Driving Your VEX GO Competition Robot

Follow the steps in this article to start driving your VEX GO Competition Robot with VEXcode GO. For information on how to access VEXcode GO, see this article. 


Access the Drive tab in VEXcode GO

Image showing a device connected to a controller, illustrating the setup process for competition details in the GO category.

To access the Drive tab in VEXcode GO, first ensure the VEX GO Brain is connected to your device. For more information on how to connect your robot to your device, see these articles. 

Screenshot of the Drive tab interface from the VEX Robotics Knowledge Base, displaying competition details and settings for robotics teams in the GO category.

Next, select the Drive tab. VEXcode GO will switch from coding mode to the driving mode.


Drive Mode

Once in Drive mode, you can drive your VEX GO robot using the joysticks at the bottom of the screen.

You can change the type of joystick control for your robot by switching the Drive Mode to one of four different options:

  • Tank Drive
  • Left Arcade
  • Right Arcade
  • Split Arcade

Tank Drive

Diagram of a tank drive system, labeled with key components including wheels, motors, and chassis, illustrating the mechanics of movement for robotics competition.

Tank drive uses both joysticks. Select the Tank Drive icon. Two joysticks will be visible.

Diagram of a tank drive system used in robotics competitions, illustrating wheel arrangement and movement mechanics, relevant to the Competition Details section in the GO category.

The left joystick will move the left motor forward when moved up, and the left motor backwards when it is moved down. The right joystick works in the same way for the right motor.

  • To move your robot forward, move both joysticks up.
  • To move backward, move both joysticks down.
  • To turn your robot to the right, move your left joystick up and/or the right joystick down.
  • To turn your robot to the left, move the right joystick up and/or the left joystick down.

Left Arcade

Left arcade callout graphic illustrating key features and details relevant to the competition in the GO category, highlighting important elements for participants.

The left arcade only uses one joystick. Select the left arcade icon. The left joystick will be visible.

Left view of an arcade setup featuring various gaming machines and colorful lighting, representing the competitive gaming environment in the GO category.

  • To move your robot forward, move the joystick up.
  • To move your robot backward, move the joystick down.
  • To turn your robot to the right, move the joystick to the right.
  • To turn your robot left, move the joystick to the left.

Right Arcade

Illustration of an arcade game setup with a right-facing callout, highlighting key features and instructions for competition details in the GO category.

The Right arcade only uses one joystick. Select the Right arcade icon. The Right joystick will be visible.

Image of a right arcade structure, showcasing its design and features, relevant to the Competition Details section of the GO category.

  • To move your robot forward, move the joystick up.
  • To move your robot backward, move the joystick down.
  • To turn your robot to the right, move the joystick to the right.
  • To turn your robot to the left, move the joystick to the left.

Split Arcade

Illustration of a split arcade callout, showcasing key features and details relevant to the GO competition, highlighting the design and layout of the arcade setup.

The Split arcade uses two joysticks. Select the Split arcade icon. Both joysticks will be visible.

Image of a split arcade setup featuring various gaming stations, illustrating the competition details for the GO category.

  • To move your robot forward, move the left joystick up.
  • To move your robot backward, move the left joystick down.
  • To turn your robot to the right, move the right joystick to the right.
  • To turn your robot left, move the right joystick to the left.

For information about the other details and controls in the Drive Tab, see this article.

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

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