Using the Electromagnet in VEXcode VR with Python – VEX Library

This Electromagnet on the VEX VR Robot can be controlled to pick up and drop disks with metal cores.

What is an Electromagnet?

Red and blue disks that the electromagnet can pick up in VEXcode VR

An electromagnet is a specific type of magnet where the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. The VEX VR Robot has an electromagnet to pick up and put down disks that contain metal cores.

Electromagnet command in the Python Toolbox for controlling a magnet in VEXcode VR

The VEX VR Robot Electromagnet is located at the front of the robot pointing down towards the Playground currently in use.

How Electromagnets Work

Python command setting the electromagnet to boost mode

On specific Playgrounds in VEXcode VR, there are disks with metal cores that can be used with the Electromagnet.

By setting the Electromagnet to boost, the user is able to energize the magnet.

Electromagnet collecting a disk in VEXcode VR Playground

Any disks beneath the Electromagnet will be picked up by the VR Robot.

Electromagnet drops a disk in the VEXcode VR Playground

By setting the Electromagnet to drop, the user de-energizes the magnet.

Electromagnet drops a disk in VEXcode VR

Any disk currently being held by the VR Robot Electromagnet will be dropped.

Uses in VEXcode VR with Python

Electromagnet robot moving a disk to a new location in the VEXcode VR Playground

The VR Robot Electromagnet can be used on the Disk Transport Playground. Disks of varying colors lie within a walled area.

Electromagnet collecting a disk in VEXcode VR

The following example has the VR Robot drive forward into the Castle walls, turn left, then pick up and drop a blue disk.

Electromagnet picking up and stacking disks in VEXcode VR

For an extra challenge, attempt to stack disks on top of one another. While the Electromagnet can only hold one disk at a time, the user is able to stack disks two high and still travel over the stack.