The Competitive VEX V5 Robotics Intensive is a two-week, immersion-based program designed for students who want to move beyond introductory robotics and prepare specifically for competitive VEX V5 Robotics participation.
Using VEX V5 hardware and competition-aligned tools, students engage in advanced robot design, programming, and strategic problem-solving modeled on the preparation process used by successful VEX V5 teams. Rather than focusing on basic construction or introductory challenges, this intensive emphasizes robot optimization, autonomous programming, driver skills, and match strategy within a competitive framework.
This program is ideal for students with prior VEX V5 or equivalent robotics experience who plan to compete during the academic year and are ready for a sustained, high-commitment learning environment.
What Makes This Program Different
Exclusive focus on VEX V5 robotics systems
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Competition-forward preparation aligned with VEX V5 tournaments
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Two-week format allowing for iteration, testing, and refinement
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Emphasis on game strategy, autonomous routines, and driver execution
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Practice in mock tournament conditions using VEX-style match play
Who Should Attend
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Students with prior experience using VEX V5 robots
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Members of school or club VEX V5 teams
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Students planning to compete in the upcoming VEX Robotics season
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Motivated students seeking advanced, hands-on engineering and programming experience
** Students seeking an introductory or exploratory robotics experience are encouraged to consider Education Unlimited’s one-week VEX Robotics program.
VEX Robotics Program Comparison
| VEX Robotics (1 Week) | Competitive VEX V5 Robotics Intensive (2 Weeks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Philosophy | Learning-centered, exploratory maker-space environment | Competition-centered, performance-driven preparation |
| Primary Emphasis | Engineering thinking, design process, and problem-solving | Strategy, optimization, and execution for VEX V5 competition |
| Ideal For | Students at a range of experience levels — including competition students — who want to deepen skills without a tournament focus | Students with prior VEX V5 or robotics experience preparing specifically for competitive play |
| Learning Environment | Flexible, creative, and collaborative | Structured, intensive, and competition-simulated |
| Robotics Platform | VEX robotics systems | VEX V5 robotics systems |
| Robot Design | Emphasis on design thinking, creativity, and functional builds | Advanced design refinement and performance optimization |
| Programming | Conceptual understanding and practical application | Autonomous routines and competition-ready driver control |
| Iteration & Testing | Guided iteration within a one-week format | Multiple build–test–refine cycles over two weeks |
| Competition Focus | Learning through challenges and demonstrations, not scoring or rankings | Mock tournament play, alliance strategy, and match execution |
| Team Roles & Strategy | Introduced organically through collaboration | Explicitly developed and practiced |
| Pace & Intensity | Thoughtful, supportive, and growth-oriented | Fast-paced, immersive, supportive and high-commitment |
| Prior Experience Required | None required, though prior experience is welcome | Yes (VEX or equivalent recommended) |
| Outcome | Strong technical foundation, confidence, and engineering growth | Competition readiness and strategic preparation for the VEX season |
The Competitive VEX V5 Robotics Intensive mirrors the preparation cycle of competitive VEX V5 teams, condensed into an intensive two-week summer format. Students work hands-on with VEX V5 robots, motors, sensors, and controllers while developing the technical and strategic skills required for competition success.
Week One: VEX V5 Design, Build & Strategy
VEX V5 Game Analysis & Competitive Strategy
Students analyze the current VEX Robotics Competition game, focusing on scoring mechanics, field layout, constraints, and competitive trade-offs specific to VEX V5 play.
Advanced Robot Design Using VEX V5 Systems
Participants design, build, and refine robots using VEX V5 components, emphasizing drivetrain efficiency, mechanical reliability, and performance optimization. Students explore how design choices affect speed, control, and scoring potential.
Programming for VEX V5 Competition
Instruction focuses on programming autonomous routines and driver-controlled behavior using VEX V5-compatible programming environments. Students refine code for consistency, responsiveness, and competition reliability.
Iterative Testing & Performance Optimization
Students test robot designs and code under realistic conditions, evaluate performance data, and implement targeted improvements through multiple build-test cycles.
Week Two: Competition Simulation & Match Execution
Driver Skills & Control Systems
Students develop precision driving skills using VEX V5 controllers, practicing timing, coordination, and adaptability under match-like constraints.
Mock VEX V5 Tournament Play
Participants engage in multiple simulated VEX V5 competition rounds, applying alliance coordination, match planning, and real-time troubleshooting.
Team Roles, Scouting & Match Strategy
Students explore common competitive team roles, basic scouting concepts, alliance strategy, and how teams adjust strategy throughout a tournament.
Performance Review & Refinement
After each simulated round, instructors provide detailed feedback, allowing students to revise mechanical designs, programming logic, and match strategy before re-testing.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will:
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Understand competitive VEX V5 game strategy
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Design and refine robots using VEX V5 systems
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Program effective autonomous and driver-controlled routines
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Execute matches under VEX-style competition conditions
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Enter the upcoming VEX season with increased confidence and preparedness
The Competitive VEX Robotics Intensive is offered as a two-week program on select Education Unlimited campuses.
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Two-week immersive experience
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Residential and commuter options (where available)
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All instructional materials included
Students must be able to commit to the full two-week session to participate.
Students who only have one week should consider our one-week robotics camp program.
| Program | Grades | Location | Start Date | End Date | Price Options | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robotics - 2-week competition intensive | 9 - 12 | Stanford University | Jul 19, 2026 | Aug 1, 2026 | Enroll |
Price Options for Robotics - 2-week competition intensive
| Extended Day Camp | $4,865 |
| Overnight Camp | $5,675 |
While daily activities vary based on progress and testing needs, a typical day may include:
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Morning strategy briefing and instruction
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Hands-on work with VEX V5 robots, sensors, and controllers throughout the day
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Testing and performance evaluation
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Lunch and informal collaboration time
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Afternoon competition simulations or driver practice
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End-of-day reflection and refinement planning
The extended format allows flexibility to revisit designs, troubleshoot challenges, and deepen understanding over time.
The Competitive VEX Robotics Intensive is led by experienced robotics instructors with backgrounds in engineering education, competitive robotics, and STEM instruction.
Instructors are selected for their ability to:
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Teach advanced robotics concepts clearly
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Support iterative problem-solving and design thinking
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Mentor students in competitive strategy and teamwork
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Create an engaging, collaborative learning environment
Instructors have experience working with VEX V5 robotics systems and guiding students through competition-style design and programming challenges.
Guest speakers and mentors with competitive robotics experience may also participate, depending on location.