Get Started Engineering

Entry Points to VEX and the REC Foundation

A wealth of engineering resources and content is available to you through VEX and REC, and is collected here for easy access. We will add more information to this article and the resources continually.

Now more than ever, we see how quickly the world can change. As society and technology rapidly evolve, we need to fill “the jobs of tomorrow.” With how quickly technology is advancing, some of these jobs do not even exist yet. These jobs will solve complex and interdisciplinary problems.

The field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is used to solve these complex problems using one of the core elements of STEM: engineering. Engineering is not a new field and has been around for a long time. We can see elements of engineering dating back to the Egyptian eras with intricate pyramid designs and up to now by viewing majestic buildings and even in our own everyday devices like phones.

Engineering, which is the application of science and mathematics to solve problems, has many different facets. These include but are not limited to: chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, and software. However, at the core of each of these types of engineering is the ability to critically think, iterate, think outside the box, and ultimately, solve problems.

Robotics is the perfect organizer to give you an engaging way to explore and experiment with abstract engineering concepts through tangible materials. Robotics brings ideas to life in visible ways, gives you the tools to solve problems that you see around you, and opens a door to the world of engineering in fun, collaborative, and extraordinary ways.

Lauren Harter - Director of Instructional Technology, VEX Robotics


Interviews With Students About Engineering

Watch and learn as teams and students describe how they approach different aspects of VEX Robotics.

A detailed view of a VEX Robotics robot design showcasing various components and structure, aimed at educational purposes in the 'Start Here' section. Caution Tape team 839Z describes their robot design process >

Image of a robot designed by Eastwood Robotics, showcasing its features and components, used for educational purposes in robotics. This image is part of the 'Start Here' section in the Education category. Eastwood Robotics team 8787X discuss their robot and engineering design process >

A group of students engaged in a robotics workshop, collaborating on building a robot. The image highlights teamwork and hands-on learning in an educational setting. How FHCS Robotics made decisions about lift and drivetrain design >

Highlander Battalion Robotics team showcasing their robot at a competition, emphasizing teamwork and innovation in education. How Highlander Battalion Robotics iterated from a Clawbot to their Worlds robot >

A group of students engaged in robotics engineering, collaborating around a table with various robot components and tools, showcasing hands-on learning in an educational setting. How JTMS Robotics used engineering to meet their competition goals >

Team 995 robotics team members collaborating on a project, showcasing teamwork and innovation in an educational setting. How team 99500D changed their robot design based on their code >

A robot designed by Eastwood Robotics, showcasing its features and educational purpose in a classroom setting, representing the intersection of technology and learning in the education category. How the Eastwood Robotics Team made intake conveyor decisions >

A group of students engaged in a robotics competition, showcasing their robot on a field, emphasizing teamwork and innovation in education. How the Fighting JV Farmers made decisions about drivetrain design >

Image of a group of students engaged in a robotics workshop, collaborating on a project with VEX Robotics equipment, showcasing hands-on learning in an educational setting. The Highlanders discuss engineering and robot design >

A group of colorful owl-shaped robots designed for educational purposes, showcasing their features and interactive elements, set against a bright background, emphasizing creativity and learning in robotics. The Owlbots discuss their robot’s design >

A group of students engaged in a robotics workshop, collaborating on a project with VEX Robotics kits, showcasing teamwork and creativity in an educational setting. The Robogremlins describe their robot design process >

Colorful igneous rock sample displayed on a white background, highlighting its texture and mineral composition, used for educational purposes in geology. Igneous Robotics on engineerings >


Hero Robots

Each year VEX provides teams with a starting point to play the current VEX IQ (VIQC) and VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) games. These designs allow experienced teams to quickly assemble a robot to investigate the game's dynamics, and help new teams learn valuable building skills by creating a robot they can customize to compete with early in the season.

VIQC Hero Bot Snapshot (2022-2023)

Watch the engineer explain Snapshot

Read the article

Build the Hero Bot

Illustration depicting the key steps for starting an educational journey, including icons for planning, resources, and support, designed to guide users in the 'Start Here' section of the Education category.

VRC Hero Bot Disco (2022-2023)

Watch the engineer explain Disco

Read the article

Build the Hero Bot

Illustration depicting key concepts in education, featuring a diverse group of students engaged in collaborative learning activities, symbolizing the importance of teamwork and communication in the learning process.

Tip: builds.vex.com has build instructions for a variety of robots including current and past Hero robots.


Engineering Design Process

VEX IQ Engineering Design Process Diagram illustrating the steps of the engineering design process, including defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, prototyping, testing, and evaluating, aimed at guiding students in educational settings.

The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow when they are trying to solve a problem and design a solution for something; it is a methodical approach to problem solving.


Mechanical Knowledge

Illustration depicting educational resources and tools for beginners in the 'Start Here' section of the VEX Knowledge Base, highlighting key features and support for users in the education category.

The VEX Library has many articles about building VEX robots, including information on motors, drivetrains, mechanisms, structure, competition robots, pneumatics, and safety. 


Electronics Usage

Screenshot of a VEX Robotics educational resource, displaying key information and instructions for beginners in the 'Start Here' section, designed to assist new users in navigating the platform effectively.

The VEX Library has many articles about using VEX electronics, including information on brains, controllers, sensors, and batteries.


Coding Your Robot

Screenshot of a computer screen displaying educational content related to starting a project, featuring a user interface with various options and instructions for beginners in the VEX Education platform.

There are many ways to learn coding with VEX. This article will provide links and resources to everything you need.

Learn more at coding.vex.com

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

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