VEX Robotics is a robotics program designed for kids and teens who are interested in building and programming robots. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math) through hands-on experience.

VEX Robotics offers a variety of different robotics kits and competitions that cater to different ages and skill levels. The kits typically come with all the necessary components, including motors, sensors, and a programmable brain (known as the VEX IQ or VEX V5 system), allowing students to build and program robots for a variety of challenges.

The VEX Robotics competitions are a chance for students to put their robots to the test and compete against other teams from around the world. These competitions encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, as well as providing a fun and exciting atmosphere for students to showcase their hard work.

VIQC (VEX IQ Challenge) and VRC (VEX Robotics Competition) are both robotics competition programs sponsored by VEX Robotics. The main difference between the two is the age group they are designed for. VIQC is designed for elementary and middle school students ages 8-14, while VRC is designed for middle and high school students ages 14-18.

- VIQC robots are built using the VEX IQ platform, which consists of smaller, plastic components, and is designed to be more accessible and user-friendly for younger students.

- VRC robots are built using the VEX EDR (Education Design Robotics) platform, which includes metal components and requires more advanced technical skills to build and program.

- VIQC challenges typically involve navigating a field and completing tasks such as moving objects or scoring points, while VRC challenges are more complex, with a variety of game elements and strategies required to win.

VEX U is another robotics competition program sponsored by VEX Robotics, but it is designed for university-level students. It is the most advanced level of competition in the VEX Robotics programs. VEX U teams design, build, and program their own robots using the same platform as VRC, VEX EDR. However, the VEX U rules and challenges are different from VRC, and the competition is generally more difficult. VEX U robots are built to be larger and more complex compared to other VEX platforms, and the competitions typically require more advanced technical skills and strategy. The goal of VEX U is to challenge university students to create sophisticated robots that tackle more complex challenges and prepare them for real-world engineering challenges post-graduation.

In summary, if your child is interested in robotics and STEM, VEX Robotics is an excellent program to get involved in. It allows them to gain valuable skills and experience in a fun and engaging way, and could even inspire a lifelong interest in technology and engineering.