Vex Robotics
Welcome to Vex Robotics.
Vex Robotics is an academic sport (as opposed to a
physical one) that has spread widely in New Zealand, and the world, since it
started 18 years ago. VEX Robotics can be used as a platform to enrich and
enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses. The
activity requires teams to design, build and test robots to complete certain
tasks in a fixed time. The robots have to be programmed to carry out tasks
autonomously in order to score as many points as possible in 15 seconds. The
robots are then controlled by a driver for a further 1 min:45. All teams play
the same game with the same restrictions to size and materials that can be
used. A new game is devised each year starting in May and culminating in the
World Championships the following April.
The game is played by two alliance partners against another alliance of two teams in a series of matches. As alliance partners are rotated throughout the course of the qualification rounds it is essential to help other robots as this will effectively help you gain a higher position on the rankings.
At PNBHS, we currently have four teams that compete in scrimmages held at different venues in the Manawatu. PNBHS enter two robots in the National Robotics Competition held in Auckland during the last weekend in February every year. The experience was invaluable for development of these members. Between Nationals and the World Championships in April, Kiwibots New Zealand develop a beginner game, Kiwi Challenge, with some restrictions on the parts that can be used. This allows more teams to compete and develop their juniors’ understanding of Science, Technology and Engineering.
With the number of Year 9s arriving at PNBHS having had some experience with the junior version of Vex Robotics, namely Vex IQ . This provides a development pathway for those students just starting out or that may have been introduced to the sport in Junior Schools. They will compete in the Middle School category. 2021 saw one of our teams compete successfully throughout the year resulting in a qualification for the World Championships in 2022. This will be held as a Live Remote Tournament from Texas.
At PNBHS we have design and development sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30. During these sessions drivers are also able to hone their driving skills.
Kiwibots web page: http://www.kiwibots.co.nz/
More information on the competition days for the lower North Island can be found on the Central Robotics website at
https://www.centralrobotics.org.nz/events/
Click on the links below for the 2024-2025 High Stakes VEX Robotics Competition Game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx6HJSpopeQ
High Stake - 2024/25 - Overview
