FAQs

Welcome to VEX MN FAQs. We'll soon be adding answers to some of the most common questions we get. Until then, follow the links below.

VEX Robotics is a world-wide competition-based program presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation for students in elementary through college.  Students have a new game challenge every year and build and program robots to compete against other teams.  Students learn about various soft and hard skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, robot building and programming.  According to the REC Foundation, 95% of VEX Robotics participants had an increased interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). 

VEX Robotics has three levels of competition – VIQC, VRC, and VEX U.  VEX IQ Challenge is for students in elementary and middle school, VEX Robotics Competition is for students in middle and high school, and VEX U is for students in college. 

The first team your organization registers is $200.  Each additional team under the same organization is $150.  There is a flat organizational fee of $650 which allows an organization to register up to 22 teams.  Upon registration, your team will receive a program welcome kit, access to online challenges, RECF program staff support, annual coach and event partner summits (both in-person and virtual), and access to educational materials and training.   

For more information on how to register a team, visit the REC Foundation Library at: https://kb.roboticseducation.org/hc/en-us/articles/4618406417559-Registering-a-VRC-Team 

VIQC events in Minnesota typically range from $50-$60 per team.  VRC events in Minnesota are typically $100 per team.  Minnesota Signature Events and State Championships are more.  Visit RobotEvents.com to learn more about the cost of events. 

The number of VEX Robotics teams and events continues to grow every year.  We encourage you to check out the RobotEvents.com map of teams and events: https://www.robotevents.com/map 

VEX Robotics competitions have three categories: 

  • Qualification/Teamwork Competition: VRC teams will be paired with one other team to form an alliance for each match.  The alliance will compete against another two teams to try and score as many points as possible during a two-minute match which consists of a fifteen-second autonomous period and a one-minute and forty-five-second Driver Controlled Period.  VIQC teams will be paired with one other team.  The two teams will work together to score as many points as possible in a sixty second Match. 
  • Robot Skills Challenge: During Skills matches, there is only one robot on the field at a time.  Teams are trying to score as many points as possible.  Skills Matches consist of both Driving Skills Matches where a driver is controlling the robot and Programming Skills Matches where the robot has been programmed to move autonomously. 
  • Judging: Teams will submit and engineering notebook for judges to review and will be interviewed by judges.  This is a time for students to showcase different skills they learned and how they overcame challenges. 

Competitions typically take place on a Saturday and usually run from 7:30 AM – 5 PM.  Some teams may participate in leagues where they compete against other teams after school. 

The 2023 MN State VEX Robotics Championships will be held on March 2-4 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, MN.  We have hotel blocks at the Courtyard by Marriott St. Cloud and the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn.  Make sure to mention VEX Robotics when booking to get the block rate. 

The 2023 VEX Robotics World Championships will be held on April 25-May 4 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX.  Check out the following website for more information: https://www.roboticseducation.org/vex-robotics-world-championship/ 

Yes. Online Challenges are another way to compete outside of the competition field.  Teams who have registered through the REC Foundation are eligible to participate in online challenges.  Students will submit challenges such as a STEM Research Project or Photography Challenge, compete for prizes, and gain new STEAM skills. 

https://www.roboticseducation.org/teams/online-challenges/ 

Event Partners coordinate tournaments, leagues, scrimmages, and workshops for students to attend.  Their dedication helps grow and sustain VEX Robotics.  Check out the following information about becoming an Event Partner. 

https://www.roboticseducation.org/event-partners/ 

Event volunteers are the heart and soul of MN Robotics Competitions.  Volunteers of all skill levels are needed to help make events the best experience possible for our participating students.  There are opportunities for beginners with no robotics experience to experts with advanced skills.  There are also opportunities for the whole family to volunteer together. 

Check out the REC Foundation team page to learn more about competitions, grants, scholarships, and more! 

https://www.roboticseducation.org/teams/ 

Yes. The REC Foundation Library contains articles for teams, event partners, volunteers, students, and parents to learn more about VEX Robotics. 

https://kb.roboticseducation.org/hc/en-us 

 As always, CONTACT US if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for.