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Innovation First Acquires VEX Line from Radio Shack

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Innovation First Acquires VEX Line from Radio Shack

Written by William Cox

Wednesday, 19 April 2006

There's been lots of rumors swarming around that Radio Shack was killing the VEX Robotics line of toys. I got some news a month or so ago, but hesitated to post about it since it was totally unconfirmed. However, most of the VEX stock in my area was placed on deep discount and sold within a weekend.

I just got a PM today on the ROBOT Magazine forums pointing me to this press release from Innovation First, which states that Innovation First has bought the, "Vex® Robotics Design System brand name and trademark registrations from RadioShack Corporation." You may remember that Innovation First partnered with Radio Shack to develop the kit back a year or so ago.

Plans are to expand the line and continue production.

“We plan to stock the full line of Vex products and accessories and will seek additional distribution partners to fully serve the consumer and education markets in the US and abroad. We’ll also be stepping up efforts to drive innovation into the product assortment and will offer even more unique parts through the www.vexlabs.com website.”

Vex can now be purchased off of Innovation First's new Vex website, www.vexlabs.com. Also note that the VEX Development Kit and accessories are still available on Radio Shack's website for deep discounts. Currently the kit is on sale for $150, discounted from $300.

After buying LEGO Mindstorms NXT and eyeballing several upcoming Pleos, I'm really torn as to weather I should drop the cash for a VEX system. Thoughts?

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Tags: [ VEX | LEGO Mindstorms | robots | pleo ]

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Comments
save your money
Written by Ollie ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) on 2006-04-19 11:50:28
The Vex kit is frustrating to use. The most annoying thing is how the servos connect to drive shafts. You end up building complex (and heavy) metal assemblies with lock collars to keep the shafts from sliding out of the servos. The wheels and treads are great. I just wish they bolted on to the servos. I soon lost interest and went back to futaba and hi-tec servo-based robots. The Vex is great for miscellaneous spare parts but, overall, I'd suggest saving your money for other items.
Vex...
Written by Art ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) on 2006-04-24 06:04:47
Think about it. Look it up in the dictionary. It's aptly named. You'll find it frustrating from the instant you open the box.

I know it's silly to complain about assembling something in a robotics kit, but having to un-shrink-wrap and assemble the manual was a bit much.

One nice thing, the first "squarebot" is described and explained so badly that you'll end up doing things the wrong way first, so it will only get easier when you start building on your own.

Good luck.

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