特集 2016年11月16日

Crappy robots came by plane!! Hebocon World Championship 2016 Report

They came to Japan all the way from around the world. However, gathering them in one place looks like a landfill site, as we always feel.
They came to Japan all the way from around the world. However, gathering them in one place looks like a landfill site, as we always feel.
Firstly I thought it was a joke to name "World Championship" for events.

I participated in an event called "the World Sports Yukikaki Championship" in past for news reporting. Actually the event was a local town event to promote the town and all participants were living in Hokkaido except us.
I also hosted "International GIF anime award" before. Needless to say all the participants were Japanese. Using "World" or "International" for their name is kinda joke for fun.

In August 2016, however, finally I had to organize a serious world championship.

For the latest news about Hebocon, please see here:
Hebocon Facebook page (English)→
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1980 Born in Gifu. Making tricky and original devices of electric work, and collect music of frontier countries. Founder of Hebocon, a robot competition for those who don't have the technical skills to actually make robots.

前の記事:The Day "Heboi" Crossed the Ocean - Hebocon Bay Area (US) Report


Anyway, please see the video first!

I would like to make an apology in advance for this article, whose contents becomes very long because I am emotionally involved with the event!
But I created the video to summarize the event in short. I would like you to see at least this video. You can peep how the Hebocon World Championship 2016 was going. If you find it interesting, please read the rest of this article.
The video was produced by our video director, Shigeto Okita.

About Hebocon

Hebocon is a robot sumo-wrestling competition for those who are not technically gifted to join in with their own made so-called robots.
The event started two years ago for a joke. But Hebocon becomes popular all around the world without realizing and currently the competitions are held locally in over 25 countries. (For mode detail, please see this posted Japanese article.)

I often said, "I hope I could organize the World Championship someday" when I knew Hebocons were held in many countries. Off course, it was a joke. However, soon I could get in tough online with local organizers in all over the world and I went to Hong Kong to see the competitions last year. In this year, I organized Hebocon myself in the United States. While having many experiences, "World" in the name used to be a joke is getting a serious meaning to me. At the same time, I used to say "Someday" but I started thinking "Soon". "I will organize the Hebocon World Championship soon." It's time.
The Hebocon in USA, I realized it was time for the World Championship.
The Hebocon in USA, I realized it was time for the World Championship.

The World Championship? Am I crazy!?

Am I serious!?

It was easy to say "the World Championship" for a joke but it is very serious to make it really happen. At first, I had many documents to write in English. Preparation with people in abroad was not simple compared to one only with Japanese people. And we need huge money.

However, I made up my mind to do it. If I miss this opportunity, the next chance to host the World Championship may not come again. This is the last chance for me to unlock achievement, Organizing World Championship.

NIFTY Corporation 30th anniversary event

The major concerns were English, Organization and Money. About the first two, I could probably manage with my guts and efforts. But the most serious concern is money. The reason Hebocom becomes so popular around the world is that we can organize it with a low budget. Although we can save cost for joking "World Championship", it is not the case for the serious World Championship. We need a simultaneous interpreter in the venue with necessary equipment. Also I want to invite judges from abroad for this event and I need to plan their travel expenses.
Just for your information, if we ask simultaneous interpreters, you may imagine they just come alone to the venue, however, instead, they come with a large equipment rack up to my waist.
Just for your information, if we ask simultaneous interpreters, you may imagine they just come alone to the venue, however, instead, they come with a large equipment rack up to my waist.
These receivers, if we lose them, we have to compensate with a lot of money. My colleague, Chikako is asking to bring them back making her mouth in triangle shape.
These receivers, if we lose them, we have to compensate with a lot of money. My colleague, Chikako is asking to bring them back making her mouth in triangle shape.
It costs a lot of money. Yes, I know that, however!

Everyone, attention please. Here is an important announcement. This Website, DailyPortalZ as well as Hebocon are operated by a long-established Japanese internet service provider, NIFTY Corporation. The NIFTY celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. And the Hebocon World Championship was chosen for the 30th anniversary event. It means we won a budget!
NIFTY Corporation 30th anniversary event!!
NIFTY Corporation 30th anniversary event!!
I am now a loyal employee. As the company motto says, it is "With us, you can". If you have an opportunity to live in Japan, please use NIFTY for provider service and NifMo for your mobile phone.

Serious World Championship

Once I could secure the budget, only I had to work very hard until the day. It is not interesting to mention how hard I worked for the event. Thus I skip it. With support of Chikako who was assigned for Hebocon related tasks, I did my best. Then finally the World Championship 2016 was held on Sunday, August 7, 2016. It started in a very lively atmosphere and lasted for four hours. 32 teams in total, 22 from Japan and 10 teams from 6 foreign countries joined. A guest judge was invited from Europe and Hebocon local organizers also came from each country. The event was a genuine "World Championship".
The photo shooting session with participants after the competition. You may say
The photo shooting session with participants after the competition. You may say "tide up the rubbish on the floor before photo session", but actually they were the robots.
I am sorry for the long introduction. This article is reporting the Hebocon World Championship 2016 held for the very first time.
いったん広告です
I would like to properly introduce the event. Hebocon is a robot sumo-wrestling competition for those who are not technically gifted.

Most of our participants have no experience to make robots. They bring their chunk of craps and handle them to fight each other in tournament. The winner and the runner-up are awarded. However, the most honorable award is "The most Heboi award" chosen by voting followed by judge awards.
This is the tournament table on the day! (But still in handwriting)
This is the tournament table on the day! (But still in handwriting)
Its venue, Tokyo Culture Culture received the record number of people. (We sold tickets over the capacity.)
Its venue, Tokyo Culture Culture received the record number of people. (We sold tickets over the capacity.)
In this report, I will introduce most impressive matches first and then award winners and other participating robots.

Uncle flip table (Hong Kong: Kit da studio)
vs
Growing Robot (Japan: UNAGORILLA)
!
Kit da Studio from Hong Kong was the winner of the Hebocon in Hong Kong. The robot's killer move is to flap the table. The robot was designed based on old-school Japanese uncle whom we can find in Japanese comic books.
!
The robot literally turned the table upside down. Before he arrived in Japan, he was very concerned whether he could carry his robot into the plane as it looked like a bomb. In fact, however, when I saw the actual machine I was very much surprised it did not look like a bomb at all.

In contrast to Uncle flip table, the appearance of Growing Robot is like an upside down paper bag hiding something inside. Its concept is a robot growing during competition, but sometimes it won't grow. Such a poor accuracy is its advantage(?).

This match was like one scene of boys comic that a boy grows while he fights with his father. And was Growing Robot able to win the fight against his father like robot?
Once the match started, Growing Robot was uncovered and started getting inflated. Growing quicker than expected!
Once the match started, Growing Robot was uncovered and started getting inflated. Growing quicker than expected!
Then here, Uncle struck by flapping the table! It surely hit the middle of the opponent body. In Hebocon, however, even if the killer move is successfully done, it rarely brings any damages.
Then here, Uncle struck by flapping the table! It surely hit the middle of the opponent body. In Hebocon, however, even if the killer move is successfully done, it rarely brings any damages.
During the strike, Growing Robot was completing the transformation. After losing the table, Uncle continued his attack with his arms...
During the strike, Growing Robot was completing the transformation. After losing the table, Uncle continued his attack with his arms...
Uncle tried to scoop Growing Robot up with its arms, but the opponent body was slipped off. The scooping up action was so energetic that Uncle fell all over itself. Growing Robot won the match!!
Uncle tried to scoop Growing Robot up with its arms, but the opponent body was slipped off. The scooping up action was so energetic that Uncle fell all over itself. Growing Robot won the match!!
The movement of flapping the table seemed to be made based on technically high knowledge compared to other participants. However, it also had Heboi-spirit. The strike successfully hit the target but it made no sense. Also the disadvantage of powerful and inflexible scooping up arm action may cause falling over itself and Kit da studio knew this weakness in advance. Despite knowing the fact, he did lazily make no adjustment. But its Heboiness including the creator's charming character earned applause from the audience.

Cyborg Lion (Singapore: Din Chan)
vs
Misuzurobo 2 (Japan: dot)
!
Din hosts the Hebocon in Singapore. The symbol of Singapore is needless to say, Merlion. The actual Merlion statue is spouting the water from the mouth. But it seemed to be too technical to realize it with his robot. So, this is the alternative:
Sticks
Sticks
Before the match started, Din explained something in English and then started sticking sticks in the mouth of his Lion. At the moment, nobody in the venue figured out what he was doing. After a little while, when the interpreter explained the sticks were supposed to be the water, everyone burst into laughter. The alternative for water is sticks. Even they were painted in light blue!
It looks so cute but the sticks are very sharp.
It looks so cute but the sticks are very sharp.
The opponent, Misuzurobo had the most laid back attitude in the competitions. It was crudely made on the day and completed at 4 in the afternoon (the time to meet all the participants). dot, himself appeared in the venue at 6 (the time to start his match). He did not look very motivated. Misuzurobo was named after Misuzu School whose advertisement he just spotted in the train on the way to the venue. (Misuzu School is heavily advertised in trains in Japan.)

The challenger from abroad versus the challenger instantly making its robot just before meeting time, the match between two with totally different attitudes started.
While Cyborg Lion was slowly rattling, Misuzurobo made quick movement with its mobility operated by commercially available remote controller. If you want to win Hebocon, you should avoid making it by yourself and buy ready made parts.
While Cyborg Lion was slowly rattling, Misuzurobo made quick movement with its mobility operated by commercially available remote controller. If you want to win Hebocon, you should avoid making it by yourself and buy ready made parts.
Misuzurobo kept pushing back Cyborg Lion to a corner. But Cyborg Lion didn't let Misuzurobo easily push it out from the fight arena.
Misuzurobo kept pushing back Cyborg Lion to a corner. But Cyborg Lion didn't let Misuzurobo easily push it out from the fight arena.
Misuzurobo stepped back once to strike with speed.
Misuzurobo stepped back once to strike with speed.
But this action led to handling mistake and the robot went out the field!!!
But this action led to handling mistake and the robot went out the field!!!
Cyborg Lion faced a critical moment but finally won. I was really pleased that the one who made efforts won the match. This match made me feel like a primary school teacher after the sports day.

Pole Dance Robot Party Rock Anthem (Japan: Anipole Kyoko)
vs
Giant God Warrior (Japan: hoshitoshi115)
Kyoko, former pole dancer is our regular entry since the first Hebocon. She always brings pole dance themed robots with a spinning doll on the body and this one is her sixth robot. I could not remember how many times I mentioned to her, "Are real pole dancers spinning like this?"
A few examples of her past works
A few examples of her past works
As "Anthem" is in the name, it had BGM function (which was a just commercially supplied Bluetooth speaker). The concept is "Just getting high". And it concealed super hilarious killer move as well, which I will show later.

The opponent, Giant God Warrior (巨神兵) has a racing horse on caterpillar tractor. It sounds masculine but the pastel colored robot with the clay horse on top looks rather cute. Look at the hip.
The attractive hip which industrially manufactured one does not have
The attractive hip which industrially manufactured one does not have
Both robots undoubtedly look handmade. Please watch the video to see how they fought.
Immediately after the kick off, something was shot from Giant God Warrior. Was it a secret missile weapon!?
Immediately after the kick off, something was shot from Giant God Warrior. Was it a secret missile weapon!?
Oh, just the head of rider was dropped off....
Oh, just the head of rider was dropped off....
Although it lost the head of rider, Giant God Warrior was powerful enough with the caterpillar tractor's horse power (also with a horse on top) to push back the dance robot to the edge of arena.
Although it lost the head of rider, Giant God Warrior was powerful enough with the caterpillar tractor's horse power (also with a horse on top) to push back the dance robot to the edge of arena.
It kept pushing and won the match!! And then suddenly Pole Dance Robot released a lot of toy bank notes!!!
It kept pushing and won the match!! And then suddenly Pole Dance Robot released a lot of toy bank notes!!!
The latest Pole Dance Robot called Party Rock Anthem, its killer move is "Money Cannon". The boxes on the base are designed to release bunch of toy bank notes and bring fatal damage to the opponent. But she got nervous during the match and made handling mistakes. And then finally she could release it at the moment she lost. It looked like blood splashing rather than a weapon. As the robot is claiming Party Rock Anthem, it made a super groovy ending.

By the way, both losers in these two matches made operation mistakes and lost. Challengers of Hebocon were just satisfied with completion of their robots and often forget to practice how to operate them. Most Hebocon participants have not just a lack of technical knowledge but also a lack of endurance. They are fantastic.

Column: Our guest judge is great

We invited this person as our special guest judge.
Co-founder of Arduino, Mr. David Cuartielles, he was very friendly person but actually is a high profile person among Makers. (We invited him together with Maker Faire Tokyo.)
Co-founder of Arduino, Mr. David Cuartielles, he was very friendly person but actually is a high profile person among Makers. (We invited him together with Maker Faire Tokyo.)
Arduino is a electronic prototyping platform globally used. In short, it is a small computer to install in devices (including robots) and development tools for it. Arduino itself is full of technology and its enthusiasts are mainly engineers.

Inviting the high profile person among engineers to the event gathering low tech people and robots is the greatest joke using my network and cost which I have ever made in my life.

In fact, David is one of organizers for the Hebocon in Spain. Therefore he kindly joined this time. He is also the head of Arduino's educational project and Hebocon has been held as a part of the educational project for students. Hebocon is serving in the educational project of a globally well-known tech company? If I had heard it 2 years ago, I would not have taken it seriously. It was beyond my understanding.
The Hebocon in Valencia (Image from arduino.cc)
The Hebocon in Valencia (Image from arduino.cc)
Our video director, Shigeo asked David about a possibility to use Arduino for Hebocon robots. And he answered, "We should avoid making such intelligent robots.” I was very much impressed with this answer made by the developer himself.
いったん広告です
Cat Weapon 'Meow' (Japan: Mossario Mossamossa)
vs
Power Pyramid Power (Japan: Tech Cemetery)
The next one is another match between Japanese challengers.
Cat weapon 'Meow' has seven killer moves including Charge and Tail Attack.
Operatation of the robot is done by inserting the move cards in the cheapish handmade console.
Operatation of the robot is done by inserting the move cards in the cheapish handmade console.
The moves should be made in order from one to six. Then the seventh move, called Final Attack is made at the last. (As a matter of fact, regardless of the order of those moves, the robot can be operated. But it is the matter of creator's aesthetics.)

The opponent, Power Pyramid Power had eco-friendly solar panels. However, they didn't work indoor and Tech Cemetery rushed to a shop and bought 2 pieces of expensive high-intensity lamp. Giving up the pyramid power, Tech Cemetery depended on money power.
Super bright
Super bright
This match was the crappiest match of the day.
At the same time as the kick off, Meow received the order of
At the same time as the kick off, Meow received the order of "Charge".
But the robot did not move at all. The operator changed the cards one after another, but nothing happened.
But the robot did not move at all. The operator changed the cards one after another, but nothing happened.
Power Pyramid Power hardly moved either despite the expensive additional investment.
Power Pyramid Power hardly moved either despite the expensive additional investment.
While no action was made on the both side, the match was over!
While no action was made on the both side, the match was over!
Both robots hardly moved and this was the crappiest match of robot battles. Off course we expects such situation. In case of running out of time, we judge the winner by the length of move made by robots. In this match, Power Pyramid Power became the winner since it looked like moving about 3 mm.

In fact, the strength of Power Pyramid Power is the body made with soft clay to absorb the shock of attack. But they could not even get close to each other. I have to say it was an ironic game.

Also about Nhuankorori's seven killer moves, only "Lighting Eyes" and "Meowing (Buzzer Sound)" worked, but both made no difference on the match.

Hebocopter 2 (Anemia)
vs
Robot Controlled Controllor Robot (Hong Kong: Ricky Chan)
!
Hebocopter 2 is a helicopter type robot. It is better to see the images without any explanations.

And its opponent is Robot Controlled Controllor Robot ("RCCR"). It means...
The object on the left hand side looks like a robot but actually is the remote controller. And the remote controller like object on the right hand side is the robot.
The object on the left hand side looks like a robot but actually is the remote controller. And the remote controller like object on the right hand side is the robot.
It is the strategy to confuse the opponent by swapping their appearances.
In Hebocon, this tactic confusing others is often used. For example, the actual front of robot looks its back for the opponent to make the other confused, taking very tricky action such as rubbing an onion against the opponent body and so on. But as far as I know, these tactics had never worked.

The creator, Rickey won three times the runner up in the Hebocon in Hong Kong. Although the history of Hebocon is not so long, we can say he is an experienced challenger.
While the sound of starting buzzer was still continuing, Anemia placed her hands on the heliport and slide it backward.
While the sound of starting buzzer was still continuing, Anemia placed her hands on the heliport and slide it backward.
Once she released it from her hands, Hebocopter 2 kept moving like Choro-Q(Penny Racers) toy car although we expected it flew up.
Once she released it from her hands, Hebocopter 2 kept moving like Choro-Q(Penny Racers) toy car although we expected it flew up.
However, in the middle of the arena, its coil-spring pullback motor power ran out. It was the moment to fight back for RCCR. RCCR was getting closer to Hebocopter 2 but a tire was on the heliport and it prevented RCCR from pushing Hebocopter 2.
However, in the middle of the arena, its coil-spring pullback motor power ran out. It was the moment to fight back for RCCR. RCCR was getting closer to Hebocopter 2 but a tire was on the heliport and it prevented RCCR from pushing Hebocopter 2.
However, the killer move was used. The antenna part was actually the arm moving up and down! The arm caught the propeller and held it up.
However, the killer move was used. The antenna part was actually the arm moving up and down! The arm caught the propeller and held it up.
RCCR brought the opponent body and put it outside the arena. RCCR won the match!!
RCCR brought the opponent body and put it outside the arena. RCCR won the match!!
Both of them looked very tricky and tried to cheat each other. However, RCCR had another plan in addition to "Confuse" and won the game by using the practical skill. Well prepared! He made use of his past experience being three times in the second place to this championship.

Killer Rubber (Japan: Kenji Ito)
vs
Big Zam Type R20 (Taiwan: AE Sha)
!
I would like to introduce another brilliant match.

Kenji Ito said this robot originally was inspired by one scene of Mad Max and designed to do clothesline its rivals with multiple rows of heavy-duty rubber bands. He also said he watched the movie again after completion of the robot but could not find such scene. Thus this robot is Kenji Ito's original Mad Max style robot.

The opponent is called Big Zam Type R20. R20 is the sign used in film rating in Japan, meaning "Viewing is not allowed for person under 20". This robot was made with an item often sold in the shops which person underage is not allowed to enter. According to the creator, the robot can well defend against opponent pricking.

Due to the appearance of the latter one, I have to avoid detailed explanation in this match. However, the match itself was the most brilliant one in the Hebocon history.
At the same time as the kick off, Big Zam Type R20 leaped in front of Killer Rubber. At this moment, it became clear that even Killer Rubber’s the lowest rubber band was positioned too high to hit the opponent.
At the same time as the kick off, Big Zam Type R20 leaped in front of Killer Rubber. At this moment, it became clear that even Killer Rubber’s the lowest rubber band was positioned too high to hit the opponent.
And then Big Zam Type R20 quickly charged the opponent's left caterpillar tractor and changed the direction of movement.
And then Big Zam Type R20 quickly charged the opponent's left caterpillar tractor and changed the direction of movement.
And it went through under Killer Rubber’s body by well avoiding getting out from the arena and evacuated in the center.
And it went through under Killer Rubber’s body by well avoiding getting out from the arena and evacuated in the center.
Killer Rubber lost his its direction in the battle as well as its balance and then fell down. The winner was Big Zam Type R20!
Killer Rubber lost his its direction in the battle as well as its balance and then fell down. The winner was Big Zam Type R20!
It was overwhelming. Not the robot itself but operation skill was great. The robot charged the opponent only once and it was very light contact. But it made the large opponent with 2 caterpillar tractors fall. It was awesome.

This Big Zam Type R20 was knocked out in the second round battle royal. We could avoid the situation that Big Zam Type R20 is the winner of our company's 30th anniversary event. In fact, another sex toy robot performed very well in the event held two years ago and we strongly hoped that it wouldn't win the final at that time. Robots offensive to public order often show great performances in Hebocon. But as an organizer, I hope this won't be continued in the future.


So far I picked 6 matches out of 16 in the first round here.

The second round was for battle royals where 4 robots fought each other.

Column: Heboi collaborative work

The venue for the first Hebocon World Championship is the Far Eeast, Japan. Thus we offered International Team System for those who wanted to join the competitions but physically could not come to Japan. We made pairs of Japanese participant and participant in foreign country to create robots together. And Japanese members will come to the venue with their robots on the day.

This time 3 international teams were made. However, there were also Heboi troubles.
DJ Robot (Team US & Japan: Hebomate)
DJ Robot (Team US & Japan: Hebomate)
Team Hebomate is a pair of Japanese and American. They started robot production through internet communication. But shortly after the start, the American became out of tough until the day before the championship. The Japanese member panicked and finally managed to complete the robot alone. On the day before the event, the Japanese could get in touch with the American. Upon obtaining his consent, the Japanese joined the competitions.

At the time when the American became out of touch,
only this costume was ready.
only this costume was ready.
Probably he had a lesson this time and could learn, "It's what's on the inside that counts."

But this trouble was nothing extraordinary. Actually another team, Team France & Japan also had the same trouble. 2 out of 3 teams were out of communication. In Hebocon, poor interaction may be common.


In this case, the Japanese member became out of touch. Even if the French member would have completed the robot alone, this person could not able to come over to the venue. The situation was even worse.

After all, they could get in touch a few days before the event and complete their robot. But the audience was shocked to see the robot which looked hopeless.
monolith (Team France & Japan: Dennis & Dejikei) It does not have positive mobility. It stands on small logs during the match to passively move around. Due to this, the opponent could easily push it out.
monolith (Team France & Japan: Dennis & Dejikei) It does not have positive mobility. It stands on small logs during the match to passively move around. Due to this, the opponent could easily push it out.
By the way, the Hebocon T-shirt was designed by this French member, Dennis.
It's cute, isn't it?
It's cute, isn't it?
いったん広告です
Kusabinger (Japan: O-shoyu (Soy sauce)) vs "The AI that wants to kiss robots" (Japan: Zuni) vs Cup noodle king (Hong Kong: King of cup noodle) vs General-purpose Humanoid Hebocon-battle Weapons (Japan: teamTANAGO)
The above names match robots clockwise from the robot in the upper left in the image.
The above names match robots clockwise from the robot in the upper left in the image.
The triangle shaped robot in the upper left is called Kusabinger. According the original idea, the machine should release a lot of small machines. However, the plan was modified a few days before the event. Because the challenger got exhausted by trip, the ideal about small devices was canceled and the robot became an ordinary robot.

A big mouth is very proper attitude in Hebocon. Challengers are not technically gifted and incapable of estimating workload. In addition, they are not enduring. It should be appreciated in here.
The original conception picture posted on our event page on Facebook
The original conception picture posted on our event page on Facebook
The one in the upper left is "The AI that wants to kiss robots". The most important target for the AI in this Championship is not winning the competitions but kissing other robots as many as possible. When the robot is getting closer to others, Mikado Snack biscuit sticking out of its mouth is getting shorter (actually it is just pushed inside). Eventually the robot successfully can kiss others in this strategy (I wonder if it is really called strategy).
*This is referring Japanese game called Pocky Game letting two persons eat one Mikado Snack biscuit (called as Pocky in Japan) from both ends at the same time and finally kiss.

As it is called AI, it contains a brain inside.
Brain
Brain
It's very simple.

Cup noodle king in the bottom right is also from Hong Kong. King of cup noodle has participated in the Hebocon in Hong Kong. The machine looks like just a cup of instant noodles on the table. And the secret skill is shooting a petty punch.
The pettiest punch I have ever seen
The pettiest punch I have ever seen
Also the cup turns a bit. All the actions are so petty that it looks rather cute despite the appearance nothing extraordinary in our daily life.

And the one in the bottom left is Universal Humanoid Hebocon Final Weapons.
!
According to the creator, an object inside the barrel shaped container is "artificial life". During competitions, it is vibrating and contributing to the driving force together with caterpillar tractor in the rear. "An artificial life locked in a barrel" sounds rather gloomy. Additionally it was equipped with strange parts hard to understand what for such as marshmallow. It is the oddest robot in this event. It looks not cute although small kid participating as a team member.

These four robots joined the first match of second round. Generally a robot made by a technically not gifted person is basically uncontrollable even if it is designed to be controlled by remote controller. It is because of poor quality in their wheels or legs. You can witness the fact in this match. Please have a look.
At the beginning of the match, each of them seemed to have already fixed their target.
At the beginning of the match, each of them seemed to have already fixed their target.
Although a certain time has passed from the start, actually nothing happened so far in the arena.
Although a certain time has passed from the start, actually nothing happened so far in the arena.
They were moving but uncontrollable. Thus they could not make any efficient attacks and just gathered in the center. They were just like sheep that have no shepherd.
They were moving but uncontrollable. Thus they could not make any efficient attacks and just gathered in the center. They were just like sheep that have no shepherd.
Just before the game over, the artificial life escaped!!! But it made no difference to the match. I could say another sheep joined in four sheep.
Just before the game over, the artificial life escaped!!! But it made no difference to the match. I could say another sheep joined in four sheep.
Then the time ran out. And the audience judged General-purpose Humanoid Hebocon-battle Weapons as the winner by voting. Most probably they just chose it without special reason because it was very hard to judge.
There were four similar matches in the second round. Then following the semi-final, the final was started.

The final
General-purpose Humanoid Hebocon-battle Weapons (Japan: teamTANAGO) vs Robot Controlled Controllor Robot (Hong Kong: Ricky Chan)
For the final, these two robots already mentioned here were qualified.

Ricky said that he tried to be the second place again this time since he has never won the final in Hong Kong. And the opponent, Universal Humanoid Hebocon Final Weapon appeared in the arena with a small squid and a box of stick biscuit on the body. This is a mysterious tradition of Hebocon that a winner is equipped with some parts of losers as a souvenir of their passion to fight in the next match.

Looking back the result of competitions, while the former was qualified by its ability, the latter came to the final just by luck. Can you guess the winner is who?
At the same time as the kick off, RCCR charged in front of the opponent. However, it ran on the net of Universal Humanoid Final Weapon!
At the same time as the kick off, RCCR charged in front of the opponent. However, it ran on the net of Universal Humanoid Final Weapon!
But RCCR could easily escape from there and quickly went to the side of Universal Humanoid Final Weapon.
But RCCR could easily escape from there and quickly went to the side of Universal Humanoid Final Weapon.
Then RCCR started pushing Universal Humanoid Final Weapon. At the moment, the container of artificial life in Universal Humanoid Final Weapon was open...!
Then RCCR started pushing Universal Humanoid Final Weapon. At the moment, the container of artificial life in Universal Humanoid Final Weapon was open...!
It released the artificial life out to fight back with two bodies....but it did not work. Sadly because the main body became lighter without the artificial life, RCCR easily push it out the arena.
It released the artificial life out to fight back with two bodies....but it did not work. Sadly because the main body became lighter without the artificial life, RCCR easily push it out the arena.
I expected the artificial life might not be so useful in the competition. But in reality the use of the artificial life as a weapon weakened the ability of main body...This killer move had only minus effect.

As a result, the winner was the creator of RCCR, Rickey!

Now all the matches were over. After voting for "The most Heboi award", the event had the awarding ceremony.

Column: Takeharu & Arduino

Let me mention our Mini-Hebocon contest held at the Maker Faire Tokyo, Tokyo Big Site on the day before the World Championship.
See how participants enjoy
See how participants enjoy
We spotted a robot making outstanding performances.
The Creature (Japan: Takeharu Tsuchiya)
The Creature (Japan: Takeharu Tsuchiya)
The creator is a primary school pupil, Takeharu. He put a remote controlled toy under alligator model which he made for his last summer holiday home work.
The cloth hanger in the front worked brilliantly in a variety of tactics including pushing opponents and using it as a support arm not to fall.
The performances were highly appreciated.
He won both the first prize and a judge prize.
He won both the first prize and a judge prize.
As a matter of fact, this Mini-Hebocon was the trial competitions for the World Championship. The robots registered in advance and winning a judge prize were qualified for the World Championship on the next day. And Takeharu....
He challenged the world competitions!
He challenged the world competitions!
In fact although Takeharu applied for the World Championship, he was not selected as a challenger by lot. However, he didn't give up and joined the Mini-Hebocon to aim to participate in the World Championship. And then he was qualified! His success story is already exiting enough but it is continuing. Unfortunately he lost in semi-finals but he was given Arduino award by our guest judge, David!
The moving moment when David gives sets of Arduino to Takeharu (to be honest, our company paper bag on the table is very annoying)
The moving moment when David gives sets of Arduino to Takeharu (to be honest, our company paper bag on the table is very annoying)
I would like to confess my secret as an organizer as follows: I had tears in my eyes at the side of stage when I saw David handed the Arduino to Takeharu. Surely it was the impressive moment in this event. But I didn't know why I had tears at the very moment. In a few days after the event, I often thought back the reason. Then I came to a conclusion. It must be because of "Education".

Takeharu was only one child individually participating in the competitions. (Some children joined with grownups as a team) And he got a prize. It a moving story. However, don't forget, the reason he got the prize was not because he was a child. It is too easy. Take a look at this image. This is David's note to judge.
!
He made a note about functions and features in detail with drawing of appearance for total 32 robots over 7 pages. David seriously made a judgement and chose Takeharu for Arduino award.

The prize for the Arduino award was 2 pieces of Arduino. They were handed by the developer to the prize winner. Do you really understand this meaning?

It is not the same as the case that a creator working at a toy manufacture gives a toy as a prize. Arduino is not a toy, it is a part. Takeharu has to creatively utilize it instead of just to play with it. He should be active in utilizing these parts to create something new by himself. That is Arduino’s raison d'etre. Therefore the company operates the educational project and David is responsible for it to let many people know how wonderful to create something.

Additionally, Arduino is globally used by those who are interested in electronics. Engineers around the world are passionate about it. Giving Arduino means to welcome him to the world of engineers.

When we hear the word, "Education", we often image just attending boring subjects in school. However, "Education" in David's way is different. It deeply impressed me and I was moved by witnessing it. Also David uses our Hebocon for educational purposes. It is a great honor for me. This experience may give a big impact on Hebcon in future.
Takeharu vs Ricky
Takeharu vs Ricky
By the way, Takeharu confessed later that except alligator part, his dad made the most.
Including his confession, it was a good story all in all.
いったん広告です

Announcement of award winners

The winner
Robot Controlled Controllor Robot (Hong Kong: Ricky Chan)
Robot Controlled Controllor Robot (Hong Kong: Ricky Chan)
After his victory, he was featured by news websites as well as invited to radio programs in his home, Hong Kong. He was treated like a star athlete although he just won the Hebocon Championship (lol).
The runner-up
General-purpose humanoid hebocon-battle weapons (Japan: teamTANAGO) in the left
General-purpose humanoid hebocon-battle weapons (Japan: teamTANAGO) in the left
What I heard after the event is the kid of the Tanago family is a member of robot club. But he did not show any interest in robots in the past. When the team lost the competition, he got interested for the first time. This is another example that our Hebocon educationally helped children!
Judge Prize:
Nifty award
Pole Dance Robot Party Rock Anthem (Japan: Anipole Kyoko)
Pole Dance Robot Party Rock Anthem (Japan: Anipole Kyoko)
For celebrating Nifty 30th anniversary, our executive board member, Matsui gave the Nifty award to her.
"Throwing many toy bank notes made no effect on the opponent but created a lot of trouble to tidy up the arena afterward. It was awesome."

I will touch upon Kyoko later.
Judge Prize:
NicoTsuku award
Uncle flip table (Hong Kong: Kit da studio)
Uncle flip table (Hong Kong: Kit da studio)
Daijuro Hatta, the representative of Niko Tsuku organizing events for a Japanese video community site, Niconico chose the winner of Niko Tsuku award.
"The idea of a robot flapping the table and its Heboiness, eventually the robot turned itself are hilarious!"

He also received very warm welcome back by people in Hong Kong.
Judge Prize:
Arduino award
The Creature (Japan: Takeharu Tsuchiya)
The Creature (Japan: Takeharu Tsuchiya)
David said, "I will give the prize to Takeharu who learnt a lot and tried to make the best robot himself."

I have already talked about Takeharu in the previous page.
To be precise, the prize was 2 sets of Arduino entry kit (one in Japanese and the other in English version).
When he received it, Takeharu said, "That's good, I am learning English after school class". Very clever lad.
The most Heboi award
Pole Dance Robot Party Rock Anthem (Japan: Anipole Kyoko)
Pole Dance Robot Party Rock Anthem (Japan: Anipole Kyoko)
Kyoko got also the most Heboi award on top of the Nifty award. This championship would be a milestone in the Hebocon history. And I was very much impressed when finally she got the most Heboi award at this memorial championship after several challenges since the first Hebocon.

By the way I always remember what she told in a newspaper interview for the first Hebocon and it is my favorite phrase, "Creating moving robot is not as difficult as you imagine. Try just connecting coils". This short phrase explains all about Hebocon.

Other entries

In closing, I will introduce other robots participating in the competitions as follows:
Tippy & Mofurun (Japan: Ando)
Tippy & Mofurun (Japan: Ando)
It doesn't have special skills but looks cute. Ando chose paper duct tape usually used for simple objects, to construct the robot. But it was carefully applied on the body. We had mixed feelings about it.
Feet Skeleton (Japan: create_clock)
Feet Skeleton (Japan: create_clock)
We thought it was made with parts of commercially available human skeleton model. But create_clock handmade foot bone parts by clay. The cost for buying reference books might be higher than the one for materials. Pinkies are used as missiles. But off course, they are too light to give damage.
10 count (Japan: aba)
While the robot is hammering at the gong bell, the body also slowly moves forward reacting to the power of hammer. Against our first impression, the sound of bell was very clear and refreshed our feeling during the match.
Glamorous Squid Machine (Japan: Yu and Chii)
Glamorous Squid Machine (Japan: Yu and Chii)
A lot of pieces of dried squid looks like an umbrella but is actually propeller. Needless to say, it doesn't fly. Due to this squid robot, the arena was full of smell of dried squid. I am sure all the challengers may remember the day whenever they eat dried squid.
Looking at the robot from above, it looks like a flower.
Looking at the robot from above, it looks like a flower.
Summer crazy pig (Japan: Narajo☆Mekabu)
Summer crazy pig (Japan: Narajo☆Mekabu)
Ideally smoke from mosquito killer incense is fanned from the body to give damage to the opponent. However, it may work only when the opponent is mosquito. Generously using 4 kits of working robots prevent the robot from walking properly. Spending a lot of money lessnens the performance. It's sad but awesome.
Code Arms 5 (Japan: Mamadouru)
Code Arms 5 (Japan: Mamadouru)
The creator said that the robot was created inspired by tea serving dolls. But I could not find the similarity. The robot is able to choose one from two options to move around, using wheels with track belt or legs.
Elfoid Attack (Japan: Nihonium)
Elfoid Attack (Japan: Nihonium)
By optical camouflage, ideally the Elfoid (Humanoid) looks like floating in the air. Originally Nihonium wanted to use flat mirror to create better optical camouflage. But due to saving the material cost, Nihonium had to use column mirror. Anyway, I think the problem is not just the shape of mirror...
Gary Chopin (Iceland: Nicolas Kunysz & Ragnheidur Elisabet Thuridardottir)
Gary Chopin (Iceland: Nicolas Kunysz & Ragnheidur Elisabet Thuridardottir)
This robot won the second place in the Hebocon in Iceland. This was made with McDonald happy set gifts. While a ballet dancer doll is spinning, the robot is smacking the opponent. The concept shares the similarity with Pole Dancer Robo and we confirmed that there is no border in Hebocon.
Members of Team Iceland are musician and they joined the competitions on the sidelines of their live tour.
Members of Team Iceland are musician and they joined the competitions on the sidelines of their live tour.
toco toco bot (France: Anne Ferrero)
toco toco bot (France: Anne Ferrero)
French TV program, TOCO TOCO (which picked up our Hebocon in the past) participated in the competitions while collecting information for the program. The robot represents an aggressive journalist handing the business card in front. The circular saw like object is made with unused pizza cutter found at home. "Regardless of country, people left behind pizza cutter at home". (said Chikako)
Sushi Float Go (Japan: Sato Rupen)
Sushi Float Go (Japan: Sato Rupen)
Potable Mikoshi shrine robot charges while blinking the sushi shaped lamp on the roof. This robot is like an aggressive salesperson for Japanese culture. After the event, this robot was sadly left behind in the venue and bin by our staff. In Hebocon, since robots are crudely made, sometimes people don’t feel a personal attachment to them and neglect them afterward. This may not be happened in serious robot competitions.
Mars Roboer Hebotunity (Japan: Ogumaru 3)
Mars Roboer Hebotunity (Japan: Ogumaru 3)
This robot is brilliant. Although it has selfie function, the camera faces the opponent. The concept has not properly put in place. This robot has also solar panels like Power Pyramid Power. But this one made well preparation with replacement batteries in case the solar panels don't work.
Goddess Athena (Greece & Japan: Hebocon Athens & greecejapan.com)
Goddess Athena (Greece & Japan: Hebocon Athens & greecejapan.com)
This team was only one international team who did not have any trouble to complete the robot. Costume for the goddess was made based on their detailed research about Greek mythology. However, the doll was procured at 100 yen shop. A team member, Mr.Costas in Greece is an organizer of Hebocon Athens.
Mr.Costas joined the match on the day through Skype and made a verbal attack against the opponent.
Mr.Costas joined the match on the day through Skype and made a verbal attack against the opponent.
Air Man (Hong Kong: Can't Beat Air Man)
Air Man (Hong Kong: Can't Beat Air Man)
Can't Beat Air Man(エアーマンが倒せない) is a pair of Hebocon Hong Kong organizers. They asked me in advance, "Do you have dry ice?" Then I told them that if they buy ice creams at super market near the venue, get dry ice free. However, they went the shop too often to get much dry ice, they were rejected at last.
They blew foggy air created by this dry ice through the pipe. It looks very primitive.
They blew foggy air created by this dry ice through the pipe. It looks very primitive.

What's next?

I was always using the word "The World Championship" for a joke. Everyone accepted it as a joke because the world championship was unreachable our ultimate goal. But we made it.

I have no idea what I should do next. But in order to disseminate how great our Heboi concept is to the world, I want to continue being active in Hebocon.
If Hebocon is held near you, please join us!

For the latest news about Hebocon, please see here:
Hebocon Facebook page (English)→
https://www.facebook.com/Hebocon.Official/
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