The RoboxSumo program is something unique that the Pitt Pirates developed in June of 2013.
RoboxSumo is a way to introduce STEM concepts to students across a wide range of ages and skill ranges. Robox is cost effective, simple, and requires little training. The program is readily scalable to allow instructors and mentors to expand or shrink the program to meet the needs of the students. The program was held in a number of venues since its inception and followed the same structure each time. In a 3 to 4 hour session, Robox participants receive instructions, build their robots and compete.
During this event students build simple robots out of the these materials:
- Cardboard
- Zip ties
- Tape
- Gear motors
- Wheels
- Hot Glue
The students can build the robot any way they wish so long as it meets these restrictions. They use only the materials provided, and the resulting robot must fit in a one foot cube. Robots face one another in a one-on-one match and attempt to push their opponent out of bounds within the sixty second time limit. Competition rules and RoboxSumo parts list will be published shortly.
The counties in green to the right are ones that we have trained educators in or have shipped RoboxSumo kits to. We are working on developing a map that shows all of the counties where RoboxSumo has been used. Presently, we are at over 30% of all NC counties being exposed to RoboxSumo and feel that the number will only increase as we find out where the program has been utilized.
In the United States, RoboxSumo has travel outside of North Carolina to Virginia, Arizona, and Alabama. Globally, the program has been introduced in Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, India, the Netherlands, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Turkey. We are always looking for opportunities to expand the program and are available for teacher workshops or Skype casts.
Robox Sumo in the Media
Smith, Matt. “PASSION FOR ROBOTICS.” News Services | ECU, 16 Jan. 2019,
<news.ecu.edu/2019/01/16/passion-for-robotics/?fbclid=IwAR3KTdt52mnANFHPK6GFHZOMxUB93ss6abNw3kAIj5v8maxYb_4HL_Rhmmo>
Watson, Sara. “What Is the STEM Ecosystem in North Carolina?” EducationNC, 19 Feb. 2018,
<www.ednc.org/2017/12/28/stem-ecosystem-north-carolina/>
“Robox Sumo Highlights - Pumpkin Center Fifth Grade Class.” Wpcog, Wpcog, 23 Jan. 2017,
<www.wpcog.org/single-post/2017/01/23/Robox-Sumo-Highlights---Melissa-Parks-of-Pumpkin-Center-Fifth-Grade-Class?SEC=%7B97D31189-D7CE-4EF1-B01C-43D8E41B0E38%7D&Type=B_BASIC>
Park. “Robox Sumo.” Mrs. Park's Fifth Grade, 8 Dec. 2016,
<mrsparkfifthgrade.weebly.com/robox-sumo.html>
Marketing, Craven. “Home.” Craven Community College, 6 July 2016,
<cravencc.edu/news/learning-through-summer-camp-fun/>
“About Board of Directors Call for Nominations Join a Committee Constitution & Bylaws Support Our Sponsors.” North Carolina Science Leadership Association, 18 Apr. 2016,
<www.ncsla.net/2016-winter-newsletter-2?start=3>
Grizzard, Mike. “Pitt Robots Ready for Battle.” Staffing Shortage Hurts School Psychologist Services - Daily Reflector, 22 Feb. 2016,
<www.reflector.com/News/2016/02/22/Robots-ready-for-battle.html>
Vick, Thomas. “Wayne Fair Opens; ‘Robox Sumo’ Winners Announced.” Goldsboro Daily News, 5 Oct. 2015,
<goldsborodailynews.com/blog/2015/10/04/wayne-fair-opens-robox-sumo-winners-announced/>
“Robotics - Tech Fest 2015.” Google Sites, 2015,
<sites.google.com/a/pitt.k12.nc.us/tech-fest-2015/student-showcase>