In the early years of VIQ there were some pretty amazing robots that were heavy on struts. They were light, very airy and pretty interesting.
Across the last few years, 2x and big plates have become more popular. For the last three years and this year, it’s been chunky robots. The are all shorter to keep the height down but they are still pretty chunky.
I think the 1x parts have a place. If you connect them at 90 degrees along the length they are as strong if not stronger than a 2x beam. With the wide variety of corner connectors and the new beam parts, there isn’t a limit on what you can build.
We are also coming up the Christmas Holidays. (Yea, I normally this before Thanksgiving but time sometimes isn’t my friend. ) So there are slightly more than 30 days.
Contest: Best Mix and Match robot that is 80% 1x parts. I’m hoping for robots that can stack but also do something with the beam.
Criteria: 80% or more of the frame building components are 1x parts. So motors, gears and wheels don’t count. I want to see the 1x parts highlighted. Corner connectors, pins, shafts, etc. are allowed. Use of standoffs and any the 5 different standoff ends, will get you a bonus. (I was trying to go for an all standoff challenge, but it turns out things like the 90 degree and truss ends are hard to find)
You can submit CAD solutions. While I love “As built”, I’ll take submissions from roboteers showing off CAD skills.
Looking for the most complete competitor, so functions matter.
Submissions: by 11:59 PM on January 4, 2026. (That is the Sunday of the long Holiday weekend). I want 6 pictures: bottom, top, all 4 sides. I’d like to see them posted to this thread. But I understand that you may have found out that 1x parts are cool and are actually building your competition robot this way. In that case, email me at Foster dot Schucker at STEMRobotics dot org.
Prizes: First $100 in VEX parts before shipping, Second $75 before shipping and third $50 before shipping. In the event of a lack of entries, prizes will be rolled up. So if you are the only entry, it’s a $225 prize. Only first and second will split the $50 third place money. (I want to give a shout out to the VEXRobotics Australian Team, they figured out how I could order parts in Australia while living in Delaware to fulfill the 2024-25 a contest winner prize).
There have been an epic number of parts in the last few field elements that are 1x. Kits are littered with 1x parts. Here is a chance to really show off your design and engineering skills, prove to us you are better than “Moar Plastic”
Feel free to ask questions.
As always, judges decisions are final even if they are petty, vindictive, capricious and arbitrary. Bribes are not condoned, but I am up for listening to your “offer”. This contest may be illegal in your town, state or providence, it’s up to you to figure this out. Contestants must be under 18 at the time of submission. If you are older, email your submission, I may or may not have additional prize money.
To be transparent, I’ve been very impressed with what people have been building in the last 5 years. I can’t speak for the VEXIQ management and Engineers, but I have been blown away by some of the recent constructions. I’m excited to see what you all can come up with given this extra but minor constraint.
Last years contest is here (Rapid Relay - 1x parts for the win holiday contest) if you were wondering how last year worked out.
