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Which VEX Competition Do I Choose?

VEX GO Competition (Elementary School)

VEX GO is an affordable construction system that teaches the fundamentals of STEM through engaging, hands-on activities that help students explore robotics concepts. The VEX GO Competition (VGOC) consists of four different themed games that can be constructed with a VEX GO Competition Kit. VGOC is played on a 3’ x 6’ field. Teams compete in a Robot Skills Competition where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of Solo Driving Skills Matches, Cooperative Driving for two teams, and Coding Skills Matches, which are autonomous with limited human interaction.

VEX IQ Competition (Elementary/Middle School)

VEX IQ uses plastic, snap-together pieces to build highly functional robots. The VEX IQ Competition (VIQC) consists of matches played on a 6’x8’ rectangular field. Two robots compete in the Teamwork Challenge as an alliance in 60-second-long teamwork matches, working collaboratively to score points. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of driving skills matches, which are entirely driver controlled, and programming skills matches, which are autonomous with limited human interaction.

VEX Robotics Competition (Middle/High School)

VEX V5 is a metal-based robotics platform with bolt-together pieces that are machinable to create any mechanism. The VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) consists of matches played on a 12’x12’ square field. Two alliances, composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of an autonomous period followed by a driver controlled period. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of driving skills matches, which are entirely driver controlled, and programming skills matches, which are autonomous with no human interaction.

VEX AI (High School)

VEX AI uses the VEX V5 platform, non-VEX components, and custom-created parts in combination with VEX GPS, the VEX AI Vision System, the Sensor Fusion Map, and VEX LINK Communications. The VEX AI Competition (VAIC) is played on a 12'x12' VRC field. Two teams, each with two robots, compete in fully autonomous matches in which robots function without input from drivers. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing team.

VEX U (Post-Secondary)

VEX U uses the VEX V5 platform in combination with custom-fabricated parts and additional electronics. The VEX U competition is played on a 12'x12' VRC field. Two teams, each with two robots, compete in matches consisting of an autonomous period followed by a driver controlled period. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where a team's robots take the field to score as many points as possible. These matches consist of driving skills matches, which are entirely driver controlled, and programming skills matches, which are autonomous with no human interaction.

Student Eligibility by Birthdate

Some of the VEX Competitions limit eligibility of students by age. The annual Game Manuals define the age ranges for each student classification where applicable.  See the Definition section under Students in the following competitions.