I’m a student, currently a Junior, about to become a Senior. Having just found out about the Corporate Relationship Divorce, I have a question to ask about this.
What will happen to UIL (University Interscholastic League, in the State of Texas), and Technology Students Association in Texas competitions? What happens if UIL decides to go with REC, and TSA with VEX, or vice versa?
And, will these two companies be able to come to consensus on Robot Build, and game rules? How many times will our team have to rebuild our robot just to compete in these two types of tournament?
I think, unfortunately, we might not get any Christmases.
I would LOVE to see both competitions thrive, but both sides of the issue took a few things critical to the other one maintaining full functionality.
Frankly, I don’t think they will come to such a consensus.
RECF will allow 3D printing based on what they said, while VEX has consistently shown they would not do such a thing.
Knowing that, it makes sense most (95%) of people largely choose to continue competing with RECF, providing that RECF doesn’t go out of business in the next 3-5 years. They are, at least, more predictable. VEX Robotics new nonprofit? Not so much.
I really doubt that RECF competition will be able to get off its feet at all. Being sued for $10 million dollars is no small deal, and then with the uncertainty around if RECF can even use VEX parts. VEX has claimed (not sure if it would legally show up) that RECF isn’t allowed to do anything affiliated with them, and then that probably means that RECF can’t use their controllers or the like. I don’t think that enough schools will gamble on RECF will all of that.
TSA makes it own rules and is allied with Vex and has been for a long time. I don’t see that changing at all as it is separate from RECF.
The main build issue I think is that RECF seems to want more open builds and Vex wants an even playing field with their parts only.
I don’t agree with Connor below that 95% of teams will stick with RECF. It will come down to finances first, especially if following RECF requires an entirely new build system.
Regardless, Vex has its deals with PLTW and TSA, owns the World Finals, and owns the IP. Vex isn’t going anywhere, even if registrations plummet this year.
I will offer this opinion: When the adults fight the children are always hurt. Often times the older children go their own way so perhaps there is a third option what will emerge not VEX not RECF…time will tell…
Something else to think about:
Vex split off FIRST 20 years ago. That means it took 2 decades to get to the size that it is now, but we expect REC to get to that size in a year or two?
Absolute best case scenario, it will take several years for REC to get to a significant size.
A lot of people act like they have a choice, but like you said, they have to build an entire new game, new game manual, etc. all while being sued. I’m not a lawyer, but I know that’s a lot of work. It’s not like June 1st comes and they explode into the #1 robotics competition.
For the months (if not years) until REC becomes a serious size (if it does at all), you may have to live with the fact your region has 9 teams.