When registering a team for VAIRC, a message pops up which the user must accept which contains the following statements:
The VEX AI Competition requires each individual team to design and build 2 V5 robots,** as well as to use additional AI add-on accessories.** This VEX AI add-on kit is available for purchase on vexrobotics.com.
Emphasis mine.
I cannot find any rules in the VAIRC Appendix in the Game Manual that indicate that teams are compelled to use any AI-specific components, from VEX or not. Rather, it was my understanding that teams are free to use or not use whatever custom electronics (within the scope of the VEXU rules of course) to solve the challenge as they see fit. This message seems to contradict that. can the GDC provide some clarification on this?