VEX IQ System - Not Lego

[DrJB]

During the last BrickWorld 2014 here in Chicago, there was a large display area (in the GBC section) of a lego-like system called VEX. The system is similar to the Mindstorms theme and comes with an intelligent brick and gamepad-like controllers. While I personally did not find the system 'appealing', there was quite an interest from the audience, judging from the crowd. The website (below) does provide enough information about the system, but I'm more interested in how this would be received by Lego enthusiasts, and what's the general consensus in this specific community.

http://www.vexrobotics.com/

PS. I was a bit surprised that a non-lego system would be 'allowed' in a Lego event but, since TLG was not a sponsor ... anything goes (so to speak)

[Tommy Styrvoky]

I know Vexpro provides CIM motors for FIRST robotics, but I was never aware of the system, for building. The motors are quite powerful, they have a massive amount of power (3 NM) that's roughly equivalent to 200 XL motors.

[Saberwing40k]

I've worked with the older metal Vex kits, and some of the Vexpro stuff, like the CIM motors, as I was on a FIRST robotics team. The CIM motors are a little bit irrelevant to Lego, as they are meant to power 180 pound metal robots, and draw an insane amount of current. The Vex metal kits are mildly interesting, but not to a Technic builder like me, as what I do is build functional replicas of real machines. The Vex IQ system is something I have not worked with personally, and it looks very similar to Lego Technic. However, while they do have many pieces that are similar to existing Technic pieces, there are many others that are unique to that system, that Lego for whatever reason has not included in Technic, even if they would be useful.

For instance, the Vex IQ system has:

• A bunch of beams that are 2xn, or even 4xn, which would be useful for making rigid structures
  
• Many kinds of useful perpendicular connectors that have no Lego equivalent
  
• Many different lengths of axles with a midpoint stop, similar to the existing 5.5L Lego axle
  
• 4L pins
  
• Wheels with good offsets
  
• Ready made omni wheels
  
• Different kinds of pin extenders
  
• Pieces with slots in them
  
• Tires that are larger and more proportional, with some being 250mm in diameter, which I think is larger than even the Power Puller tires
  
• Metal gears, shafts, and u joints
  

To make things even better, a lot of their parts, like beams and gears, come in an amazing variety of colors. Basically, the Vex IQ guys have it so that you can buy packs of parts in a specific color, something that Lego Technic fans have been clamoring for Lego to do for ages. If this little company can do it, why not Lego? Although, oddly, the Vex IQ system has no real toothed turntable piece, or differential gear, so there is that. But, between this and their other system, Vex could totally eat Lego's lunch when it comes to the educational buildable robotics system of choice, and that is a growing market.

[Rishab N]

I've worked with VEX before and its pretty awesome. The kits are expensive and the parts aren't pretty; however, the motors are extremely powerful and have no trouble moving heavy robots and the metal parts allow extreme rigidity. I would highly recommend giving these kits a try as they can be expensive, but offer a lot of potential. VEX actually sponsors design competitions for colleges and high schools which are interesting as they present a problem for which one must build a robot and usually the robots turn out to be extremely complicated.

I didn't see VEX at Brickworld Chicago though. Must have missed it

[DrJB]

... I didn't see VEX at Brickworld Chicago though. Must have missed it ...

It was part of the GBC setup, just before the 'farm' of 20+ identical modules. I'll look up pics I took, and if I find them, I'll upload.

Edited February 18, 2015 by DrJB

[JJTar]

VexIQ seems to be Vex's answer to Lego Mindstorms. They are being used in schools to get younger students interested in robotics and feed into Vex Robotics, which offers a competition for middle and high school students. This is the 3rd year for VexIQ competitions.

It seems easier for students to build with than Mindstorms, but the pins do not hold nearly as well. Students are learning how to make quick repairs mid-competition. Can use RobotC for programming.

They are now trying to get into the retail market, and are partnering with Hexbugs.

[Rishab N]

It was part of the GBC setup, just before the 'farm' of 20+ identical modules. I'll look up pics I took, and if I find them, I'll upload.

Actually thinking about it, I do remember there being VEX, I just didn't pay much attention as I was overwhelmed by the GBC