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Using the Default Autopilot Program on the VEX IQ (1st gen) Brain

The Autopilot Program is a default program built into the VEX IQ Robot Brain so it can be used with the Autopilot build without programming. The Autopilot Program has three modes: Random, Spiral, and Lawnmower. 

Random Mode Diagram representing the Random Mode Autopilot program. Above, the robot is shown encountering an obstacle and turning in a random direction. Below, the Color Sensor is shown responding to the color red and the Touch LED is glowing red. Behavior

The robot will explore by driving in a straight line.
When it encounters an obstacle, it will back up, spin a random
amount, and proceed in a new direction.

When the Touch LED is tapped or the Color Sensor sees
blue, the robot will switch to Spiral Mode.
Spiral Mode Diagram representing the Spiral Mode Autopilot program. Above, the robot is shown driving in an outward spiral. Below, the Color Sensor is shown responding to the color blue and the Touch LED is glowing blue. The robot will explore by driving in a spiral.
When it encounters an obstacle, the robot will drive to a
new location and begin to spiral again.

When the Touch LED is tapped or the Color Sensor
sees green, the robot will switch to Lawnmower Mode.
Lawnmower Mode Diagram representing the Lawnmower Mode Autopilot program. Above, the robot is shown driving in parallel rows as if mowing a lawn. Below, the Color Sensor is shown responding to the color green and the Touch LED is glowing green. The robot will explore by driving back and forth as if
mowing a lawn. When it encounters an obstacle, it will
turn away and proceed in the opposite direction.

When the Touch LED is tapped or the Color Sensor
sees red, the robot will switch to Random Mode.

Above is a view of the Brain's Smart Ports, with 6 on opposite sides for 12 total. Below is a view of the Brain's screen and buttons.

Check that Smart Ports 1-12 have the device listed in the table.

Smart Port Number Device
1 Left Motor Drive
2 Distance Sensor
3 Color Sensor
4 Gyro Sensor
5 Touch LED
6 Right Drive Motor
7 Not Used
8 Back Left Bumper Switch
9 Back Right Bumper Switch
10 Not Used
11 Not Used
12 Right Drive Motor
  • Check that Smart Ports 1-12 have the device listed in the table above.

NOTE: To review how to connect devices to Smart Ports properly, click here. 

On the left the Brain's screen is shown in the Programs menu and the Demos option is selected. On the right the Brain's screen is shown in the Demos menu and the Autopilot option is selected.

After powering on the Brain, highlight and press the Check button to select Demos.

Highlight and press the Check button to start the Autopilot program.

NOTE: The Brain will alert you if the Smart Ports are missing the proper sensors or motors.

On the left the Brain's screen is shown after starting the Autopilot program. The program could not run correctly, and the screen reads Missing Device, showing a list of connecting devices below. On the right the Brain's screen is shown after starting the Autopilot program, and the screen reads Devices are plugged in correctly.

The Brain's screen is shown three times while the Autopilot program is running. First, it has been running for 30 seconds and the screen reads Running, Random. Next, it has been running for 1 minute and 10 seconds and the screen reads Running, Spiral. Lastly, it has been running for 1 minute and 48 seconds and the screen reads Running, Lawnmower.

Allow the Autopilot program to control the robot’s behaviors.

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

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