Coding with VEXcode IQ (1st gen) – VEX Library

VEXcode IQ is the coding environment for programming a VEX IQ Robot. The following article provides links to other articles that will help you start coding with VEXcode IQ. At the end of this article, you will have the option of either programming the VEX Clawbot IQ to drive forward or to create a project to print ‘VEX’ on the LCD display of the VEX IQ Brain.

VEX IQ Robotics platform promotional image showcasing educational resources, components, and programming tools for beginners and educators in robotics, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning and innovation in the VEX IQ ecosystem.

Note: in order to test your project at the end of this article, ensure you begin with a charged IQ Battery.

This article will include:

Download the application
Devices and Templates
Using Blocks
Saving
Update firmware if needed
Downloading and Running
Opening a project
Additional helpful links
My First Project
- Print ‘VEX’ example (no robot build required)
- Drive Forward example (Clawbot IQ build required)

Download the application

VEXcode IQ is available for several different types of devices. The application needs to be downloaded onto your device. View the VEXcode download page.

Screenshot of a VEX IQ robotics programming interface displaying code blocks and project elements, illustrating educational resources and documentation for beginners in robotics.

The following links will help you download the application onto your device:

Devices and Templates

Screenshot of the VEX IQ Robotics platform interface, showing the main menu options and features available for users to explore educational resources, programming tools, and project ideas related to VEX IQ robotics.

When you open a new VEXcode IQ project, the project is set up to only use the VEX IQ Brain. The only blocks which will appear in the Toolbox are the default blocks.

A project is customized by adding the devices that are being used on your robot. Additional blocks will populate the Toolbox for each device that is added.

Flowchart illustrating the VEX IQ robotics system components and their connections, designed to aid beginners in understanding the setup and programming of VEX IQ kits for educational purposes.

For example, adding a ‘DRIVETRAIN 2 motor’ device will add the set of ‘Drivetrain’ blocks to the Toolbox.

Diagram of the Clawbot Autopilot system for VEX IQ Robotics, illustrating key components and connections, designed to aid educators and students in understanding programming and building concepts in robotics.

There are a number of standard VEX IQ builds, such as the Clawbot and the Autopilot, that can be used in the classroom and the VEX STEM Labs.

Diagram of VEX IQ Clawbot devices showcasing various components and configurations used in educational robotics, illustrating the assembly and functionality of the Clawbot for beginners and educators.

VEXcode IQ has a number of templates that are already set up for these builds. For example, an easy way to start a VEXcode IQ project for the Clawbot IQ, is to use an example template. This will configure the Clawbot’s devices and add the specific devices’ blocks to the Toolbox.

Screenshot of the File Menu in VEXcode IQ, showcasing options for saving, opening, and managing projects within the VEX IQ Robotics platform, relevant to educational resources and beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Open an example project by selecting ‘Open Examples’ from the File menu.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ Filter Bar interface, showcasing options for navigating and filtering articles related to the VEX IQ Robotics platform in the knowledge base.

Select ‘Templates’ from the Filter bar.

Screenshot of a VEX IQ robotics tutorial article, featuring diagrams and text explaining components and programming for educational robotics, located in the Legacy Articles section of the VEX IQ knowledge base.

Then select the Clawbot (Drivetrain 2-motor) Template.

Note: view the Robot Config section of articles for more information on configuring devices.

Using Blocks

VEXcode IQ opens as a Blocks project. Programming with blocks provides an environment that is accessible, with a very low entry threshold. However, coding a Blocks project also allows for an advanced level of programming.

A block can be added to a project by dragging it over from the Toolbox to the workspace.

Screenshot showing the process of adding a block in VEXcode IQ, illustrating the user interface and options available for programming VEX IQ robots, relevant to educational resources in the VEX IQ category.

It can be just as easily deleted from the project by dragging the block off of the workspace.

Illustration depicting various components and concepts related to the VEX IQ Robotics platform, highlighting educational resources, programming, and project ideas for beginners and educators in the field of robotics.

Some additional helpful articles using blocks include:

Saving

Once you have completed your VEX IQ project, it will need to be saved to your device. Saving your project differs depending on your device.

Save icon representing options to save content or progress related to VEX IQ Robotics platform documentation and resources for educational robotics enthusiasts.

The following articles explain how to save your project on your device:

Update firmware if needed

The VEX IQ Brain and other smart devices have an underlying software that allows the devices to work with the VEXcode IQ project. This software is called firmware, or otherwise known as VEXos.

VEXos Utility interface screenshot showing features and options for VEX IQ Robotics platform, part of the legacy articles section in the knowledge base, aimed at educational resources for beginner robotics enthusiasts.

If the firmware is not up to date with your current version VEXcode IQ, you will not be able to download your project to the IQ Brain. VEXcode IQ alerts you when the firmware is not up to date by displaying an orange brain icon as soon as a powered IQ Brain is connected to your device.

Illustration of an orange brain representing cognitive functions, used in the context of VEX IQ Robotics educational resources and tutorials for beginner robotics enthusiasts.

Note: view the Firmware - Get Started - VEXcode IQ article for more information about firmware.

Downloading and Running

Diagram of the VEX IQ Brain connected to various components, illustrating the setup for educational robotics projects and programming with VEXcode IQ, as part of the VEX IQ Robotics platform resources.

Your VEXcode IQ project needs to be downloaded to the VEX IQ Brain in order for your project to run. This is accomplished with a USB cord connected between the IQ Brain and your device.

VEX IQ Brain interface displayed on an iPad, showcasing the VEX IQ Robotics platform's programming and control features for educational robotics.

Or, wirelessly with iPad/Android tablet devices.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ download slots interface, displaying four available download options for VEXcode IQ software, relevant for educators and students in the VEX IQ Robotics platform.

The VEX IQ Brain has four download slots which allows four different projects to be stored on the IQ Brain at the same time.

Once the VEX IQ Brain is connected and a slot is selected, your project can be downloaded to the IQ Brain, and then run. When a project is run, it allows you to see how the project affects the behavior of your robot.

Occasionally, a download error may occur during the download process. However, these are usually easy to troubleshoot.

The following articles will help you with downloading and running your VEXcode IQ project:

Note: Before downloading your project, review the Pre-Downloading a Project Checklist.

Opening a Project

Once a VEXcode IQ project has been saved on your device, it can be opened at a later time to be re-downloaded onto your robot, or the project can be modified.

Screenshot of the VEX IQ knowledge base article titled 'Once It Has Been Saved', showcasing information related to saving projects in VEXcode IQ, aimed at educational purposes for beginner robotics enthusiasts.

The following articles will help you open your VEXcode IQ project on your specific device:

Additional helpful links

There are many additional VEX Library articles to assist you when working with the VEXcode IQ.

Some additional helpful articles to get started include:

There are also many fun and educational activities found in the VEX IQ STEM Labs.

VEX IQ Robotics platform logo featuring a stylized robot design, representing educational resources, programming, and project ideas for beginner robotics enthusiasts in the IQ category of the knowledge base.

My First Project

The following two projects will allow you to practice building a project in VEXcode IQ.

Print ‘VEX’

This project will allow you to build a project without having to assemble a robot. All that will be needed is the VEX IQ Brain and a charged battery.

Ensure the IQ Brain is connected to your device and powered on.

VEXcode IQ icon representing the VEX IQ Robotics platform, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts, featuring resources on programming, building, and project ideas in the VEX IQ knowledge base.

Launch VEXcode IQ.

Blank project template for VEX IQ Robotics platform, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts, showcasing a clean layout for users to start their robotics projects.

A new blank project will open.

Screenshot of a VEX IQ robotics article showcasing legacy resources, including documentation and tutorials for educators and students, aimed at enhancing understanding of robotics concepts and supporting projects within the VEX IQ ecosystem.

From the ‘Looks’ category select a [Print] block and attach it to the {When started} block.

Screenshot showing the 'Replace The Word' feature in VEXcode IQ, illustrating how to modify text in programming projects for VEX IQ robotics, relevant to educational resources and tutorials for beginners.

Replace the word ‘Hello’ in the parameter with the word ‘VEX.’

Screenshot illustrating the steps to download and run VEX IQ software, featuring a user interface with options for installation and setup, relevant for educators and students in robotics.

Save, download, and run your project.

Screenshot of the BrainScreen interface from VEX IQ, displaying various programming options and settings for robotics education, illustrating the user-friendly design for beginners and educators in the VEX IQ ecosystem.

‘VEX’ will print on the LED display of the IQ Brain.

Drive Forward

This project is intended to be used with the standard Clawbot IQ. View the Clawbot with Controller STEM Lab for build instructions.

Image of the Clawbot IQ, a VEX IQ Robotics platform model, showcasing its design and components, used for educational purposes in beginner robotics and programming with VEXcode IQ.

Ensure the IQ Brain is connected to your device and powered on.

Launch VEXcode IQ.

Blank project template for VEX IQ Robotics platform, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts, showcasing a clean layout for users to start their robotics projects.

A new blank project will open.

Open the ‘Clawbot (Drivetrain 2-motor)’ example project.

Note: The template requires a Gyro to be plugged into Smart Port 4.

Diagram illustrating the drivetrain layout for VEX IQ robotics, showcasing components and connections essential for building and programming robots in educational settings.

From the ‘Drivetrain’ category, select a [Drive for] block and attach it to the {When started} block.

Note: Driving forward for 200 millimeters will move the Clawbot’s wheels forward one rotation.

Save, download, and run your project. The Clawbot will now drive forward 200 mm.

Note: if you experience any issues when working with VEXcode IQ, please use the feedback tool found within VEXcode IQ.