Panama VEX IQ Regional Championship 2024-2025

General Info

VEX Regional Championship Panama 2024-2025 – VEX IQ Robotics Competition

The VEX Regional Championship Panama 2024-2025 is an educational robotics competition designed for elementary and middle school students passionate about STEM and robotics. This exciting event will take place on February 15, 2025, at 8:00 AM, at the International School of Panama. It provides students with the opportunity to showcase their creativity, programming skills, and teamwork while competing in the VEX IQ Challenge (VIQRC).

Event Objectives:

1. Promote STEM Learning:
   Inspire students to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities and challenges that foster curiosity and innovation.

2. Develop Practical Skills:
   Equip students with technical skills by challenging them to design, build, and program robots to solve specific game tasks. The VIQRC challenge emphasizes teamwork, precision driving, and autonomous programming within a dynamic and engaging game environment.

3. Encourage Collaboration:
   Create a space for students to work together and collaborate with peers from different schools and regions, sharing ideas and building creative solutions as a team.

Competition Details:

1. Game Format:
   Teams will participate in two main challenges:

   • Teamwork Challenge: Teams collaborate with an alliance partner to score as many points as possible.
   • Robot Skills Challenge: Teams demonstrate their individual robot’s capabilities in both autonomous and driver-controlled modes.

   Teams will compete on a 4’ x 8’ field, using their robots to complete tasks like scoring points, manipulating game elements, and achieving endgame goals.

2. Registration Guidelines:
   Organizations can register multiple teams; however, any team beyond the first five (5) will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted teams may be added to the competition roster based on availability once registration closes.

3. Venue and Schedule:

   • Location: International School of Panama, Panama City.
   • Date and Time: February 15, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM.

4. Awards:
   Awards will be presented in categories such as teamwork, innovative design, and technical performance. The team that earns the Excellence Award and the winning teams from the Teamwork Challenge will qualify to represent Panama at the VEX Worlds Championship, where they will compete with teams from over 70 countries.

Preparation Tips for Teams:

1. Review Rules and Inspection Checklist:
   Go over the rules and the inspection checklist at least one week before the event to ensure your robot is compliant and ready for the competition. The inspection checklist can be found here.

2. Check for Rule Updates:
   Visit the official VEX forums to stay informed about any rule changes or clarifications.

3. Read the Event Information:
   Carefully review all the details posted on RobotEvents.com about the competition.

4. Pack Essentials:
   Prepare your equipment the day before the event to avoid any last-minute issues. Important items include:

   • Safety goggles
   • Spare parts and tools
   • Batteries and chargers
   • Programming cable
   • Power strip
   • Laptop
   • Engineering notebook (helpful for judges and awards)
   • Team banners or decorations for your pit area

5. Read "101 Things You Should Know Before Your First VEX Tournament":
   This guide is a valuable resource for first-time competitors.

6. Prioritize Safety:
   Avoid bringing tools or performing actions that could pose safety risks. Activities like grinding or creating sparks are not permitted in the venue.

7. Understand the Game:
   Watch referee training videos to fully understand how the game will be played and ensure your team is prepared.

8. Practice Troubleshooting:
   Familiarize yourself with the robot troubleshooting guide to address common issues quickly.

This tournament is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of the creativity, dedication, and talent of Panama's young minds. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and most importantly, have fun!

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: All In-Person Judging