Gearing Up for Southworks: Luke’s Custom Sumo Bot Journey

At CFI Robotics NFP, we believe the best learning happens when students take ownership of their ideas and push themselves beyond the expected. This spring, Luke is doing exactly that as he prepares for the Southworks Robotics Competition on April 18.

Originally, Luke had the option to build a robot using a complete kit. Instead, he chose a much more challenging path. He decided to design and build his own 15-pound Sumo robot completely from scratch.

Every part of this robot tells a story of problem-solving and persistence. Luke independently selected, ordered, tested, and modified each component step by step. From grinding motor shafts to fit precise dimensions, to installing gears and assembling the drivetrain, this project has been fully hands-on from the beginning.

When he couldn’t find wheels that met his design requirements, he didn’t compromise. He created his own.

He started by 3D printing the core structure of the wheels. His next step is to apply a silicone layer to the outer surface, turning them into high-grip Sumo tires designed for maximum pushing power. As Luke put it, “If you can’t find the right parts, just make your own.”

That mindset is what engineering is all about.

The robot itself is now nearly complete. The custom-designed chassis has been printed, and the motors and wheels are installed. Even before adding the final weights, the robot is already showing strong pushing force and stability.

One of the most challenging steps came during the electronics phase. Luke took on soldering the motor and battery wires to the control board, only his second time attempting this skill. He handled it with focus and precision, continuing to build his confidence as both a builder and an engineer.

Luke’s robot is being built specifically for the Southworks “Sumo Survivor” competition, a fast-paced robot combat event where strategy, control, and power all come into play.

In this competition:

• Robots must fit within a 13 × 13 × 11-inch size limit and weigh no more than 15 pounds

• Matches take place in a 7-foot diameter ring

• The objective is to push the opposing robot out of the ring within 2 minutes

• Robots are fully remote-controlled, with no autonomous assistance

This means Luke’s design must balance power, traction, control, and smart mechanical design, all while staying within strict constraints.

This project represents more than just a robot. It reflects a full progression from sourcing individual components to designing a complete system. It is Luke’s second Sumo bot and a major step forward in his engineering journey.

The Southworks competition is a regional robotics event in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, primarily designed for high school students. As a freshman this year, Luke is stepping into a highly competitive environment and taking on the challenge head-on.

As we gear up for the competition, we are excited to see Luke’s hard work come to life in the arena.

At CFI, this is the goal. Not just to build robots, but to build thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who are not afraid to take on real challenges.

We hope Luke’s journey inspires more students to explore, create, and take that first step into engineering.

Build. Learn. Evolve.