VEX AI Robotics Competition FAQs – VAIC

Welcome to the 2023-24 VEX AI Robotics Competition Season!

The REC Foundation and VEX Robotics are excited to welcome you to the return of the VAIRC competition season.

What makes VAIRC different from VRC and VEX U?

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 VRC and VEX U 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.
Grade level – This game is open to High School students and College students alike.
Registration – Season registration is $200 for the first team and $150 for each additional team within the same organization.
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 Over Under 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 VEX U robot rules allows for a lot of variation in these products and how they are used.

Here is a VEX Forum article that provides more detailed product information. https://www.vexforum.com/t/vex-ai-kit-details-released/117362

VEX has also provided a set of articles to help you Get Started with the AI equipment.

Where is the VAIRC Game Manual?

2023-24 Game Manual, Appendix D

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 VAIRC@recf.org or your REC Foundation Team Engagement 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, rule interpretation, or question about judging?

The Official Q&A is a valuable resource to teams 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?

Teams are identified by a number and letter
VAIRC Teams are independent of VRC/VEX U 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 for the first team and $150 for each additional team in an organization with a 6 team organizational cap. Teams 7-22 in an organization may register for free.
For help with team registration, contact vairc@recf.org.

How do I compete if there aren’t any events in my area?

For this season, it is likely that few areas will have enough teams to hold a local VAIRC tournament. VAIRC tournaments will be open to local teams and teams willing to travel.

A minimum of 6 VAIRC teams are required in order for an event to be a qualifying event.
VAIRC Teams are invited to run skills at local VRC and VEXU tournaments and have those scores verified by the Head Referee and submitted to be added to the skills ranking list.
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

How do I register for an event?

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 vairc@recf.org or the Event Partner.

Note: If attending a VRC or VEX U event to only run VAIRC Skills, typically, there is no charge, if the team agrees to volunteer to support the event in some capacity.

Will there be a VEX AI Championship event?

YES! The VEX AI Robotics Championship will be held on June 7-8, 2024 in Houston, TX.
SAVE THE DATE!

Teams will qualify for the championship event based on performance at qualifying VAIRC events and from the VAIRC Skill Rankings.