Understanding IQ (1st Generation) vs. (2nd Generation) – VEX Library

Introducing VEX IQ (2nd generation)

The VEX IQ system was launched in 2012 to give younger students an opportunity to participate in robotics. The IQ system allows students to build and design a variety of robotic solutions without the need of any tools. The (2nd generation) of the IQ system improves on the previous system while offering backward and forward compatibility with parts as well as electronics. This article will dive into the differences between the different generations of kits, and elaborate on this chart of differences found here.

Compatibility

The following table shows compatibility for IQ (1st generation) parts (background in pink) as well as IQ (2nd generation) parts (background in white).

Component	(1st generation)	(2nd generation)
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓ The (1st generation) and (2nd generation) batteries use different chargers. The (1st generation) Battery Chargers will not harm or charge the (2nd generation) batteries.	X
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	X
	✓	X
	✓	X The (2nd generation) charger, controller, and brain connect via USB-C.
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	X	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓
	✓	✓

Key Differences

The biggest difference between VEX IQ (1st generation) and (2nd generation) is the system's microcontroller (called the Robot Brain). There are also differences and similarities with the Batteries, Controller, sensors, and Kit contents.

The Brain

Diagram illustrating the components and features of the VEX IQ Robotics platform, designed for educational use and beginner robotics enthusiasts, as part of the 'Start Here' section in the VEX IQ knowledge base.

The IQ Robot Brain (2nd generation) offers some significant upgrades that include: a color screen, a built-in 6-axis inertial sensor, improved wireless connectivity, improved: CPU, Ram, and Flash; and a Micro SD card slot, among other things.

VEX IQ Robotics platform overview image, illustrating key components, programming resources, and educational materials for beginners in robotics, as part of the 'Start Here' section in the knowledge base. IQ Robot Brain (1st generation)

VEX IQ Robotics platform overview image, illustrating key components and resources for beginners, including documentation, programming with VEXcode IQ, project ideas, and best practices for building and programming robots. IQ Robot Brain (2nd generation)

Diagram illustrating the components and features of the VEX IQ Robotics platform, designed for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts, as part of the IQ category in the VEX knowledge base.

Since the IQ Robot Brain (2nd generation) offers improved hardware performance, it can execute programs written in Python and C++ using VEXcode, unlike the IQ Robot Brain (1st generation). Both brains are still programmable in VEXcode using blocks, the user just has to denote which brain is being used in VEXcode (image left). With the IQ Robot Brain (2nd generation), updates are now built into VEXcode, rather than having to use the VEXos Firmware Utility. The addition of an improved, internal 6-axis (vs. 1-axis external with (1st generation)) inertial sensor allows greater options in programming without having to attach sensors manually. It is also able to utilize the catalog of (1st generation) sensors, since they all use the same connection.

Battery

Batteries for the first and second generation are both 7.2v and 2,000 mAh. The newest batteries are now made with Li-ion instead of NiMh. Using lithium ion batteries instead of nickel metal hydride ensures batteries will maintain their voltage longer (about 5x longer without slowing down!). While both batteries have the same capacity, they do not discharge the same way. NiMh batteries’ voltage tends to wane toward the end of their charge, causing motors to slow down for example. (2nd generation) batteries also now have the LED battery level indicator, and use a USB-C charger but can be charged on a (1st generation) charger.

Image of the VEX IQ Robot Battery (1st generation) showcasing its design and features, relevant to educational resources and documentation for the VEX IQ Robotics platform. IQ Robot Battery (1st generation)

Image of the VEX IQ Robot Battery (2nd generation) showcasing its design and features, relevant for educational robotics enthusiasts and users of the VEX IQ platform. IQ Robot Battery (2nd generation)

Controller

The IQ Controller (2nd generation) offers three major improvements: two extra buttons (joystick “click” buttons when you press either of the joysticks in), USB-C connection for charging and communication, unlike (1st generation), and a built-in Bluetooth 5.0.

The (2nd generation) controllers are easier to pair with the brain. No cable is needed to pair and everything is done through the menu on the brain.

Image of the IQ Controller (1st generation) for VEX IQ Robotics platform, showcasing its design and features, relevant for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts. IQ Controller (1st generation)

Diagram of the IQ Controller (2nd generation) showing its components and layout, part of the VEX IQ Robotics platform resources for educational purposes and beginner robotics enthusiasts. IQ Controller (2nd generation)

IQ Kit Comparisons

IQ Super Kit (1st generation) vs. IQ Education Kit (2nd generation) and IQ Competition Kit (2nd generation)

The major difference between electronic kit contents is that the Super Kit and Education Kit contain 4 motors, while the Competition Kit contains 6 motors. The Super Kit contains 2 Touch LED and Bumpers, while the Education and Competition only contains 1 each. Lastly, the (2nd generation) Kits include the newly produced Pin Tool, which will make the removal of pins much easier!

VEX IQ Robotics platform overview image, illustrating key components and resources for educators and students, including programming, building best practices, and community support for robotics learning and competitions.

VEX IQ has always been available in kits, providing an array of parts to allow many creations. Previous kits came in a large bin with a tray. The Super Kit contains 787 parts.

VEX IQ Robotics platform overview image, illustrating components, programming resources, and educational support for beginners, featured in the 'Start Here' section of the knowledge base.

The new (2nd generation) Education Kit comes with two smaller bins with organized parts trays. The Education Kit contains 1052 parts.

Illustration of VEX IQ components and resources, showcasing educational tools and programming with VEXcode IQ, aimed at beginners and educators in robotics.

The Competition Kit comes with four bins with organized part trays. The Competition Kit contains 1773 parts.

If you have any additional questions, please refer to the IQ FAQ article.