The robot used in VEXcode VR Over Under is a virtual version of Striker, the VEX V5 Hero Bot, used for the 2023-2024 VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) Over Under. Virtual Striker has the same dimensions and motors as the physical Striker, but with added sensors for autonomous programming in VEXcode VR. On the Over Under Playground in VEXcode VR, there is only one robot, and it is already preconfigured. This eliminates the need for a robot configuration, or a predetermined template project.
Robot Controls
Striker has the following controls:
A drivetrain. This enables the “Drivetrain” category of blocks in the Toolbox of VEXcode VR to drive and turn the robot.
An Arm that is controlled by the Arm Motor. The Arm can be raised and lowered. This allows the robot to transport Triballs.
The Arm can be lowered using the [Spin for] block. The Arm will be fully lowered when spun forward for 1200 degrees.
An Intake that is controlled by the Intake Motor. The Intake can be spun forward and in reverse. This allows the robot to collect and score Triballs.
The Intake can be spun using the [Spin for] block. The Intake will collect a Triball when spun forward 360 degrees and score or drop a Triball when spun in reverse for 360 degrees.
Robot Sensors
Virtual Striker has added sensors for autonomous programming in VEXcode VR.
Inertial Sensor
The Inertial Sensor is used with the drivetrain to allow Striker to make accurate and precise turns using the drivetrain heading.
The drivetrain heading reports a value from 0 to 359.9 degrees, and clockwise is positive.
For more information on the Inertial Sensor, view this article from the VEX Library.
Optical Sensor
The Optical Sensor reports if an object is close to the sensor, and if so, what color that object is.
The Optical Sensor can also report the brightness and the hue value of an object in degrees.
The Optical Sensor is located under the Arm of Striker, pointing towards the Intake. It can be used to determine when a Triball is in the Intake, and also what color that Triball is.
For more information about the Optical Sensor, see this VEX Library article.
Rotation Sensor
The Rotation Sensor can report rotational position, total rotations, and rotation speed.
The shaft that rotates the Arm on Striker is placed through the Rotation Sensor. This sensor can be used to measure the rotational position, total rotations, and rotation speed of the Arm as they are raised and lowered.
The rotational position when the Arm is raised is 0 degrees (default at the start of the project).
The rotational position when the Arm is fully lowered is 168 degrees.
Note: These values are different from the 1200 degrees used in the [Spin for] block to fully lower the Arm.
For more information about the V5 Rotation Sensor, view this article from the VEX Library
Game Positioning System (GPS) Sensor
The GPS Sensor can report the current X and Y position of the center of rotation of Striker in millimeters or inches.
The GPS Sensor can also report the current heading in degrees.
The GPS Sensor is located near the back of Striker, and is used to determine the robot’s position and orientation on the Field by reading the GPS Field Code Strips along the inside perimeter of the Field.
You can use the GPS Sensor to help Striker navigate the Field by driving to specific locations using your knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate system. Using the GPS Sensor, Striker can drive along the X or Y-axes until the value of the sensor is greater than or less than a threshold value. This allows Striker to drive using sensor feedback instead of set distances.
Knowing the coordinates of game elements, like Triballs and Nets, can also help you plan your projects in VRC Over Under. For more information on identifying location details in VEXcode VR Over Under using the GPS Sensor, see this VEX Library article.