The Building & Assembly module is where digital plans meet real-world execution. In this stage, students transition from theoretical design into hands-on mechanical construction, applying the CAD models developed in the previous module to build fully functional VEX robots. This process immerses them in real engineering conditions—where material properties, fit tolerances, and system stability must all be managed for a robot to succeed in competition.
Students work with official VEX Robotics hardware, including gears, wheels, metal structures, shafts, motors, and fasteners. Through this hands-on experience, they explore the physical dynamics of robotic systems—how friction affects movement, how structural rigidity impacts performance, and how precise alignment can make or break an autonomous task.
Key learning objectives include:
- Constructing complex mechanisms and translating CAD designs into stable physical builds
- Applying precision techniques for drivetrain alignment, gear spacing, and structural bracing
- Diagnosing build errors and solving mechanical challenges through guided troubleshooting
- Iteratively refining assemblies to improve strength, balance, and competition efficiency
Students are taught to think critically about the relationship between design and implementation. They evaluate their builds, identify weak points, and revise based on testing and feedback. The iterative nature of this module mirrors real-world engineering, where prototypes evolve through continuous problem-solving and optimization.
By the end of this module, students not only understand how to build a VEX robot—they know how to build one that performs reliably under pressure.
