The VEX Robotics Competition Overview and Preparation Tips

Updated: 19.05.2025

Read time: 3 min read

What Is the VEX Robotics Competition?

Student teams design, build, and program robots to complete specific challenges in a game-based contest, developing STEM and soft skills along the way; teams register, construct their robots according to annual rules, and compete in matches, with awards for excellence in design, performance, and teamwork.

This competition is one of many from the catalogue of the REC Foundation.

Where Is the VEX Robotics Competition Held?

VEX Robotics competitions are held worldwide, with local, regional, national, and world championship events conducted in person at various venues such as schools, convention centers, or arenas. Teams register locally but can come from many countries.

Enter this competition and explore hundreds of others through Succeed.

Business Management

In-person

Cultivate leadership skills in New York, where multinational...

Ages: 15-18

Coding

In-person

Master the language of technology in Cambridge, a...

Ages: 16-18

Organized by the REC Foundation: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, competitive robotics programs. The foundation operates the VEX Robotics Competition, which is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing robotics competitions for middle school, high school, and college students. The program is managed by the REC Foundation’s Competition and Events Department, which oversees event coordination, rules development, and participant support.

Founded in 2008, the VEX Robotics Competition was developed to create accessible and affordable STEM opportunities for students worldwide. The REC Foundation believes in preparing students not only for academic success, but also for careers in STEM fields by fostering problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Over more than 15 years, the competition has grown into a global movement, with participants from over 70 countries.

Join the Immerse Education 2025  Essay Competition

Follow the instructions to write and submit your best essay for a chance to be awarded a 100% scholarship.

Join competition

Key Details

Subjects: Robotics, engineering, programming, teamwork

How to Enter: Register a team, design and build a robot according to annual game rules, and compete at local, regional, and world events.

Age Range: Elementary, middle, and high school students (ages 8–18+)

Competition Format: Teams design, build, and program robots to complete specific game-based tasks in head-to-head matches.

Recognition: Awards for tournament champions, robot skills, design, and excellence at local, national, and world levels.

Sample Task: Build a robot that can collect and stack colored cubes in a designated scoring zone.

Our Tips for Succeeding in the VEX Robotics Competition

Study the annual game manual thoroughly and brainstorm innovative robot designs with your team. Prototype, test, and refine your robot, and document your engineering process. Practice driving and programming your robot under real match conditions. Good communication and teamwork are vital for success in both matches and judged awards. Attend workshops and seek mentorship from experienced participants.

FAQs

Is the VEX Robotics Competition Competitive?

The Robotics Competition is competitive at all levels, with teams globally competing in regional and world championships. Success requires strong engineering and teamwork skills.

Is the VEX Robotics Competition a Plus for College Applications?

Yes. It demonstrates technical skills, teamwork, and commitment to STEM, especially if you have leadership roles or your team achieves notable success.