Welcome to the VEX AI Robotics Competition (VAIRC)!
The REC Foundation and VEX Robotics are excited to welcome you to VAIRC this season. If you are a returning team, welcome back. If you are interested in getting started, please read this FAQ to learn more about the VEX AI Robotics Competition!
What makes VAIRC different from the VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC) and the VEX U Robotics Competition (VURC)?
VEX GPS, VEX LINK, an AI Vision System, and the resulting Sensor Fusion create an opportunity for students to take their autonomous robots a level up! The VEX AI Robotics Competition pushes the boundaries of robotics competitions. The game is separate from the V5RC and VURC competitions.
Here's How it Works
- Two robots per team – Each team brings two robots that they design and build to work as a team.
- Parts – Teams can 3D print and machine parts. Teams can use custom electronics, and there are no motor quantity limits. Robot construction rules will largely match those for the VEX U Robotics Competition.
- Grade level – This game is open to High School students and College students alike.
- Registration – Season registration is $200 for each team.
- AI Electronics – For your convenience, VEX is offering a hardware kit that can be used to run a VAIRC Team. It includes the VEX GPS, VEX LINK, an AI Vision System, Sensor Fusion Map, and cables for $1499. SKU 276-8983.
How do I order the VEX AI Add-on Kit?
VEX is offering this add-on kit https://www.vexrobotics.com/276-8983.html for $1499 USD that contains the additional electronics to equip your 2 robots. If you don't need everything in the kit, you can purchase the same or similar items individually from VEX and other sources. Using the VURC robot rules allows for a lot of variation in these products and how they are used.
VEX has also provided a set of articles in the VEX Library to help you get started with the AI equipment.
Where is the VAIRC Game Manual?
2024-25 Game Manual, Section 7
Who do I ask for help with registering teams or events?
If you have questions this season about how to navigate RobotEvents.com or this season’s events, please contact your REC Foundation Regional Support Manager.
Who do I ask for help with technical questions?
The VEX Forum and more specifically, the VAIRC channel is a valuable resource to teams where you can get technical support from VEX Technical Specialists and interact with your VAIRC community.
Who do I ask for help with a game related question or rule interpretation?
The Official Q&A is a valuable resource where you can ask these questions and get official answers. Caution: Information posted on social media platforms is not deemed “official.”
How do I register a team?
Register your VAIRC Team(s) at robotevents.com. The 2024-25 season will be open for registration from August 1, 2024, through December 13, 2024.
- Teams are identified by a number and letter.
- VAIRC Teams are independent of V5RC/VURC teams from the same organization, but can be made up of the same members. (see the definition of Crossover Teams in the Game Manual).
- Season registration fees are $200 per team.
- For help with team registration, contact your REC Foundation Regional Support Manager.
How do I register for an event?
Register your VAIRC team(s) for events at robotevents.com.
- Select the title of the event you are interested in attending to learn more details and to register your team.
- If the event is full, add your team to the waitlist.
- Event registration fees are determined by the Event Partner.
- For help with event registration, contact your regional support manager, vairc@recf.org or the Event Partner.
Note: If your team is attending a V5RC or VURC event to only run VAIRC Skills, there is typically no charge if the team agrees to volunteer to support the event in some capacity.
How can I compete if there aren’t any VAIRC events in my area?
VAIRC teams are encouraged to reach out to local V5RC and VURC competition. With the Event Partner's approval, VAIRC teams are able to run Autonomous Coding Skills Challenge matches at local V5RC and VURC tournaments and have those scores verified by the Head Referee and submitted to be added to the skills ranking list. Please see this article for more information.
VAIRC teams must request permission to run skills at a local event at least 1 week PRIOR to the event.
Is there special software for the Jetson Nano?
The software for the Jetson has been rewritten and documented, since 2021 and is now Open Source!
- Repo link: GitHub - VEX-Robotics/VAIC_23_24: Source code and documentation for the VEX AI Competition 2023/2024 season 17.
- The Jetson code is almost all python, and uses standard software which can easily be modified - a great learning opportunity.
- There is also example code available for the V5 brain that interfaces with the jetson over USB
Will there be a VEX AI Championship event?
YES! The 2024 VEX AI Robotics Championship was held on June 7-8, 2024, in Houston, TX. Stay tuned for details on the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Championship!
Teams qualify for the championship event based on performance at qualifying VAIRC events and from the VAIRC Skills Rankings.