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Official Q&A: VEX V5 Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Push Back

Usage Guidelines All Questions

2954: <R9> Brain Power Button Accessibillity and Screen Visibillity

1523C
29-Nov-2025

Hello GDC, thanks for taking time to read this,

<R9>

Per <R9>: Keep the power button accessible. The on/off button on the V5 Robot Brain and/or the Battery Cable connection on either the V5 Robot Brain or V5 Robot Battery must be accessible without moving or lifting the Robot. The V5 Brain screen must be easily visible during Robot inspection. Keeping the V5 Brain screen visible throughout a Match is recommended but not required.

  1. "The on/off button on the V5 Robot Brain and/or the Battery Cable connection on either the V5 Robot Brain or V5 Robot Battery must be accessible without moving or lifting the Robot. " A. The power button/ cable connection is accessible, but requires reaching a hand inside the robot behind a non moving object, ie, mesh/ rubber band. B. The power button/ cable connection is accessible, but requires reaching a hand inside the robot behind a moving object, ie, intake roller/chain, wheel, etc.
  2. "The V5 Brain screen must be easily visible during Robot inspection." A. The brain screen can be FULLY SEEN, but partially obstructed by thin string(s) or rubber band(s). B. The brain can not be fully seen, but easily see a portion of the brain, ie: you can easily see a signficant portion, <1/2 of the brain. C. The brain can not be fully seen, but easily see a portion of the brain, ie: you can easily see a small portion, >1/3 of the brain. D. Any of A, B or C, but you have to look inside the robot, ie into a cavity.

Thanks GDC!

R9  
Answered by committee
4-Dec-2025

Thanks for these questions.

The emphasis of rule <R9> is safety, as described in its red box. The power button and/or battery cable connection must be easily, quickly, and safely accessible if the Robot needs to be powered off during a Match. If a Head Referee could easily reach past an obstruction and turn off the Robot during a Match, it's probably not an issue. If a part needs to be removed for the Head Referee to reach the button or cable, or the Robot has to be flipped over, the Robot doesn't meet the requirements of this rule.

We know there's some gray area in between those examples, and that's where <G3> comes in. Unfortunately, we're unable to provide blanket guidance that will apply to all Robots and designs, and the ultimate decision about whether or not a specific Robot meets the requirements of <R9> (or any other rule, for that matter) lies in the hands of the Robot inspectors and Head Referees at the event.

Regarding the requirement that the Brain screen be visible during Robot inspection, please see our answer to Q&A 2953 for some updated guidance.