Robot inspectors are responsible for determining if robots are constructed within the rules outlined in the game manual, and all teams must pass inspection before competing. Event Partners have some flexibility in how robot inspection is conducted based on how many volunteers are available, and how many teams are at the event.
One recommended practice for larger events is to break robot inspection into multiple stations, each with one or more dedicated volunteers. Each volunteer can check each robot for one or more sections of the robot inspection checklist, then pass the team to the next station where their robot will be checked against additional sections. The final station should double-check or complete the Team Verification portion of the inspection, then sign and submit the completed form.
Head Referees should assist with inspection if possible, and are usually the best-qualified volunteers for the Pneumatics and Detailed Components sections of the checklist.
This article provides guidelines and training information for each category of the 2025-26 Robot Inspection Checklist for the VEX IQ Robotics Competition.
Robot Inspection Training and Instructions
Team Verification
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- Ask the team who designed, built, and programmed the robot.
- Ask the team if they have read the Game Manual and Q&As.
- G1 - Be nice and respectful to everyone
- G2 - Student Centered. No adults working on robots or programming
- G4 & R2 - Robot must represent the students' skill level
- R4 - Intentionally violating a robot rule can lead to disqualification
- T1 - Head Referee has final authority on all gameplay rulings
- T3 - Drive Team may immediately appeal a Head Referee ruling
- Ask the team if they understand the Code of Conduct and the Student-Centered Policy.
- Ensure that the coach or team has initialed that team adults have read the Adult Behavior Guidelines.
- Ensure that the coach or team knows that an adult must be on site for the entire event.
Sizing Inspection
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- Check that the robot fits within the starting size limit, using tools provided by the Event Partner.
- Ask team to expand their robot, and make sure it doesn't exceed the expansion limits during a match.
Overall Inspection
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- Confirm that the team only brought one robot to the event.
- Ask the team if any parts of their robot intentionally detach or entangle.
- Visually check for anything that is an entanglement risk.
- If spotted, warn teams of the mechanism that is likely to entangle.
- Confirm that the team has license plates mounted to the robot on two opposing sides
Electronics Inspection
No experience necessary
Training: 5-10 minutes
- Make sure the robot only has one VEX IQ Robot Brain, 1 Robot Radio, and one VEX IQ Controller.
- Ask the team if the robot has any other brains or microcontrollers, or any non-standard electronics.
- Have teams point out and count motors, and make sure they don't have more than six motors on the robot.
- Locate only one VEX IQ battery or six AA batteries, and confirm the robot doesn’t have other power sources.
- Make sure the Brain and Controller are properly paired.
- Have the team turn the brain on, and check that the firmware number is current.
- Check that electronic components haven't been modified.
- Ask the team if they've modified any electronic components.
Pneumatics Inspection
Experience is helpful, including in-depth knowledge of the pneumatics rules.
Training: Varies with experience
- Check that the robot uses no more than 2 pneumatic tanks.
- Check that the robot uses no more than 1 VEX IQ pneumatic pump.
- Check that all pneumatic parts are part of the official VEX IQ pneumatics kit (image below).
- Check that pneumatic cylinders and tubing are only used as part of a pneumatic system.
Detailed Components Inspection
Experience is helpful, including knowing legal VEX IQ parts by sight.
Training: Varies with experience
- Check that the robot does not include any grease, oil, graphite, or other lubricant / plastic additive.
- Check that the robot does not include any tape or other material that adheres to or changes a legal part (other than legal decorations).
- Check that there are no 3D printed components on the robot (including decorations).
- Check that VEX IQ Smart Cables are only used to connect legal electronic devices to the robot brain.
- Check that rubber bands match the standard IQ parts.
- Check that no parts have been modified, other than cutting pneumatic tubing or metal shafts or bending plastic sheets.
- Check that all components on the robot are either current VEX IQ parts, HEXBUG or VEX GO structural parts, legal discontinued parts, or non-functional decorations.
Sensors, Finalize, and Submit
No experience necessary
Training: 5 minutes
- Ask the team if their robot uses sensors that are dependent on the quality and/or consistency of the field lighting. If a team says yes, make sure they speak with an event Head Referee and/or the Event Partner about any concerns.
- For electronic inspections:
- Ensure that all boxes have been checked.
- Get a team member’s initials.
- Select Pass.
- Input your name.
- Attach the verification provided by the event (sticker, zip tie, etc.).
- For inspections on paper:
- Ensure that you have signatures from a coach and a team member.
- Circle “Pass” only after ALL boxes have been checked.
- Sign your name as the Inspector.
- Attach the verification provided by the event (sticker, zip tie, etc.).
- Turn in completed inspection forms at the tournament computer.