Mini Sumo, LEGO Sumo and Antweight — on the way to stable starts
For us, LRČ is still a place to learn: finishing robots in time, fixing sensors and keeping motivation.
Several times we registered before the robot was finished. On competition day we often travelled while still trying to complete it.
Ervins focused more on LEGO Sumo. The useful LEGO kits were expensive, so we tried to use what we had, but the motors were weak.
After a hackathon in Ventspils in 2025, Ervins started looking at Antweight robots. Later we built one quickly when Mini Sumo was not going to be ready.
In 2024/2025 we travelled to competitions several times, but registration had to happen early — while the robot was still unfinished. Often we were still trying to finish it on the way.
2025/2026 was similar. Once the robot did start, but either the logic failed or something was wrong with sensors or contacts. It drove off the line or got stuck several times.
Main lesson: a robot cannot just “almost work”. In competition, logic, sensors and contacts must be reliable.
Ervins started LEGO Sumo in 2024. It was useful experience, but the motors and parts we had were limiting.
After the 2025 hackathon in Ventspils, he became interested in Antweight. Motivation was not always enough to reach a start, but near the end of 2025/2026 that changed: Helena built her own robot, it started driving, and that pushed Ervins to build too.
Next season the goal is to arrive with a robot that is ready before competition day. We want a more stable Mini Sumo or Antweight robot, tested sensors and contacts, and less last-minute fixing on the road.
Plan: more testing, less emergency soldering, more confidence at the start.
Without LRČ organisers, supporters and sponsors, we would not have these competitions where we can test robots, make mistakes and keep improving.