1. ROBOTC for VEX Online Professional Development Instructor: Jesse Flot

2. Welcome Tech Check Tools VEX Hardware Basic Movement Program Planning
ROBOTC Natural Language

3. Tech Check

4. Tech Check Voice communication Screen sharing Introduce yourself
Checkmark yourself
Screen sharing
DEMO: Starting ROBOTC
LAB: Show your ROBOTC

5. What can you teach with a robot?
Type your thoughts in the space below

6. Tools

7. Tools CS2NLearn - The Learning Management System (LMS)
Logging in, and where to post homework
Three Main Pieces of Software
1. WebEX
2. ROBOTC Application
3. ROBOTC Curriculum / Tutorial Videos

8. Tools
The Forums
Class Forum for announcements and asking questions can be found under the Announcements and Information section:
Active ROBOTC Community

9. Hardware Overview

10. VEX 2.0 Cortex Overview
Coordinates the flow of information and power on the robot
All electronic components interface with the Cortex
10 Motor Ports
8 Analog Sensor Ports
12 Digital Sensor Ports
VEXnet Wireless
I2C and UART Ports

11. RECBOT 2 Driving Motors 1 Arm Motor 2 Quadrature Encoders
1 Potentiometer
1 Touch Sensor
1 Ultrasonic Rangefinder
1 Gyroscope

12. Squarebot and Swervebot
These robot models will work, too, with some small adaptations:

13. ROBOTC Overview

14. Background Information
ROBOTC is developed specifically with teachers, classrooms, and competitions in mind
Complete programming solution for the VEX Cortex, VEX IQ, VEX PIC, and several other popular robot platforms (with simulations!)
Only programming language for the VEX Cortex and VEX IQ with a real-time debugger
Quickly see motor and sensor values, troubleshoot issues
Very similar to industry-standard C programming
Students get real-world programming experience
Trainer Notes: The next few slides are meant to highlight features in ROBOTC that will help trainees succeed as they program and answer their own questions.

15. Industry Standard Coding
Students that learn ROBOTC Programming are also learning key components of Industry Standard Programming Languages...

16. Industry Standard IDE
Students programming in the ROBOTC IDE are also learning how to use features in Industry Standard IDE’s...

17. VEX Cortex Video Trainer using ROBOTC

18. Trainer notes: Feel free to lean heavily on these videos
Trainer notes: Feel free to lean heavily on these videos. They do a decent job of breaking down the code and explaining behaviors, freeing you up to help troubleshoot. It’s highly recommended that you watch these together using your presentation computer and speakers, rather than having each attendee watch them individually – too much noise for anything to be intelligible.

19. VEX Cortex Video Trainer (VCVT)
50+ tutorial videos teach step-by-step how to program using ROBOTC and the Cortex
100+ pages of supplementary “helper guides”
40+ programming challenges
Freely available at

20. Student-Paced Instruction
Everyone learns different things at different paces
Everyone MUST move at a different pace
Going too fast results in failure and frustration
Going too slow results in loss of attention (i.e. future failure)
VCVT can be used as a teaching aid
One instructor can’t teach at 20 different paces simultaneously
One instructor plus 20 computers can

21. VEX Cortex Video Trainer (VCVT)
60 tutorial videos teach step-by-step how to program using ROBOTC and the Cortex
100+ pages of supplementary “helper guides”
40+ programming challenges
Freely available at
Direct link to the video trainer:

22. VEX Cortex System Configuration

23. Platform Type
Make sure to configure ROBOTC to work with the Cortex!

24. Compiler Target
Make sure your Compiler Target is set to “Physical Robot”.
Show this in ROBOTC IDE.

25. VEX Cortex Communication Mode
Allows you to specify:
How programs are downloaded
Whether the Cortex looks for a VEXnet connection when it starts up
With “VEXnet or USB” the Cortex will look for a VEXnet connection before running code
Trainer Notes: You can have attendees switch to “USB Only”, but you will have to remember to have them switch back before doing any wireless programming or remote control programs.

26. VEX Cortex Microcontroller
The Cortex has two processors that are responsible for different tasks
Master Processor: VEXnet communication, low-level motor control
User Processor: Interpret ROBOTC Programs
Each processor has software called “firmware” that allows it to perform its tasks
Trainer Notes: Quick overview of the system, for new trainees.

27. Activity: Download Firmware
Step 1: Choose Appropriate Platform Type Step 2: Update Master and ROBOTC Firmware

28. ROBOTC Programming

29. Motor Port 3 Forward Defines the “main task” of the robot
All commands belonging to task main must be in-between these curly braces

30. Motor Port 3 Forward
Turns the port3 motor on at full power forward

31. Motor Port 3 Forward End Result: robot spins one motor for 3 seconds
Robot stays here in the program for 3000 milliseconds
End Result: robot spins one motor for 3 seconds

32. Get Your Motors Running
Motor Check
Right Motor is plugged into MOTORS 2
Left Motor is plugged into MOTORS 3
Download Sample Program
File > Open Sample Program > Training Samples > Motor Port 3 Forward
Run the Sample Program
What does it do?
How could we make the robot move forward?

33. Renaming and Reversing
Robot > Motors and Sensors Setup
Optional with Motors
Giving Motors custom names
Reversing motor polarity

34. Naming Rules
The Motors and Sensor Setup window allows you to give your motors and sensors custom names. The names, however:
Should be descriptive of the sensor or motor they refer to (rightMotor, frontBumper, ect.)
Must be all one word made up of letters, numbers, and underscores
Must contain no special characters (&, $, /, ect.)
Cannot already be a ROBOTC reserved word (task, motor, true)

35. Basic Movements
Forward / Reverse

36. Basic Movements
Point Turns

37. Basic Movements
Swing Turns

38. Basic Movements
Manual Adjustments

39. ROBOTC “Natural Language”

40. ROBOTC Natural Language
Goal is to lower the barrier of entry into syntax-based programming by simplifying the code and using more “natural” command names
Lines of code for common robot behaviors are consolidated into single commands
forward();
lineTrackforTime();
stop();
untilBump();

41. ROBOTC Natural Language
The Natural Language is an additional Platform Type in ROBOTC:

42. ROBOT Motion
Commands that cause the entire robot to perform a behavior

43. Wait
Commands that wait for an elapsed amount of time in seconds or milliseconds

44. Setup
Allows you to specify what type of robot configuration you have from pre-specified models (RECBOT, Swervebot)

45. Sample Programs

46. Moving Forward and Backward

47. Quick ROBOTC Exercise
Use the Natural Language commands to create a program that:
Turns on leftMotor and rightMotor at ¾ speed for 5 seconds
Download and watch result
Reverse both motors at ¼ speed for 5 seconds
Trainer Notes: This slide is meant to be a class activity, for trainees to actually get some guided experience with the ROBOTC interface, ROBOTC Commands, Cortex system, ect. The steps should be:
Open ROBOTC
Verify the Platform Type is set to Cortex Natural Language Library
Create the Program
Connect the Cortex to the Computer (via USB or VEXnet)
Turn on the Cortex
Go to Robot > Compile and Download Program
Run the program – Observe the testbed
Turn on leftMotor in the program, after rightMotor and before the wait command (left motor should also be turned off after the wait command).
Compile and Download the Program
Run the Program – observe the testbed
Reverse the motor powers for both motors
Download and run the program – observe the motors spinning in the other direction.

48. Coming Soon! Graphical Mode
All of the Natural Language commands have been converted into drag-and-droppable blocks
No more “syntax” mistakes or typos for new programmers

49. Program Planning
Trainer Notes: The following slides detail program planning. At this point the Program Planning doc can be distributed or referenced during the training. All group exercises should follow the program planning steps to get in the habit of following it.

50. Behavior Based Programming
A behavior is anything your robot does:
turning on a single motor, moving forward, tracking a line, navigating a maze
Three main types of behaviors:
basic behaviors – single commands to the robot (turn on a motor)
simple behaviors – simple task performed by the robot (move forward, track a line)
and complex behaviors – robot performs a complex task (solve the maze)
Complex behaviors can always be broken down into simple behaviors, which are then broken down into basic behaviors
Trainer notes: Supplementary printouts found in the Fundamentals > Introduction to Programming section can be printed and handed outs.

51. The Labyrinth Challenge
Trainer Notes: Introduce the Labyrinth challenge as a possible programming challenge. Additional challenge description / schematic can be found in the VEX Cortex Video Trainer > Movement > Challenge Description Section. This can be printed and handed out, if desired. The Labyrinth was chosen for this example because it allows for a very simple, visual representation of the topics. Things like the PLTW Material Sorter could also be discussed, as that would resonate well with the PLTW network.

52. The Labyrinth Challenge
Trainer notes: this is the path the robot will have to take to complete the labyrinth, broken down from a complex behavior, into simple behaviors

53. Programming Discussion
The Challenge: The Labyrinth
The Solution: ???
The Programmer’s (your) Role
Understanding Program Flow and Behavior Based Programming
Plan out the robot’s path / actions - Pseudocoding
Translate the Pseudocode into real code
The Robot’s role
To carry out your instructions!
The Solution: Programmer and Robot working together, fulfilling their roles
True for all robotic challenges!

54. Pseudocode
Pseudocode is a shorthand notation for programming which uses
informal programming structures (if touch1 is pressed…)
verbal descriptions of code (move forward, stop)
Emphasis is placed on expressing the behavior or outcome of each portion of code rather than on correct syntax (it should be reasonable, though).
Your lines of Pseudocode should also be listed in the same order as they will appear in the ROBOTC Program

55. Pseudocode
Sample Pseudocode:

56. Pseudocode Additional Details:
Pseudocode is used to outline a program before translating it into proper syntax.
Helps in the initial planning of a program, by creating the logical framework and sequence of the code.
An additional benefit is that it can be translated into different programming languages and is therefore somewhat universal.

57. Putting it all Together
Effective Program Planning is essential to writing correct code. Carrying out that plan is equally important!
Once you have your plan, don’t try to implement it all at once!
Systematically add sections of code, testing at every step!

58. ROBOTC Rules/Syntax Syntax is the cause of 80% of programming errors…
Most important thing to do when troubleshooting: Check Syntax
Missing Semicolons
Incorrect Braces on Structures
Misspelled words
Improper ‘case’ – motor vs. MoToR
ROBOTC is friendly about most of these errors... but can’t catch everything.

59. Labyrinth Challenge Begin programming for the Labyrinth Challenge!
Use Standard ROBOTC or the Natural Language
Remember to Pseudocode the Behaviors first!

60. Homework!
Homework assignments can always be found and turned-in on CS2NLearn
You’ll also be expected to watch a series of videos for review
Optional practice quizzes will prepare you for the certification exam at the end

61. Overview

62. What are ?
RVWs are simulation environments that run virtual robots programmed in ROBOTC.

63. Why RVW (Initially)?
Many classrooms don’t have enough robots for students
Very few students have robots at home to do homework or make up missed classwork
The Robot Virtual Worlds Project tackles both of these problems by allowing students to program virtual robots using the same ROBOTC Software
VEX and LEGO Versions Available
Every version of ROBOTC 3.x comes with a free 60-day trial!
Free licenses available on CS2N for individual student use!

64. Why RVW (Now)?
Research between the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy and the Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh shows that learning to program in a simulated environment is actually more effective than with physical robots!

65. Why RVW (Now)? continued…
Programming with a simulated robot greatly reduces wasted class time
Very little time spent getting ready for class
Robots automatically reset to their start location
No broken motors, sensors, gears, etc.
No low batteries in the robot or joysticks
Debugger information is always readily available
Flot, J., Lui, A., Schunn, C., Shoop, R. (November 2012). Learning How to Program via Robot Simulation.  Robot Magazine,

66. RVW Solutions Classroom Environments Competition Environments
Curriculum Companion Tables
Level Builder
Competition Environments
VEX Skyrise
VEX IQ Highrise
Themed / Game Environments
Ruins of Atlantis
Operation Reset
Palm Island

67. Classroom Environments

68. ROBOTC Curriculum
Step-by-step tutorial videos teach students how to program using motors, sensors and remote control
Practice challenges allow students to apply what they’ve learned

69. Curriculum Companion
All of the practice tables found in the free ROBOTC Curriculum but in a virtual environment
Students follow along with the tutorials and go through the practice challenges, but with virtual robots
Every student in a classroom can learn to program, even at home!

70. Virtual Robots Virtual robots emulate their real-world counterparts
Several robots available, based off of models used in curriculum
Have working light sensors, encoders, touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, compass sensors and motors
Still communicate with the ROBOTC Debugger!

71. Achievements / Badges
As students complete challenges, they earn badges similar to modern games
Designed to motivate them, engage them in CS activities long-term
Badges are also displayed on CS2N.org, allowing teachers and parents to track progress

72. Tracking Progress
CS2N.org also allows teachers to create “Groups” with their students
RVW Challenge Completion and Quiz scores are all presented in convenient, easy-to-understand format

73. Using Robot Virtual Wolds
Switch Robot > Compiler Target to Virtual Worlds
Choose Window > Menu Level > Select Virtual World to Use > Curriculum Companion
Compile and Download a Program to Launch the Virtual World

74. Logging In
Log In via CS2N, Local, or use a Guest Session (progress will not be saved)

75. Robot Selection Choose from multiple robots.
View robot dimensions and configurations.

76. Challenge Selection Choose between challenges. Open the challenge PDF.
View available Achievements.
Press START ACTIVITY to launch challenge.