Understanding Robot Features in VIQRC Slapshot


The robot used in the VIQRC Slapshot Playground in VEXcode VR is a virtual version of Snapshot, the VEX IQ Hero Bot, used for the 2022-2023 VEX IQ Competition (VIQRC) Slapshot. Virtual Snapshot has the same dimensions and motors as the physical Snapshot, but with added sensors for coding additional autonomous movements in VEXcode VR. In VEXcode VR's version of Slapshot, there is only one robot, and it is already preconfigured. This eliminates the need for a robot configuration, or a predetermined template project.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring a block-based coding layout for virtual robot programming, designed for educational purposes in STEM learning.


Robot Controls

Snapshot has the following controls:

A drivetrain with an Inertial Sensor. This enables the “Drivetrain” category of blocks in the Toolbox of VEXcode VR to drive and turn the robot.

An Arm controlled by the Arm Motor. This allows the robot to release disks from some of the dispensers and reach over the barrier to touch the contact zone at the end of a match.

  • The Arm is raised and lowered using the [Spin for] or [Spin to position] block. The default position is for the arm to be lowered.

An Intake controlled by the Intake Motor. This allows the robot to take in disks, or reverse the intake (reversing the intake is also called the outtake) to spin the disks out and away from the intake and score them.

  • The intake can be spun using the [Spin for] block. Spinning the intake for 180 degrees takes in a disk from the Field. 
  • Both the intake and the outtake can be moved using the [Spin] block. By spinning the motor for a set time and then stopping the motor, you can ensure that the disk has been cleared from the outtake.

Robot Sensors

Virtual Snapshot has added sensors for autonomous programming in VEXcode VR. These sensors are based on the VEX IQ (2nd generation) sensors including the Distance Sensor (2nd gen) and Optical Sensor.

Inertial

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring block-based coding options for users to create and debug virtual robot code, designed for STEM education.

An Inertial Sensor that is used with the drivetrain. This allows the robot to make accurate and precise turns.

The drivetrain heading reports a value from 0 to 359.9 degrees, and clockwise is positive.

Distance Sensor (2nd gen)

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring block-based coding options for users to create and test code for a virtual robot in a STEM educational context.

The Distance Sensor reports if an object is close to the sensor, as well the approximate distance from the front of the sensor to an object, in millimeters or inches.

Screenshot of the VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring a block-based coding layout designed for educational purposes in robotics and STEM learning.

The Distance Sensor on the front Snapshot can be used to detect how far away from the fence the robot currently is.

For more information about the IQ (2nd generation) Distance Sensor, see this VEX Library article.

Bumper Switch

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring block-based coding elements and a virtual robot for educational purposes in STEM learning.

The Bumper Switch reports if it is currently being pressed or not.

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring block-based coding elements and a virtual robot simulation for educational purposes in STEM learning.

The Bumper Switch is located within the Intake mechanism and can be used to determine if a disk has been loaded into the Intake.

For more information about the Bumper Switch, see this VEX Library article.

Optical Sensor

Screenshot of VEXcode VR interface showcasing the VIQC Slapshot (2022-2023) programming environment, featuring block-based coding elements and a virtual robot simulation for educational purposes in STEM learning.

The Optical Sensor uses reflected light to detect an object’s color, hue value, grayscale value, and proximity.

Image illustrating the VIQC Slapshot game for the 2022-2023 season, showcasing the virtual robot and coding interface in VEXcode VR, designed to enhance STEM education through programming and robotics principles.

The Optical Sensor located on the front Snapshot is used to detect the color of the dispensers.  

This can be useful when determining which dispenser to interact with and how the robot should respond to the dispenser to release the disks.

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

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