Robotics Competition Training
Learn how to become a champion in the VEX IQ Challenge. We have several finalists and champions among our ranks.
Note: All Dates are only updated for the 2017-2018 season of VEX IQ
What is Vex IQ?
VEX IQ is an exciting robotics platform, which transforms STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning for young students. Participants snap together VEX IQ parts and build a simple, powerful robot to explore open-ended challenges, which are designed to enhance their STEM skills. Teams will love driving their robots in 60-second Teamwork Challenge matches and testing their skills in two optional 60-second Robot and Programming Challenges.
Teamwork Challenge: Driver Controlled – 2-team alliance working together to score points
Robot Skills Challenge: Driver Controlled – 1 team scoring the most points with 1 robot
Programming Skills Challenge: Autonomous Programming – 1 team with 1 robot scoring points
The VEX IQ Challenge also includes an optional STEM Research Project. Each season, teams explore a different STEM theme and its application to robotics. Teams identify and research a topic of interest and share their findings in a creative three-minute tournament presentation.
For more details on the VEX IQ Challenge, visit: here
For a VEX IQ Program Overview, visit: here
What are the age ranges and team sizes for Vex IQ participants?
While VEX IQ is primarily designed for participants, ages 8-14, any student, enrolled in a school or who is home-schooled, up through and including middle school grade levels, is eligible to participate on a team.
There is no limit on team size, although at least three team members are strongly encouraged. For a teacher, a classroom can be a team! Or, keep the team size smaller and use the team registration discount (see #3 below) for additional teams in the same school/organization.
What does it cost to join a VEX IQ team?
Each team will need a kit of parts for building the robot, and software for programming it. The one-time cost for renting the kit and the software is $90 per student.
Vex charges a team creation fee of $60/team
Participation in a regional event that the team takes part in will cost approximately $60 and is divided amongst the students in the group.
Teams meeting once a week, $160/month (4 classes)
Teams meeting twice a week, $235/month (8 classes)
Please note: the cost to attend a state and world event are different. Please send an email to jamie@robolink.com if you are interested in committing to the entire VEX IQ season to save 10% on the total tuition.
What is the mission for 2017 – 2018 season?
VEX IQ Challenge – Ringmaster is played on a 4’x8’ rectangular field configured as seen above. 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 two additional challenges; The Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible under driver control; The Programming Skills Challenge where one robot scores as many points as possible autonomously, without any driver inputs.
The object of the game is to attain the highest score by collecting rings and placing them in either the posts (pole and hooks) or the floor goals in between the posts. Additional points can be obtained by knocking down the bonus tray or by clearing the three colored posts of rings. For more information, a preview of the game is shown below.
What does the $90 rental fee get us?
Team members will have access to the parts kit and the software during class, but not outside of class. You may download a copy of the programming software at http://www.robotc.net/download/vexrobotics/.
I see on the VEX IQ website that registering a VEX IQ team costs $100. Does the rental fee include the team registration fee?
For Robolink teams, registration would be $60/team. (note: this price is a shared cost amongst the members in the team)
When is the VEX IQ competition?
Robolink will be hosting 2 VEX IQ Regional Competitions on the following dates:
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 AND Sunday, January 21st, 2018
We will also be holding an in house VEX IQ scrimmage on:
Saturday, October 14th, 2017
Friday, November 17th, 2017
Saturday, November 18th, 2017
What does it cost to enter the regional tournament?
$60/Team for the tournament. (note: this price is a shared cost amongst the members in the team)
Regional 1: December 2nd
Regional 2: January 21st
Will teams continue to meet over the winter break? Are those meetings required?
Robolink will be closed for instruction during the following dates(Note: these dates are excluded from your tuition for VEX IQ):
September:
4 Labor Day
October:
31 Halloween
November:
23-26 Thanksgiving Break
December:
2, 23-26, 30 & 31 Winter Break
January:
1-12, 21
Do team members need to bring computers to class?
It is preferable that students bring their own computers to class, with the programming software installed. This will allow the student to program at home and will help with the retention process. At the very least please bring a USB Flash Drive.
What happens if we miss a class during the VEX IQ season?
The weekly team meetings are extremely important for students to attend. This is the one chance, each week, when all team members can work together. Team members can sign up for a make-up class for any missed classes, but it must be at a different time from their currently scheduled classes.
How can I learn more about the VEX IQ Challenge?
You can read the FAQs for VEX IQ Teams at: link
For more information about the VEX IQ Challenge overall, visit: link
Does each team have a coach?
There will be one Robolink instructor per team, and a supplementary coach if applicable.
How is the work divided up?
In the beginning of the season, all team members will share the work of building and programming the robot for the competition. After several weeks, the team members will take on assigned roles, such as Lead Programmer, Lead Builder, Lead Presenter, or Lead Driver.
Are teams expected to make any sort of presentation?
Robolink focuses solely on the robot, we do not help or facilitate the STEM portion of the competition.
Robolink highly encourages that teams looking to move forward past regionals, participate in taking on this aspect of the game. Students may take on this part of the game on their own time, but again Robolink does not facilitate this aspect of VEX IQ.
I am interested in the STEM presentation, what is it?
This part of the game is a presentation about a topic related to technology, engineering, math, or science. The following is a link to the rubric guide: link
An example video of a presentation can be found here:
What kind of documentation do teams need to complete?
Each team will need an Engineering Notebook, where they keep track of every step in the building and programming of their robot.
Are there prizes for the winners?
Winning teams receive trophies and/or certificates recognizing achievement in one or more categories. The highest award that a team can earn is the Excellence Award. Other awards commonly offered at local events include the Teamwork Champion Award, Robot Skills Champion Award, Design Award, and the STEM Research Project Award.
Is there a state or national championship for VEX IQ?
Teams meeting specific qualification criteria will receive invitations to the California State Championship.
Locations and Dates are Tentative: Hosted By REC Foundation
We will post updates on where the 2018 VEX Robotics Competition World Championship location when it is announced.
Locations and Dates are Tentative: Hosted By REC Foundation
Are teams required to meet the criteria for all possible awards, or only some of them?
All Robolink teams will meet the criteria for all robot related events awards.
Key Robolink Dates (Mark your calendar.)
August 17th, 2017 (Thursday) from 6:00pm – 7:00pm – Information Session for Ringmaster–
August 20th, 2017 (Sunday) from 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Information Session for Ringmaster–
-(10% season commitment contract)
-email jamie@robolink.com if you have any questions
August 31st, 2017 (Thursday) – Last day to enroll VEX IQ Team for 1/week classes
September 8th, 2017 (Friday) – Last day to enroll a VEX IQ Team for 2/week classes
October 4th, 2017 – Collection for VEX IQ Fixed Costs
October 14th, 2017 (Saturday) – VEX IQ Scrimmage #1
November 17th, 2017 (Friday) – VEX IQ Scrimmage #2
November 18th, 2017 (Saturday) – VEX IQ Scrimmage #3
December 2nd, 2017 (Saturday) – VEX IQ Regional Competition
January 21st, 2018 (Sunday) – VEX IQ Regional Competition
Mid March, 2018 – Southern California State Championship (TBA)
Mid April, 2018 – VEX IQ Challenge World Championship (TBA)
Please note: you are more than welcome to participate in non-Robolink hosted tournaments. The following link is a list of all the VEX IQ events.
