Official Q&A: VEX IQ Robotics Competition 2026-2027: Level Up

Usage Guidelines All Questions

3145: Clarification on <R14> and Illegal Lubricants


Jerry Lum (Event Partner)
16-May-2026

According to <R14i>, food-safe lubricants (grease, oils, or other lubricants) may be used on Robots.

A Team member consumed french fries at a restaurant that uses canola oil (a vegetable oil) and subsequently touched the gears of their Robot without washing their hands.

Is vegetable oil / canola oil considered a food-safe lubricant that is permitted under <R14i>?

Additionally, the Robot Summary section lists “Grease, oil, graphite, or other lubricants or plastic additives” as illegal parts.

Does this incidental contact with vegetable oil render the Robot illegal?

Answered by committee
20-May-2026

The Robot Summary will be updated in the June 4 Game Manual update to reflect that food-safe lubricants are legal in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition.

VEX Robotics does not determine whether a lubricant is food-safe. Products intended for food-safe use should include appropriate labeling or documentation from the manufacturer.

We politely ask Teams to consider <G3> when evaluating hypothetical scenarios such as this one.