1Overview
"Humanoid Battle" is a competition that involves the diverse use of humanoid robots, emphasizing sportsmanship, respecting opponents, and sharing technical skills in a festive atmosphere. The event is a one-on-one tournament where participants control humanoid robots to earn points by using valid techniques to knock over or push the opponent's robot out of the arena. Participants compete in leagues based on their age and the weight class of their robots.
※ The tournament format may change depending on the number of participants on the day. After all matches are concluded, group rumbles and event matches may take place.
※ Not all weight classes are open for every competition — only select classes are open for each event. Please check the posters and announcements to confirm the weight classes for each competition.
※ Not all weight classes are open for every competition — only select classes are open for each event. Please check the posters and announcements to confirm the weight classes for each competition.
2Participation Categories
2-1. League categories (age)
| Class | Junior | Senior | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Ages 7~15 | — | — |
| Flyweight | Ages 7~12 | Ages 13~18 | — |
| Bantamweight | Ages 7~12 | Ages 13~18 | — |
| Featherweight | Ages 7~12 | Ages 13~Adult | — |
| Lightweight | Ages 7~12 | — | Ages 13~Adult |
| Middleweight | — | — | Ages 7~Adult |
| Heavyweight | — | — | Ages 7~Adult |
2-2. Weight class categories
| Class | Weight class |
|---|---|
| Minimum | Commercial products and self-made robots under 0.7 kg |
| Flyweight | Commercial products and self-made robots under 1.0 kg + minimum class standard robots |
| Bantamweight | Commercial products and self-made robots under 1.5 kg + flyweight class standard robots |
| Featherweight | Commercial products and self-made robots under 1.7 kg + bantamweight class standard robots |
| Lightweight | Commercial products and self-made robots under 2.0 kg + featherweight class standard robots |
| Middleweight | Commercial products and self-made robots 2.7 kg or less + lightweight class standard robots |
| Heavyweight | Self-made robots under 3.5 kg and middleweight robots + middleweight class standard robots |
2-2-1The robot specification allows a weight tolerance of up to +3g.
2-2-2Participants are allowed to compete in a weight class one level higher than their current grade, while maintaining the robot specifications of their current grade, under the condition of voluntary or overlapping participation.
3Robot Specifications
3-1Robot base platform — only humanoid robots that have a structure resembling a human (head, torso, arms and legs) and comply with the robot specifications regulations are eligible to participate.
The robot specifications allow a tolerance for length exceeding by up to +1mm.
3-2-1Basic posture — the "specification posture height" is measured when the robot is fully extended, while the "basic posture height" is measured when the knee angle is 90° or more. The basic posture height is measured from the ground to the highest of the head or chest axes. During all walking and attacking, the robot must always maintain the height limit of the basic posture. "Basic stance" refers to the angle of the knees and the alignment of the upper and lower body.
| Class | Height limit in the basic posture |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 200mm or more |
| Flyweight | 200mm or more |
| Bantamweight | 300mm or more |
| Featherweight | 300mm or more |
| Lightweight | 300mm or more |
| Middleweight | 350mm or more |
| Heavyweight | 400mm or more |
3-2-2All other robot specifications must be constructed in accordance with the Humanoid Standard Regulation.
4Rules of the Game
4-1. Methods of play
4-1-1Within a time limit of 3 minutes (1 minute in overtime), the participant who obtains more "downs" from the opponent wins by decision.
4-1-2If 5 downs are obtained, a "TKO victory" is declared and the match ends.
4-1-3If a "slip down" or "down" occurs and the participant cannot return to the basic stance within a 10-count, a "KO loss" is declared and the match ends.
4-1-4If a "disqualification loss," "forfeit loss," or similar is declared, the match ends.
4-2. Rules regarding a "down"
4-2-1The criteria and judgment regarding a "down" rest solely with the referee's absolute authority.
4-2-2If an opponent's robot is knocked over by a precise strike, one point ("down") is earned.
4-2-3If a robot touches the robot being counted during the count after a "down" is declared, it is considered a violation of the down rule and results in a "disqualification loss."
4-2-4Each participant's first warning is treated as a verbal warning; subsequently, each accumulation of one warning results in a one-down penalty.
4-3. The "slip down" rule
4-3-1Areas of the robot excluding the sole of the foot (including the sides of the foot) must not touch the floor of the arena during the match. Violation results in a "slip down" declaration, and intentional slip downs may result in a warning. However, "critical attacks" are exempt from this rule.
4-3-2If the attacking robot is declared a "slip down" after successfully achieving a "down," the down will not be recognized or counted.
4-4. The "ring out" rule
4-4-1If a robot falls or goes outside the competition area, a "ring out" is declared and the robot is penalized with a one down.
4-4-2If a participant touches a robot that is attempting to fall out of the competition area before it is declared a "ring out," it still results in a one down penalty.
4-5. The "time" regulation
4-5-1During the match, participants may request a "timeout" from the referee in case of rule violations or if there is a malfunction or issue with their robot. They are allotted a repair time of 2 minutes, and each 2-minute timeout is counted as one down.
4-5-2Once a "down" (that is not a slip down) is declared, requests for a timeout will not be accepted, and the count and the match will continue as usual.
4-5-3Requests for a timeout due to important inquiries or objections will not result in a one down penalty. However, if the referee determines that the request is not valid, a warning may be issued.
4-5-4Timeout requests can be made up to a maximum of 2 times per match, totaling 4 minutes. If a participant cannot return to the match after this allotted time, they will be declared the loser by KO.
4-6. Standing down rule
4-6-1If a robot remains inactive for 5 seconds or more, the referee can declare a "standing down." A standing down results in a one down penalty, and if the robot fails to return within the 10-count after the declaration, it will be declared a "KO loss."
4-6-2Participants who have been declared a "standing down" can request a timeout, during which they are allotted 2 minutes for repairs. Additionally, they will receive an additional one down penalty.
4-7. The KO (Knockout) rule
4-7-1When a "standing down," "slip down," or "down" is declared, the participant must rise within a 10-count. If unable to return to the basic stance, a "KO loss" is declared and the match ends.
4-7-2The 10-count does not necessarily mean one count per second. The counting speed is at the discretion of the referee based on the flow of the match and the situation at hand.
4-8. The "defensive stance" regulations
4-8-1During walking and attacking, the basic stance must always maintain a knee angle (between the thigh and the calf at the knee joint) of at least 90 degrees. Angles less than this are considered a "defensive stance."
4-8-2If the shoulder axis drops below the hip axis, it is also judged as a "defensive stance."
4-8-3Maintaining a defensive stance for more than 3 seconds, or sitting down, is not allowed. After releasing the defensive stance, walking for 3 steps or more is required. Failure to comply results in a warning. This rule also applies to critical attacks.
4-8-4In a defensive stance, even if an attack is successful, it will not be recognized as a "down," and a warning will be issued. However, critical attacks are an exception to this rule.
4-9 & 4-10. Attacks & frontal attack
4-9-1During an attack, all attacks except those considered "slip downs" or made in a "defensive stance" are permissible, including attacks from all directions (360°).
4-10-1If an attacking robot accurately strikes the upper body (head, chest, back) of the opponent robot with a pushing attack between the attacking robot's legs as a frontal attack, causing the opponent robot to fall both forwards or backwards, it is recognized as a "frontal attack" and results in a two-down penalty.
4-10-2If the attacking robot experiences a "slip down" after a successful frontal attack, the attack will not be recognized.
4-10-3The authority to attempt and determine the success of a frontal attack rests with the referee. There is no limit on the number of frontal attacks that can be performed. (4-10-4)
4-11. Critical attack regulations
4-11-1If a robot executes a significant attack or kicking technique that clearly lifts both feet of the opponent robot off the ground and causes them to fall over, it is recognized as a "critical attack" and results in a two-down penalty.
4-11-2A "critical attack" refers to techniques such as charging in, sweeps, backdrops, uppercuts, flying kicks, kicks, tumbling, and similar maneuvers that deliver significant impact to the opponent. The authority to attempt and determine the success of a critical attack rests with the referee.
4-11-3According to the referee's judgment, if a robot successfully executes an attack that completely immobilizes the opponent robot and lifts both of its feet completely off the ground, the attack is considered a successful critical attack even if the attacking robot subsequently experiences a "slip down."
4-11-4A "kick" attack can be attempted even from a defensive stance, and if the attacking robot knocks over the opponent with a kick and subsequently experiences a slip down, the attack is still recognized as a successful critical attack. A kick can be attempted even when one hand is touching the ground. (4-11-5)
4-11-6A critical attack is limited to a total of one per match. However, a kick attack can be attempted once in addition to the critical attack. In overtime, critical attacks are also limited to one attempt. Additionally, even if a critical attack is used in this match, it can be attempted again (in the next match). Unreasonable attempts without any chance of success, and attempts exceeding the allowed limit, are considered match delays, resulting in a warning. (4-11-7)
4-12. Walking regulations
4-12-1During walking, it is not permissible to maintain a defensive stance. Each violation results in a warning. If it is determined that every instance of walking violates the regulation, a 2-minute correction time is granted, counted as 1 down. If correction is not possible, the violation leads to a "disqualification loss."
4-12-2The robot must be able to walk in at least two directions (front, back, left, right) for a minimum of 5 steps each without falling over. Referees can request verification at any time before or during the match, and a robot that fails this test will be disqualified for violating the walking regulations.
4-12-3If any part of the robot, excluding the recognized soles of the feet, touches the playing field during walking, attack or defense, it will be immediately processed as a "slip down" or "down."
4-12-4During walking and direction changes, both shoulders' and both chest's axes must always maintain horizontal alignment with the playing field surface. Any walking motion that fails to maintain this alignment will be judged as a "defensive stance," and a warning will be issued. The allowable tolerance for the chest axis deviation from horizontal is up to ±10 degrees.
4-13. Other regulations
4-13-1When resuming the game after the start or after a "slip down" or "down," the robots must maintain a distance of at least 50cm (approximately two spans) apart. Deliberately violating this distance will result in a warning. However, in featherweight and lighter weight classes, the minimum distance allowed is 20cm (approximately one span).
4-13-2A robot that has fallen cannot be attacked. A warning will be issued if this rule is violated.
4-13-3If a part with a side length of 3cm or more, or a part weighing 5g or more, falls off during the match, or if the battery becomes detached and protrudes even slightly outside the robot, the match will be immediately halted and 2 minutes of repair time will be given, counted as 1 down. If normal repairs are not possible, it will be considered a "TKO loss."
4-13-4During the match, robots may not be touched without the referee's permission. Violating this rule may result in a warning, down, or disqualification at the referee's discretion.
4-13-5If a defensive strategy is employed during the match, a warning may be issued at the referee's discretion.
4-13-6If the referee signals "stop" during the match, the robot must immediately cease operation and halt movement. Violating this rule will result in a warning.
4-13-7If the robots become entangled, the referee may declare a "torque-off," and participants must immediately cut off power to the motors.
4-13-8Due to a referee's error or decision, the match or the declaration of win or loss may be overturned and the match may be resumed, even after it has concluded.
4-13-9If a participant or their affiliate disagrees with the referee's judgment (which is the referee's exclusive authority), shows a lack of respect, or makes excessive complaints, a first warning will be issued. If noncompliance and repeated protests continue, it will result in immediate disqualification.
4-13-10During the match or when the match is paused, when the referee provides explanations regarding decisions or rules, participants should signify their understanding by saying "Yes" and giving a simple nod.
4-14. Terminology
The following terms are used during matches (Korean referee calls with their meanings). Participants should familiarize themselves with these terms in advance.
레디 · Ready파이트 · Fight다운 · Down노카운트 · No-Count스탠딩다운 · Standing-down링 아웃 · Ring-out토크오프 · Torque-Off떨어져 · Distance경고 · Yellow-Card타임 · Time스톱 · Stop그만 · Game-Over승 · Win차렷 · Attention인사 · Bow디스퀄리피 · Disqualify득점 · Point정면공격 · Frontal Attack
4-14-2Any matters not otherwise specified shall be determined according to the decision of the judging committee on the day of the event.
5Robot Modifications
5-1-1After completing the specification inspection, if modifications are necessary due to abnormalities or other reasons, participants must obtain permission from the referees before making any changes (during the match, this counts as 1 down). If participants make changes without permission, it will result in disqualification.
6Evaluation Methods
6-1. Basic evaluation
6-1-1Participants who adhere to the established regulations and obtain outcomes such as KO, TKO, decision win, disqualification (of the opponent), or forfeit against their opponent within the allotted time will achieve victory.
6-1-2Depending on the situation, multiple robots can engage in a group competition known as a "Rumble" match to determine rankings. In a Rumble match, even fallen robots can be attacked. Participants who are "ringed out" or "down" immediately lose, and the robot remaining on the arena floor or removing "mission objects" ultimately wins.
6-2. Evaluation of a draw
6-2-1In the event of a tie, teams immediately enter a 1-minute extension period without additional time for battery replacement or repairs. The team that scores the first point wins by "Golden Down." Any remaining warnings that are not counted as scoring infractions are carried over into the extension period.
6-2-2If the match remains undecided after the extension period, the evaluation priority is as follows: the team with fewer warnings → the team with fewer slip downs during the extension → if priority is still unclear, another extension period may be conducted → the team with the lighter robot weight. These criteria determine the outcome if the match is still tied after overtime.
6-3. Disqualification regulations
6-3-1Participating in a match using another participant's robot.
6-3-2Refusal to comply with the referee's instructions or decisions.
6-3-3Violation of robot specifications during the match.
6-3-4Leaving the arena or designated waiting area without referee permission.
6-3-5Using profanity or engaging in violent behavior.
6-3-6Engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct or misconduct that disrupts the course of the match.
6-3-7If a participant is unable to compete after all other matches have concluded.
6-3-8If a participant is disqualified, the record of that match is not recognized.
6-3-9In the case of disqualification or intentional actions that compromise fairness by a participating team or individual, the IREA may permanently revoke their eligibility to participate in IREA-sanctioned competitions through a deliberation council meeting.
7Arena Specifications
Below are the arena specifications. The layout is an example and is subject to change based on conditions on the day of the match.
| Class | Arena size (W × L × H) | Floor material |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum · Flyweight | 90 × 90 × 10 cm (±5%) | PET |
| Bantamweight · Featherweight | 120 × 120 × 10–30 cm (±5%) | PET or Flex |
| Lightweight · Middleweight · Heavyweight · Pair | Approx. 198 × 198 × 30 cm (±5%) | Flex or PET |
7-1-2Starting position — robots start behind the double parallel lines ("11-shaped lines") at the centre of the arena, facing the opposing robot.
The large arena consists of 5 square coated plywood panels measuring 70 × 70 cm (22T) and 4 triangular coated plywood panels measuring 70 × 70 cm (22T).
※ The regulations for this competition may be subject to future revisions. Please check periodically for updates.
Inquiries
Please send inquiries to robot-league@naver.com or contact the association representative, Daewon LEE, on WhatsApp at +82 10 2604 3782.