Content of the Contest

Hebocon is a robot sumo-wrestling competition inspired by the traditional sport of Japanese Sumo, with a fun and modified format.

Basic Rules

  • A plywood board measuring approximately 100 cm x 50 cm will be used as the competition ring.
  • Both robots must begin simultaneously from opposite sides of the ring. (Starting from the corners is not required.)
  • The first robot to leave the ring loses. [A]
  • A robot that tips over or falls loses immediately.
  • The following situations do not count as a loss, and the match continues:
    • Any robot part that is not touching the ground extends beyond the ring boundary.
    • The robot breaks apart, regardless of whether broken pieces land inside or outside the ring.

Rules for Low-Tech Robots

The following rules are intended to ensure even poorly built or faulty robots still have a fair chance to compete.

  • Exception to [A]: If a robot exits the ring before the two robots make any contact, the match is considered invalid and must be replayed.
    (This prevents robots with poor steering or robots that only move straight at high speed from being unfairly disadvantaged.)
  • However, this replay rule can only be used twice per matchup. From the third occurrence onward, the normal loss rule applies.
  • Each match has a 1-minute time limit. If no winner is decided within that time, the robot that travelled the shorter distance inside the ring loses.
    (This prevents heavy stationary objects such as bricks or metal balls from dominating by simply not moving.)

When Judging is Difficult

  • If the result cannot be clearly decided using the rules above, the final decision will be made by the audience.

Tournament Progression and Prizes

  • Matches will follow the pairings listed in the knockout tournament bracket.
  • Each match victory earns the contestant 10 points.
  • The High-Tech Penalty Rule (described below) applies to every match, with 6 points deducted per violation per match.
  • The overall winner is the contestant with the highest total points.
    • Normally, this would be the tournament champion, but point deductions may cause another contestant to finish first overall.
  • Organizers are encouraged to offer special awards for robots that are especially Heboi—meaning technically weak, poorly made, or hilariously flawed. These awards are often more honorable than the championship itself. Do not focus only on winning—enjoy Hebocon.

Machine Specifications

All participating robots must meet the following requirements:

  • The robot should be technologically poor or low-tech (see High-Tech Penalty Rule).
  • It must not include devices designed to intentionally destroy opponents (such as powered drills or destructive weapons).
  • The robot must not exceed 50 cm width, 50 cm length, and must weigh no more than 1 kilogram.
  • There is no height restriction.

High-Tech Penalty Rule

If any of the following features are created through the participant’s own advanced technical skill, penalties will apply for being excessively high-tech.

  • Remote control systems
  • Automatic control systems (triggered by sensors, timers, distance tracking, or similar functions)
  • Any other feature judges consider too advanced for Hebocon spirit

Notes on Penalties

  • Penalties apply only in matches where the high-tech feature is active or used.
  • No penalty applies if the feature exists but was not created by the participant.
    • Example: A ready-made remote-control toy car with a bunny attached would not be penalized, since the creator did not build the control system.
  • No penalty applies if the advanced feature fails or does not function properly.
    • Example: A robot designed to chase opponents automatically but only spins in circles.
  • Participants may consult the event organizer in advance to confirm whether a robot feature would be considered high-tech.
  • The penalty is 6 points deducted per high-tech feature, per match. Robots with multiple advanced features may receive multiple deductions.