Sign into CS2N

The VEX IQ robotics system is ideal for teaching robotics, programming, and STEM subjects that are relatable to the real world, and can be used for robotics competitions. The system comprises several key electrical components such as the Robot Brain, Battery, Sensors, and Controller.The VEX IQ Robot Brain is the large grey brick that controls all the other parts in the system as long as they are plugged in. 

Motors and Sensors connect to the brain when they are plugged into the ports along the top and bottom of the Brain. You can plug any motor or sensor into any of the 12 ports, but you will need to set them up in the VEXcode IQ Blocks programming software.

You can learn more  about these VEX IQ key components from the VEX Knowledge Base: 

VEXcode IQ Blocks is an easy-to-use block based coding environment.  If you have not done so already, download the VEXcode IQ Blocks software.  The latest version of the software can be found here.

If you need additional help to download the software, follow these steps from the VEX Knowledge Base: 

The lessons in this course are designed around the VEX IQ Clawbot. Other robot configurations may be used with this course, but you may need to account for those differences in your programs.

If you do not already have a built robot, follow along with these instructions to build the VEX IQ Clawbot:

Many of the electrical components of the VEX IQ robotics system (Robot Brain, Motors, Controller, Sensors) contain their own processors and software in order to complete their specific roles. This component-specific software is often called firmware. The name for the firmware for the VEX IQ robotics system is VEXos. Keeping your firmware up to date is the best way to ensure that your system is working properly.

VEX has greatly simplified the process of keeping the VEXos firmware across these components up-to-date. When updating firmware, connect any and all components to the Robot Brain, connect the Robot Brain to a Windows or Mac computer, and run the VEXos utility.

If you are not already familiar with this process, you can follow along with these detailed instructions in the VEX Knowledge base. 

Interested in programming a virtual robot? Coding and Computational Thinking with a Virtual Robot has over 90 virtually simulated environments.  If you'd like access to the full virtual solution, you can purchase it using the Digital Store button at the top of the page or at the CMU University store.