General Info

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship, presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, brings together top robotics teams in the VEX IQ Challenge, VEX Robotics Competition, and VEX U under one roof to celebrate their accomplishments and participate with the best teams from around the world. The event includes top teams from events happening in cities around the world from June 2017 to March 2018. Teams will play the current VEX Robotics Competition game, In the Zone. For information about the game, click here.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Special thanks to our Global Sponsors Autodesk, TVA, Dell, NASA, Texas Instruments, Google, HexBug, IFI, Rack Solutions, VEX Robotics, and Robomatter.

We also would like to thank our many VEX Robotics World Championship sponsors: MathWorks, Microchip, US Army, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, Navy, Diversified Woodcrafts, Nissan, UPS, Nordson, Robotmesh, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, EdCo, Toyotetsu, Zeon, TATA Consulting Services, Kodak, and Maker Mobile, Inc. The commitment and support of these partners ensure a great experience for everyone attending the event.

VEX WORLDS 2018 DIVISION TEAM LISTS -- VRC MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Spirit Division
• Opportunity Division

VEX WORLDS 2018 QUALIFICATION MATCH LISTS -- VRC MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Spirit Division
• Opportunity Division

VEX WORLDS 2018 PRACTICE MATCH LISTS -- VRC MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Spirit Division
• Opportunity Division

VEX ROBOTICS COMPETITION IN THE ZONE VEX WORLDS UPDATE

Be sure to download and read the VEX Robotics Competition In the Zone VEX Worlds Update. This scheduled April 5, 2018, Game Manual update includes important rule clarifications.

SKILLS CHALLENGES INFORMATION

Click on the following links for information about Skills Challenges at the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship.

• VEX Worlds VRC and VEX U Skills Challenges
• VEX Worlds VRC and VEX U Skills Challenges Freedom Hall

GUIDEBOOK APP

To install our VEX Worlds 2018 (VRC) mobile application for iOS or Android download these instructions.

PRE-SUBMITTED AWARDS INFORMATION

Eligible teams are listed in the following documents. If you have any questions, please contact Tarek Shraibati at: tarek@roboticseducation.org.

• 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship VRC Eligible Engineering Notebooks

CONCESSIONS

To order team lunches before the event, visit the “Concessions” tab after submitting the team's event registration and completing the survey. Make sure to order before the pre-order period closes on April 8.

For hours concession areas and food trucks are open during VEX Worlds click here.

WAIT LIST

A wait list has been created for teams that have not qualified at an event or teams that have qualified and did not register on time. If spots open up, teams on the wait list will be notified and instructed to register. Space at World Championship will be in high demand and we don't anticipate many (if any) spots opening up for teams on the wait list. Click the "Wait List" tab to place your team on the wait list.

TEAM FAQ

Please download and review the VEX Worlds 2018 Team FAQ document for commonly asked questions and more information.

TEAM PARTY

The VEX Robotics World Championship will once again conclude with a Team Party at Kentucky Kingdom amusement park. Tickets purchased before midnight (CST) on March 23, 2018, will cost $30. Tickets purchased after midnight (CST) on March 23, will cost $45.

PROGRAM BOOK

The VEX Robotics World Championship Program Book contains all the information you need to make your trip to Louisville a memorable one, with the event agenda, shuttle and hotel information, local attractions, Show Your Badge discounts, the VEX Worlds team party and much, much more.

ROBOT SHIPPING OPTION

Information about shipping your robot, tools, and supplies through Fern Exposition can be found in the following Competitor Kits:

• VEX IQ Challenge Competitor Kit
• VRC and VEX U Competitor Kit

If you have any questions about robot shipping information, please contact Fern directly at (502) 367-0254.

THE REC FOUNDATION STORE

The REC Foundation Store will be open for teams looking for VEX Robotics parts at VEX Worlds.

Store hours:

• Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Monday: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

APPAREL

Online apparel from Fine Designs for the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship is now available!

VENUE AND PIT AREA MAPS

Click the links below to download the Venue and Pit Area Maps for the VRC and VEX U portion (April 25-28) of the 2018 VEX Robotics Worlds Championship.

• Venue Map
• Pit Area Map

TEAM EMAIL BLAST ARCHIVE

Please follow this link that will direct you to the team email blast archive on VEXForum.com.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

The VEX Robotics World Championship is free and open to the public. This lively and engaging event is suitable for the entire family. Spectators are welcome to attend the ceremonies, watch matches, and visit with teams in the pit area. Click here for parking information.

Agenda

Please click here for the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship Agenda. Please note that since this agenda is tentative, times may vary from 15-30 minutes.

Volunteer

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS - Volunteer at the VEX Robotics World Championship and help make this event the best experience ever for our participating students! Many volunteer roles do not require previous experience, and we provide online training resources to prepare you for any position. Join our volunteer team, get inspired, and have fun!

An average shift is 6-8 hours, and you can sign up for one shift, multiple shifts, and even multiple days if it suits your schedule. Volunteers who can commit to an entire day or more will get a free t-shirt, meals and snacks, swag bag, and free parking. This year we are again offering self-scheduling online, making it easy for you to select and view your shifts from any computer or mobile device.

Make volunteering a family affair! Younger kids who can pay attention to directions make great Field Resetters, and we can pair you up in the same area to volunteer together in most cases. Visit our VEX Worlds Volunteers page to learn about available volunteer positions and to sign up. We look forward to seeing you in Louisville!

Please email volunteer@roboticseducation.org with any questions.

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

Teams will be notified, via email, if any event occurs that would jeopardize the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Refund Policy

VEX Robotics World Championship registration cancellations must be received by March 2, 2018, in order to receive a full refund. All cancellations must be emailed to support@robotevents.com with the team number and the contact information for the team. Teams that cancel on March 3, 2018, or after will not receive a refund for their registration fee.

Travel Info

HOTEL & TRAVEL INFORMATION

Click here for VRC teams to see the many discounted, team-friendly hotels.

Click here for VEX IQ Challenge teams to see the many discounted, team-friendly hotels.

These recommended hotels have been approved by VEX and offer the best rate guarantee and best terms and amenities to teams.

TRANSPORTATION

Click here for team airline, charter bus, or rental vehicle options and reservations to get to and from your destinations while in Louisville.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Teams are responsible for making their own arrangements for travel between the Louisville Airport (SDF) and their hotel.

Information about Louisville ground transportation services can be found on the airport's website.

SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

We are excited to announce that there will be a free shuttle bus loop between the Kentucky Exposition Center and many area hotels during VEX Worlds. Click here for details.

Click here for the 2018 VEX Robotics World Championship Shuttle Bus Area Map.

TEAM PARTY

VEX Worlds will once again conclude with a Team Party at Kentucky Kingdom amusement park. Tickets purchased before midnight (CST) on March 23, 2018, will cost $30. Tickets purchased after midnight (CST) on March 23, will cost $45.

VISA AND INVITATION LETTER REQUESTS

The REC Foundation is happy to provide visa and invitation letters to teams. In order to process visa and invitation letters, please have the team's primary contact fill out this form.

Please have the following information available:

Visa and invitation letters submitted after January 31, 2018, will be processed as soon as possible, but may take up to three weeks.

Please Note: The REC Foundation will not produce a separate letter for each team member. Instead, the foundation will produce a letter for the entire team and attach the list of team members and mentors.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOUISVILLE

To learn more about our exciting host city, please visit our Louisville VEX Robotics World Championship Microsite.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE KENTUCKY EXPO CENTER

Click here for driving instructions to the Kentucky Expo Center.

PARKING AT VEX WORLDS

All teams will get one parking pass valid for the duration of the event. The parking passes will be included in your registration packet that you will receive at the event upon check-in. To purchase parking passes click here. Parking passes may also be purchased at the ticket booth immediately inside the glass doors of the Workman Lobby.

If your team has more than one vehicle, additional vehicles will need to pay for parking. The REC Foundation has arranged a special discounted rate for VEX Worlds 2018 attendees.

• VEX Robotics World Championship single day, single use parking pass: $8/day (no in/out privileges)
• VRC/VEX U 3-Day Pass (April 26-28): $36 (in/out privileges)
• VEX IQ Challenge 2-day pass (April 30-May 1): $24 (in/out privileges)
• VRC/VEX U/VEX IQ Challenge full Week pass (April 26-May 1): $60 (in/out privileges)

Click here for a map and additional information regarding private charter parking.

Note: Parking is free on Wednesday, April 25, and Sunday, April 29.

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM VEX WORLDS 2018 TICKETING

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the premiere attractions in the Louisville region, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality and pride of the world-renown event that is the Kentucky Derby. Check out the special reduced rates for advanced purchase offered exclusively for VEX Robotics: April 23–May 1, 2018. With multiple tour options available, there's sure to be something to fit your interests.

LOUISVILLE BATS

PLAY BALL! If you’re searching for a safe and enjoyable place to entertain your students while in Louisville, look no further than a Louisville Bats baseball game. With a ballpark honored by national publications as one of the nation’s best, the setting is perfect for hosting student groups and it’s located less than a mile from most downtown hotels.

Webcast

Visit RobotEvents.com/VEXtv during the event to build your own custom webcast and live results screen!

Global and Event Sponsors

Special thanks to our Global Sponsors Autodesk, TVA, Dell, NASA, Texas Instruments, Google, HexBug, IFI, Rack Solutions, VEX Robotics, and Robomatter.

We also would like to thank our many VEX Robotics World Championship sponsors: MathWorks, Microchip, US Army, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, Navy, Diversified Woodcrafts, Nissan, UPS, Nordson, Robotmesh, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, EdCo, Toyotetsu, Zeon, TATA Consulting Services, Kodak, and Maker Mobile, Inc. The commitment and support of these partners ensure a great experience for everyone attending the event.