VEX IQ Robotics Competition : Rapid Relay | 2024-2025 Game

The 2024-2025 VEX IQ Robotics Competition is here, and this year’s game is called “Rapid Relay.” The game is played on a 6-foot by 8-foot field, with a Wall and Pickup Zone on one side and a Load Zone on the other. The Wall has 4 Targets, each equipped with a Switch in its center. The game objects are plush Balls, approximately 150 mm in diameter.

Rapid Relay is a fast-paced game that requires quick thinking and continuous cycling. The objective is to score goals by launching the Balls through the Targets on the Wall. Each goal is worth 1 point, and the first time a Ball passes through a Target, it clears the Switch, earning an additional point. Once a Ball is scored, it lands in the Pick Up Zone and can be retrieved by a human Drive Team member known as the Loader.

The game allows for up to 2 Balls in play at any one time. While a scored Ball is being picked up, another Loader can introduce a third Ball into the game by dropping it into the Loading Station. The Loading Station then sends the Ball to one side of the Load Zone, where it can be retrieved by a robot to start a new cycle.

During the game, an Alliance can also earn points by passing the Ball to their Alliance Partner before it is used to score a goal. The number of cleared Switches at the end of the match determines the points awarded for each pass. If 1 Switch is cleared, each pass is worth 4 points. If 2 Switches are cleared, it’s worth 8 points. If 3 Switches are cleared, it’s worth 10 points. And if all 4 Switches are cleared, each pass made during the match is worth 12 points.

In the last 15 seconds of the match, known as the Rapid Load Period, Loaders can introduce the Balls directly into any legal robot Starting Zone. However, Balls loaded during this period are not eligible for passes, so teams need to strategize to maximize their score.

Teams can compete in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition in three ways. First, they can collaborate in 60-second Teamwork Challenge Matches, where both teams work together to maximize their score. Each team consists of two Drivers, one robot, and one Loader. Second, teams can play Driving Skills Challenge Matches, where they have 60 seconds to score as many points as possible. Finally, teams can participate in Autonomous Coding Skills Challenge Matches, where their robot operates autonomously for 60 seconds to score points.

The scores from the Driving and Autonomous Coding Skills Challenges are combined to determine the Robot Skills Challenge Champion. The competition follows specific rules and robot requirements, which can be found in the Game Manual available at RECF.org and VEXIQ.com. For team registration, event details, or any questions, visit RobotEvents.com.

Good luck to all the participants in the 2024-2025 VEX IQ Robotics Competition! Enjoy the season and make the most of this exciting game!

1. What are the game objects used in the Rapid Relay competition?
– The game objects used in the Rapid Relay competition are plush Balls, approximately 150 mm in diameter.

2. How many Targets are there on the Wall in the game?
– There are four Targets on the Wall in the game.

3. What is the objective of Rapid Relay?
– The objective of Rapid Relay is to score goals by launching Balls through the Targets on the Wall.

4. How many points is each goal worth in the game?
– Each goal scored in the game is worth one point.

5. What can Loaders do during the Rapid Load Period?
– During the Rapid Load Period, Loaders can introduce Balls directly into any legal robot Starting Zone.