Per the VRC Game Manual, there are three types of pneumatic components permitted in the VEX Robotics Competition:
- The official V5 Pneumatics Kit (released in 2023), manufactured by and purchased from VEX
- Legacy (pre-2023) components purchased directly from VEX
- SMC components that are equivalent to the legacy VEX components, but manufactured by and purchased from SMC (or an SMC reseller)
This article is intended to be a visual inspection reference that will help clear up any confusion regarding differences in part numbers or appearance. The parts below are the ONLY pneumatic components that are VRC legal; parts which look similar to a legal part in all ways except color or material are prohibited.
Note: This article replaces the “Legal Pneumatic Parts” PDF document that was used previously (prior to the 2023 season), and is considered an official reference for competition legality.
V5 Pneumatics Kit
Notes:
- There are no SMC equivalents for parts found in the V5 Pneumatics Kit.
- The V5 Pneumatics Kit and legacy/SMC parts are compatible; using parts of both types on the same robot is legal, provided no other rules are violated.
- See this article from the VEX Library for more information about each component, including a diagram of one possible configuration.
| Part Name | Image |
| Air Tank 200mL | |
|
Valve Stem
Note: The V5 Pneumatics Kit includes a valve stem with either hexagonal or knurled cylindrical bosses. Note that both versions are officially permitted for use in the VEX Robotics Competition. |
|
| Air Pressure Regulator | |
| Air Pressure Regulator Bracket | |
| Air Pressure Gauge | |
| Fittings | |
| 4mm Plug | |
| 4mm Tubing | |
| Double Acting Solenoid | |
| Double Acting Solenoid Driver Cable | |
| Pneumatic Cylinders - 25mm, 50mm, 75mm Stroke |
Legacy Parts and their SMC Equivalents (pre-2023)
| Part Name | Additional Description | SMC Part Number | Image |
| Reservoir | Reservoir, 1-1/2" X 4", w 1/8"NPT & M5 port | US14227-S0400 | |
| Cylinder Single Acting | Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder 10mm Bore | NCJ2D10-200S | |
| Cylinder Double Acting | Bi-directional Cylinder 10mm Bore | NCJ2D10-200 | |
| Solenoid Fwd, Reverse | 5/2 Single Solenoid Valve, 5VDC | SYJ3120-SMO-M3-F | |
| Solenoid On/Off | 3/2 Solenoid Valve, 5VDC | SY113-SMO-PM3-F | |
| Solenoid Driver | Cable w/Driver, Connects one VEX I/O Port to one Solenoid | 275-1417 (VEX p/n) | |
| Tubing | 4mm X 1696mm Length Tubing (Black) | TUO425B or 275-0447 (VEX p/n) | |
| Flow Meter | M5 elbow meter out flow control 4mm tubing | AS1201F-M5-04T | |
|
Fittings for Valves |
4mm Tubing x M3 Thread | KJS04-M3 or KJL04-M3 or KQ2S04-M3G or KQ2L04-M3G | |
|
Fittings for Reservoirs |
1/8 X 4mm Male Connector To Reservoir | KQ2H03-34S or "-34AS" | |
|
Fittings for Cylinders |
M5 Male Connector for Cylinders | KQ2S04-M5 or "-M5A" | |
|
Tire Pump Fitting |
Schrader Valve With 4mm Tube Fittings | 8090410075 | |
|
Tire Pump Fitting (2x) |
Schrader Valve With 2x 4mm Tube Fittings | US3729 | |
|
On/Off Switch |
Hand Valve / Finger Valve | VHK3-04F-04F | |
|
Pressure Regulator |
Mini Regulator w/ 4mm Fittings | A-474-0000005 | |
|
"T" Fitting |
"T" Fitting for Valves | KQ2T04-00 or "-00A" | |
|
Cylinder Mount |
Mount for Cylinder | CYLINDER-MOUNT | |
|
Cylinder Rod Pivot |
Pivot for the Cylinder Rod | CYLINDER-ROD-PIVOT | |