VEX EDR is a worldwide run competition, where participants build robots according to specifications that preform tasks, scoring points throughout the 2 minute match.
So what does each match involve?
Two teams are paired together in an alliance and have to work together against the clock to perform the preset challenge and score points.
Each match is 2 minutes long and is split into:
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Autonomous (30 seconds)
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Driver Control
The Autonomous portion of the match is preprogrammed by the team and the robot moves on its own. The points scored in this time are allocated separately and are extremely important as they can easily throw a tight match!
After qualifying rounds, the top teams then are able to choose their alliances for the following elimination matches. This involves a lot of strategising, as you have to be able to think on your toes and find an alliance that will benefit your bot, as not all robot and teams are built the same.
Kiwibots is the New Zealand home of VEX, with the national manager, Chris Hamling, being widely involved behind the scenes and at every scrimmage.
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Why VEX?
VEX EDR encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills, as the team has to be able to build, program and drive robot, built from scratch. With the ever-growing technology and STEM industries, VEX EDR provides an outlet for the future scientists and engineers of the world.
With building a robot to perform a task, participants are forced to think creatively, as well as critically, to create unique robots and strategies to take the metal plaque home and be crowned the World Champions!
VEX is also extremely supportive and acknowledges the gender indifferences that large STEM industries are infamous for, and has created GirlPowered, a series of challenges aimed at girls specifically in VEX to give them a voice and a platform to raise awareness and break stereotypes directed towards women in STEM.
VEX EDR is the worldwide competition, competed in by thousands of people each year.