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Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2025-2026: Mix & Match
3038: Using soap to troubleshoot pnuematics
Can teams use a mix of soap and water to find leaks in pnuematic systems if it is wiped away and fully dried before a robotics match? Using soap and water would allow teams to troubleshoot leaks quickly, however we are worried that it may break rule R15, the prohibition of lubricants.
<R15> Prohibited items. The following types of mechanisms and components are NOT allowed
c. Grease, oil, graphite, and/or any other lubricant or plastic additive.
Soap should be considered a lubricant in this instance, as it is possible to leave a slippery residue on the Robot. Additionally, it is always recommended to keep water away from all VEX electronics to prevent any unintended damage to the electronics.
Teams should note that the VEX IQ Pneumatics System is not designed to be a perfectly closed air system, and it will inherently have some leaks. The system relies on the slip fit of the tubing over plastic connectors to ensure it does not become over-pressurized. The tubes will always "blow off" of the connectors instead of reaching an unsafe pressure. In order to accomplish this safety feature, there will inevitably be some minor leaks or pressure loss exhibited in almost all implementations. To minimize the potential of leaks, use sharp scissors or a blade to cut the tubing as straight as possible with a single motion. Jagged cuts or tears in the tubing are likely to make leaks and pressure loss more immediate, apparent, and catastrophic.