan, focused on sharing information and promoting the sport. Presentations include design lectures by the top builders as well as product and technology sessions from key manufacturers.

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