1. VEX Library
  2. EXP
  3. VEXcode EXP
  4. Key Features

New Features in VEXcode EXP 4.0

VEXcode EXP 4.0 introduces a range of new features. This major update focuses on enhancing productivity and accessibility in robotics coding. Read below to learn what new features are available with VEXcode EXP 4.0!

Go here to download the new installer for VEXcode EXP 4.0!

CTE Workcell

VEXcode EXP now fully supports the CTE Workcell. The CTE Workcell introduces students to the world of industrial robotics and automation through hands-on activities. View the animation below to see an example of a project built with the CTE Workcell using conveyor belts, the 6-Axis Robotic Arm, and various sensors.

Teach Pendant menu opened in VEXcode EXP, with many options to control, test, and calibrate the 6-Axis Robotic Arm.

In VEXcode EXP, the 6-Axis Robotic Arm can be directly connected to a computer without an EXP Brain to access the Teach Pendant.

Teach pendants are devices used to control and program robotic arms and other machinery for industrial automation and include buttons or a touch screen that allow operators to manually guide a robot's movements.

Connecting the 6-Axis Robotic Arm to an EXP Brain will also allow you to integrate new devices into your CTE project like the CTE Pneumatics system, Signal Tower, and Object Sensor.

Go here to learn more about the CTE Workcell and using it in classrooms.

Switch Blocks

New Switch Blocks are now available, making the transition from block-based coding to text-based programming seamless.

Switch block is shown in VEXcode EXP being dragged out of the Toolbox into the Workspace. The user selects the Switch block and starts to enter a Python command into it.

Drag and Drop Switch Blocks: All Switch Blocks are available to be dragged from the toolbox and typed into directly.

Switch block is shown in the VEXcode EXP Workspace. A user is using the autocorrect feature to enter a complete Python command into the block. The command reads drivetrain.turn_for(LEFT, 90, DEGREES).

Type Python Directly Into Blocks Projects: VEXcode allows you to incorporate Python commands directly into your projects, integrating them seamlessly with other Blocks. To assist you in writing correct code, VEXcode also provides an autocomplete feature for Python commands.

A stack of Motion blocks are shown in the VEXcode EXP Workspace. A user right clicks the stack to open its context menu and then selects the Convert Stack to Switch Block option. The stack of three blocks is converting into one Switch block with three corresponding lines of Python.

Code Conversion: Convert entire block stacks to Python with a single click.

This feature is perfect for learners looking to graduate from blocks to text. For more information about coding with Switch Blocks, go here.

Save and Load in Web-based VEXcode

Project Name field on the VEXcode EXP Toolbar with a Saving message that updates as the project is saved. First the message reads Not Saved, then Saving, and then Saved.

Web-based VEXcode will now automatically save project changes once your project has been initially saved.

Other changes to the File Menu:

  • Load From Your Device has now been changed to Open.
  • Save to Your Device has now been changed to Save as.
  • You can also now manually save using the Save button.

For a step-by-step guide on how to load and save VEXcode EXP Project on a Chrome Browser, go here.

Updated AI Vision Sensor Detection

The AI Vision Sensor is now able detect AprilTags and AI Classifications.

AI Vision Utility menu in VEXcode EXP, displaying the camera's live feed capturing three AprilTags. The AprilTags feature is toggled on, while the AI Classification is turned off. The recognized tags are labeled with their respective IDs, coordinates, and dimensions.

AprilTags are images that can be detected and have unique IDs. They can be printed out and used in fields for use with robots. Download a printable AprilTag PDF here.

AI Vision Utility menu in VEXcode EXP. The menu shows a live camera feed with four objects detected: a red ball, a blue ball, a green ring, and a red ring, each with bounding boxes displaying their colors, positions, dimensions, and confidence scores. The right panel has options for enabling AprilTags and AI Classification, with the AI Classification mode set to Classroom Elements.

The AI Vision Sensor can also identify different colored buckyballs and rings from the VEX EXP Classroom Bundles.

Go here to learn about how to use the AI Vision Sensor in Blocks, Python, and C++.

Read Blocks Aloud

All Blocks inside VEXcode EXP 4.0 can now be read aloud with a simple right-click.

This feature is available on all devices but Android.

VEXcode EXP Drive for block is shown with its context menu opened. The options from top to bottom read Duplicate, Disable Block, Delete Blocks, Block Help, Convert Block to Switch Block, and Read Block. The Read Block option is highlighted.

  • Customizable Voices: Choose from various voices and adjust speed and pitch in the new Tools Menu.
  • Context Menu Integration: Right-click any block to hear it read aloud.

Go here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the Read Feature in VEXcode.

Tools Menu

VEXcode EXP 4.0's new Tools Menu is packed with features for productivity and accessibility.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with the Tools dropdown menu opened. Four options are shown, which read Theme, Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, and API Documentation.

Keyboard Shortcuts

There are new Keyboard shortcuts available for starting, stopping, and opening help documentation.

Mac Windows
VEXcode EXP Mac Toolbar with the Tools dropdown menu open and the Keyboard Shortcuts option selected. The available Keyboard shortcuts are shown in a second dropdown menu to the right, with 3 options that read Start, Stop, and Open Help. Each option has a corresponding keyboard hotkey. The Start hotkey is the Command key with the Return key, the Stop hotkey is the Command key with the E key, and the Open Help hotkey is the Command key with the H key. VEXcode EXP Windows Toolbar with the Tools dropdown menu open and the Keyboard Shortcuts option selected. The available Keyboard shortcuts are shown in a second dropdown menu to the right, with 3 options that read Start, Stop, and Open Help. Each option has a corresponding keyboard hotkey. The Start hotkey is the Control key with the Enter key, the Stop hotkey is the Control key with the E key, and the Open Help hotkey is the Control key with the H key.

High Contrast Theme

High contrast themes increase the distinction between text and background, making content easier to read for users with low vision, color blindness, or other visual impairments.

Default High Contrast
VEXcode EXP blocks project with blocks from several categories to showcase the Default color scheme. VEXcode EXP blocks project with blocks from several categories to showcase the High Contrast color scheme.

Speech Settings

Working with the new Read Blocks feature, you can change the voice used, the speed of speech, and the pitch from this menu.

VEXcode EXP Speech Settings window with a dropdown menu to choose the voice, two sliders to change the pitch and speed, and finally a Test Voice button to listen to the current voice settings.

API Documentation

Access comprehensive API documentation, making it easier than ever to explore and utilize the full potential of your VEX EXP robot.

VEXcode EXP API Documentation page for the turn_for Python command. The API pages include explanations, features, and example projects for each Block and text command.

Click here to access the official VEX API Reference site.

Web-based Wireless Project Downloads

Web-based VEXcode EXP is now able to wirelessly connect to an EXP Brain through an EXP Controller.

VEXcode EXP Toolbar with a green Controller icon next to a green Brain icon. The two icons are highlighted in a box together.

To learn how to wirelessly download a project to your EXP Brain, go here.

For more information, help, and tips, check out the many resources at VEX Professional Development Plus

Last Updated: