Official MicroStart Sumo & Minisumo Robot Start Module

The Official MicroStart Sumo & Minisumo Robot Start Module is a purpose-built IR signal-recording start module designed to make robot competitions fairer, simpler, and more reliable. It allows judges and operators to start and stop multiple robots simultaneously using a single remote control, which is a critical requirement in sumo, minisumo, line follower, and maze-solving robot competitions.

The module is fully compatible with any SONY-protocol IR remote, giving teams a wide choice of standard, easy-to-find controllers. Two onboard indicator LEDs make robot status immediately visible: a Blue LED for Start and a Red LED for Stop — far more intuitive than systems based on a single LED or no visual feedback at all.

A standout feature of the MicroStart is its learning mode, which allows the module to "memorize" three custom buttons from any SONY-compatible remote: a release/unlock button, a start button, and a stop button. This means teams can configure the module to work with whichever remote they prefer, and judges can use a single master remote to control an entire field of robots.

Working seamlessly across both 3.3V and 5V logic levels, the MicroStart integrates effortlessly with virtually any microcontroller platform — including Arduino, mBed, PIC, Atmel AVR, ARM, and PSoC. It is also natively compatible with several popular robotics controllers including the XMotion, Genesis, Wing, and Easyboard.

Its tiny 12.6 × 15.4 × 8 mm footprint and 2-gram weight make it ideal for the strict size and mass limits of minisumo competitions, where every gram matters.

How to Use the MicroStart

1. Power on your robot with the MicroStart connected to any digital input pin.
2. Record three remote signals — release, start, and stop — using three different buttons on your SONY remote.
3. Press the white button on the MicroStart for ~1 second. Both LEDs will slowly blink 3 times to indicate recording mode.
4. Press the first button (release / unlock) on the remote — the Red LED will light up.
5. Wait 1–2 seconds (this pause is important).
6. Press the second button (Start) — the Blue LED will light up.
7. Wait 1–2 seconds again.
8. Press the third button (Stop) — both LEDs will blink rapidly 4 times and then turn off.
9. The MicroStart is now ready to receive signals.

Used in Many Competitions

The MicroStart is used in numerous sumo and minisumo robotics competitions around the world, helping organizers ensure fair and synchronized starts across all participants.

Specifications

• Product Type: IR signal-recording start module for sumo / minisumo robots
• IR Protocol Compatibility: SONY remote protocol
• Indicator LEDs: Blue LED (Start) + Red LED (Stop)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V & 5V logic compatible
• Microcontroller Compatibility: Arduino, mBed, PIC, Atmel AVR, ARM, PSoC
• Native Controller Compatibility: XMotion, Genesis, Wing, Easyboard
• Module Dimensions: 12.6 × 15.4 × 8 mm
• Size (cm): 1.6 × 1.6 × 1.3
• Height: 1 cm
• Weight: 2 grams (0.01 kg)
• Output: Digital signal (any digital input pin)
• Programming: Onboard learning mode with white setup button

Applications

• Sumo robot competitions (standard and mini classes)
• Minisumo robot start/stop control
• Line follower competitions
• Maze solving robot contests
• Educational robotics classes and STEM competitions
• Arduino, mBed, PIC, ARM based robot projects
• University and high school robotics clubs
• Synchronized robot start systems for multi-robot events
• Fair-play start/stop mechanisms in robotics tournaments
• DIY robotics with IR remote control