A high school robot sumo team covered its 500 g robots with IR Flock Sheet. An infrared distance sensor that normally detected them at about 40 cm only reacted at about 5 cm.

Shiny metal parts often fail to scan. In a field test at a sheet-metal shop, ultra-black fabric on the scanner stage and a change in part orientation removed the reflection gaps, without scanning spray.

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is using ultra-black materials like KIWAMI Fabric and IR Flock Sheet to reduce measurement noise during hyperspectral imaging and cultural preservation research. By suppressing unwanted light reflections in visible and near-infrared wavelengths, these advanced optical materials improve spectral accuracy when analyzing delicate artifacts, textiles, paper, pigments, and historical materials. Discover how ultra-black fabrics are helping researchers achieve cleaner, more precise non-destructive analysis for museums, conservation labs, and imaging applications.

Tokyo Polytechnic University’s robot club, Karakuri Kobo, introduced a stealth advantage in the All-Japan Robot Sumo Tournament by using Fineshut KIWAMI, an advanced infrared-absorbing sheet. By reducing detection from infrared sensors, the material showcased new possibilities in competitive robotics. Although the team competed in the 500g autonomous class without advancing to nationals, their innovative use of stealth technology highlights the future of robot sumo and advanced materials.