Mastering the VEX IQ (2nd gen) Competition Kit – VEX Library

Introduction

The VEX IQ 2nd gen Competition Kit is a comprehensive collection of parts designed to facilitate advanced robotic design and problem-solving. The competition add-on provides additional components tailored for competitive environments.

VEX IQ 2nd Gen Competition Kit shown open and being used to build a Hero Robot.

The base VEX IQ 2nd gen Education Kit is comprehensive, but the competition add-on is designed for those seeking to engage in competitions. It offers enhancements for mechanical efficiency, sophisticated designs, and competitive advantages.

Categories of Parts and Their Applications

This section provides details on the exclusive components in the VEX IQ 2nd gen Competition Kit, which are absent in the Education Kit. For a complete list of the Competition Kit components, view this poster from the VEX Library. Note the Education Kit is the first page contents, and the second page is the Competition Add-On. Together, these two pages make up an entire Competition Kit.

Diagram of the Linear Motion pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 6 total 1 by 8 Linear Motion Beams, 6 total 1 by 6 Linear Motion Beams, 4 total 1x Pitch Linear Motion Brackets (Snap), and 6 total 2x Pitch Linear Motion Brackets.

Linear Motion

Description: Allows for smooth movement along a single axis. Crucial for tasks like lifting or pushing objects with precision.
Example: An extendable robot arm that can reach and retrieve objects from different heights.

Diagram of all of the Cam pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 4 Cam Followers, 2 Small 3x Pitch Drop Cams, and 2 Large 1x Pitch Drop Cams.

Cams

Description: Converts rotational motion into linear motion. Useful for creating unique movement profiles.
Example: A robot mechanism that can emulate a rod extending or retracting due to the unique shape of the Cam, coupled with the Cam Follower.

Diagram of the Ball Socket Beam and Socket Linkage pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 8 total 1 by 4 Single Ended Ball Socket Beams, 2 total 1 by 3 Ball Socket Linkages, and 2 total 1 by 4 Ball Socket Linkages. Diagram of the Ball Pin Bushing pieces in the VEX GO Kit, indicating that there are 16 in the Kit.

Linear Motion

Description: Allows for smooth movement along a single axis. Crucial for tasks like lifting or pushing objects with precision.
Example: An extendable robot arm that can reach and retrieve objects from different heights.

Diagram of the Ratchet Pawl and Spool pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 2 total 2x Wide Spools, 2 total 16 Tooth Ratchets, and 3 total Short Low Profile Pawls.

Ratchet Pawl and Spool

Description: The ratchet and pawl mechanism permits movement in one direction and restricts it in the opposite. With a spool, it securely winds materials like string without unintentional unwinding.
Example: In a robot, this system can lift objects, ensuring they don't drop when lifting force ceases.

Diagram of the many Gear pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 7 varieties of circular gears listed, along with Linear Motion Rack Gears and Worm Gears.

Hybrid Gears, Rack Gears, and Worm Gears

Description: Hybrid gears transmit power between non-parallel shafts, while rack gears change rotation to linear motion, and worm gears boost torque.
Example: A climbing robot might use hybrid gears for 90-degree wheel power. Rack gears could aid a lift system due to the linear motion, and worm gears give cranes high torque.

Diagram of the Rubber Belt pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There are 2 Small Rubber Intake Belts and 1 Large Rubber Intake Belt.

Rubber Belts

Description: Rubber belts can function as intake tools or form tank treads for better robot traction.
Example: One robot might use belts to collect objects, while another employs them as treads for rough terrain navigation.

Diagram of the Shock Absorber pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There is 1 total 2x Pitch Shock Absorber Weak, and 1 total 2x Pitch Shock Absorber Strong.

Shock Absorbers

Description: Shock absorbers dissipate energy to protect a robot's structure from rough terrains or impacts.
Example: Robots jumping from heights might use these in their legs or base to lessen impact and avoid damage.

Diagram of the Pitch Flywheel piece in the VEX GO Kit.

Flywheel Weight

Description: Flywheels store and release rotational energy, granting robots quick bursts of speed or power. Plus, these weights aren't just for specific tasks – use them as versatile counterweights wherever you see fit.
Example: Robots aiming to shoot objects might use a flywheel to rapidly propel items when the energy is released.

Diagram of the many Additional Construction pieces in the VEX GO Kit. There is a variety of differently shaped beams and plates that can be used for structural or aesthetic purposes.

Additional Construction Pieces

Description: The Competition Kit offers diverse construction parts for flexible and detailed robot designs.
Example: Robots aiming for a distinct look or function might utilize these special pieces for aesthetics or particular structural needs.

This list presents the components exclusive to the Competition Add-On Kit. The kit also includes several foundational parts from the Education Kit, such as motors, connectors, wires, and wheels, ensuring a comprehensive building experience.

Competition Kit Benefits

Screenshot of the Full Volume IQ Competition tile.

The Competition Kit enhances robotic capabilities with a wider range of parts than the Education Kit.

Additionally, users can access this year's Full Volume STEM Lab at education.vex.com. If you're new to the VEX IQ Robotics Competition, this platform introduces the Herobot, guides you through its coding, and prepares you for competition with the augmented kit.

Competition Kit Parts Poster, with an overview of all of the pieces included in a VEX IQ Competition Kit.

Competition Kit Parts Poster: This guide provides a detailed overview of each component in the kit, aiding in quick part identification. It also outlines component placement, with the first page detailing the Education Kit and the second showcasing the Competition Add-On components.

Incorporating the competition add-on offers more than just additional parts; it broadens the scope of design possibilities. As robotics and STEM disciplines continue to advance, possessing the right tools becomes essential. The VEX Robotics Competition Kit, enhanced with the competition add-on, equips users for leading-edge innovation.