Invigorating students with a passion for STEM with robotics!
​
VEX V5 represents the fifth generation of education robotics systems developed with 20 years of experience using robotics to teach STEM principles. V5 electronics are approachable, flexible and powerful, using state of the art technology to ensure relevant education outcomes. The V5 mechanical system includes versatile elements that makes engineering approachable for novice users, while still providing experienced users with endless design possibilities. VEX allows students to hone critical computational thinking skills needed to succeed in both the 21st century's workforce and in everyday life.
Team Size:
2-4 students + Mentor
​
Hardware
VEX V5
​
Software
-
VEX Code V5
-
Visual Studio
Programming Languages
-
Block-Based Powered by Scratch Blocks
-
Text Powered by Python
-
Text Powered by C/C++
​
Characteristics
-
Autonomous
-
​Remote Control
Age: 11-19 years old
Middle School
Grades 6-9
​
Middle School Student
A Student born after May 1, 2009 (i.e., who will be 15 or younger at VEX Worlds 2025). Any Students who meet this criteria may also compete as High School Students.
High School
Grades 10-12
High School Student
A Student born after May 1, 2005 (i.e., who will be 19 or younger at VEX Worlds 2025). Eligibility may also be granted based on a disability that has delayed education by at least one year.
VEXcode V5 Software
VEXcode V5 is a comprehensive software designed to empower students in the field of robotics. It offers a dual interface with both Blocks and Text coding options, catering to users of varying skill levels.
Programming Languages
​​
-
Block-Based Powered by Scratch Blocks
-
Text Powered by Python
-
Text Powered by C++
​
​
Available Online
Users can dive into programming without the need for any installation, ensuring they always have access to the latest features and updates. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder, VEXcode V5 provides a user-friendly environment that supports both Blocks and Text coding, making it an ideal tool to learn computational thinking, coding, and STEM concepts using the VEX V5 Robotics platform.
​
​
Available Offline
VEXcode V5’s offline modality offers a robust solution for users who prefer or require local software installation. This version ensures that all the powerful features of VEXcode V5 are available without an internet connection, providing uninterrupted access to both Blocks and Text coding environments. It allows beginners and seasoned coders alike to engage deeply with computational thinking, coding, and STEM concepts, all through the versatile VEX V5 Robotics platform. With VEXcode V5 offline, users can confidently build and program robots, knowing they have a complete set of tools at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere. ​
Blocks Python C++
Go to VEXcode V5 Online
Download VEXcode V5 Offline
VEXcode Pro V5 Software
VEXcode Pro V5 is a powerful software specifically designed for text-based coding, providing a professional-grade environment for more advanced programmers. With VEXcode Pro V5, users can write code in C++, which offers greater control and complexity for designing and programming VEX robots.
Programming Languages
Text Powered by C++
Download VEXcode Pro V5
*The VEX Visual Studio Code Extension has replaced VEXcode Pro V5, which is now end-of-life.
VEX Visual Studio Code Extension
The VEX Visual Studio Code Extension replaces VEXcode Pro V5 and offers a powerful environment for software development within the VEX Robotics ecosystem. Whether you’re exploring robotics or diving into advanced programming, the VEX VS Code extension empowers you to create, innovate, and explore.
Programming Languages
​​
-
Text Powered by Python
-
​Text Powered by C/C++
Why the transition to VS Code?
In an effort to ensure future viability and incorporate more advanced features, VEX has transitioned to VS Code from V5 Pro. This shift enables the addition of features and expanded support for IQ (2nd gen), EXP, as well as V5.
​
VEXcode is the recommended coding environment for VEX users as they start their journey to learning to code. Students considering a career in coding, and who have become proficient in textual coding, will benefit from learning the tools used by professional coders. VS Code enables us to align ourselves with the tools used by 75% of industry professionals, as an extension of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code.
Visual Studio Code Python C/C++
Download Visual Studio Code
Install VEX VS Code Extension
The Game
VEX V5 Robotics Competition High Stakes is played on a 12’ x 12’ square field configured as seen above. Two (2) Alliances – one (1) “red” and one (1) “blue” – composed of two (2) Teams each, compete in matches consisting of a fifteen (15) second Autonomous Period, followed by a one minute and forty-five second (1:45) Driver Controlled Period.
The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing Alliance by Scoring Rings on Stakes, Placing Mobile Goals, and by Climbing at the end of the Match.
Download the V5RC Hub App!
The VRC Hub app is the ideal competition companion for teams, spectators, and event planners involved in the VEX V5 Robotics Competition!
​
Features:
-
A searchable, easy-to-use official game manual
-
Ensure you always have the latest rules with in-app alerts
-
Keep score at home with an intuitive calculator for the current game
-
Use the included timer to run your own practice matches (featuring official sounds!)
The Details
There are forty-eight (48) Rings on a V5RC High Stakes Field.
There are nine (9) Stakes located around the field. Five (5) on Mobile Goals, four (4) Wall Stakes, one (1) per Alliance and two (2) neutral, and one (1) on top of the Ladder.
Each Ring scored on a Stake is worth one (1) point. The Top Ring on each Stake is worth three (3) points.
Mobile Goals can be Placed into Positive Corners or Negative Corners to change the values of the Rings on that Goal.
The V5RC High Stakes field also includes a Ladder in the center of the field. Robots climb the Ladder at the end of the Match to receive additional points. The higher the Robot climbs, the more points it will receive!
The Alliance that scores more points in the Autonomous period is awarded with six (6) bonus points, added to the final score at the end of the match. Each Alliance also has the opportunity to earn an Autonomous Win Point by completing assigned tasks. This additional Win Point can be earned by both Alliances, regardless of who wins the Autonomous Bonus
Scoring
Autonomous Bonus: 6 Points
Each Ring Scored on a Stake: 1 Point
Each Top Ring on a Stake: 3 Points
​
Each Ring Scored on a Mobile Goal that has been Placed in a Corner:
See the Game Manual!
Download the VEX via App!
VEX via allows you to follow the progress and results of VEX V5 Robotics Competition, VEX U Robotics Competition, and VEX IQ Competition events. Team lists, match schedules, match results, rankings, and skills challenge results are easy to access and can be sorted by event or by team. Result updates can be downloaded as the events unfold, and you can also register to receive instant score alerts for your favorite teams.