At first I was pretty skeptical about the Vex system, but as I've researched it in more detail, I've become convinced that it's an excellent way to become familar with robotics concepts, experiment, build something really practical, and grow into larger and more complex robot projects.
It may look like a motorized Erector set, but there is much, much more there waiting to be explored. The new Robot magazine, described in this article - http://www.robots-dreams.com/2005/10/new_magazine_ou.html - has a detailed article that runs several pages with full color photos and closeups featuring the Vex system and the Mythbusters from television.
The biggest single advantage that Vex offers is standardized components so that a beginning robot experimentor doesn't have to design and machine special parts or circuits. And, like Mindstorms, it's great for prototyping new concepts and ideas. You can find out very quickly if your latest bright idea will fly, or is most hair-brained thought on the planet.
And, if your concept will fly, Vex should prove to be more durable than Mindstorms. I love using Mindstorms to do a quick prototype (http://www.robots-dreams.com/mindstorms/index.html), but with my clumsy fingers and lack of dexterity, the Lego blocks tend to pop apart too easily at exactly the wrong moments. Vex doesn't seem to have that problem.
Given the FIRST backing, I expect that Vex will prove to be extremely popular, especially since Radio Shack is distributing it. Hopefully they'll stock it in all the stores, not just a select few.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
tempusmaster @ Dec 19th 2005 2:38AM
At first I was pretty skeptical about the Vex system, but as I've researched it in more detail, I've become convinced that it's an excellent way to become familar with robotics concepts, experiment, build something really practical, and grow into larger and more complex robot projects.
It may look like a motorized Erector set, but there is much, much more there waiting to be explored. The new Robot magazine, described in this article - http://www.robots-dreams.com/2005/10/new_magazine_ou.html - has a detailed article that runs several pages with full color photos and closeups featuring the Vex system and the Mythbusters from television.
The biggest single advantage that Vex offers is standardized components so that a beginning robot experimentor doesn't have to design and machine special parts or circuits. And, like Mindstorms, it's great for prototyping new concepts and ideas. You can find out very quickly if your latest bright idea will fly, or is most hair-brained thought on the planet.
And, if your concept will fly, Vex should prove to be more durable than Mindstorms. I love using Mindstorms to do a quick prototype (http://www.robots-dreams.com/mindstorms/index.html), but with my clumsy fingers and lack of dexterity, the Lego blocks tend to pop apart too easily at exactly the wrong moments. Vex doesn't seem to have that problem.
Given the FIRST backing, I expect that Vex will prove to be extremely popular, especially since Radio Shack is distributing it. Hopefully they'll stock it in all the stores, not just a select few.