Palos Verdes Institute of Technology

VEX Robotics

VEX is a hands-on, project-based robotics competition team at PVIT. As several small teams, we must design, build, and program our own robots, which involves a lot of hands-on work. The process is iterative and requires a good understanding of mechanical engineering principles, as well as learning how to use CAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360. We work in small teams, which allows us to divide tasks based on individual strengths and interests. This includes coding the robot using C++ and exploring systems such as PID or Odometry, constructing robust and efficient mechanical systems, or working on our engineering notebook. A good notebook will qualify us for different awards at tournaments. This collaborative environment is a great way to learn from each other and develop a variety of technical and soft skills. 

After our robots are finished, we test it and take it to local competitions, where a good placement would qualify the team to States, and then the same process goes for Worlds. Beyond competing, these events allow us to connect with peers who share our passion, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. After each tournament, we would create a list of things to change or improve for the next tournament, and then go back to building and testing. VEX is not just about winning. It’s about learning, growing, and being part of a community that’s shaping the future of STEM.

PVIT has had great success with our VEX Robotics team, starting in Fall 2016 when a PVIT student wanted to start a VEX program. Attending the State championships almost every year, and the World championships several times, our VEX teams have truly learned the engineering design cycle of design, build, test, modify, test, modify, test, etc.

VEX is one of the largest robotics programs in the world. It’s small robots give students the ultimate hands-on experience.