Innovation First has launched two products for 2008 - the VEX RCR Mini robotics platform and VEX 802.11 Wi-Fi Control System.

VEX RCR Mini
The VEX RCR Mini will be sold as a 300 part open-ended robotics kit that includes all the parts and accessories (including gears, motors, wheels, metal and hardware) needed to design and construct a radio-controlled robot.

The VEX Mini’s quarter inch pitch is structurally compatible with all half inch pitch full-scale VEX EDR and RCR robots, enabling builders to design more capable, dexterous and agile robots by mixing parts. The VEX Mini will debut at this year’s American International Toy Fair in New York City, taking place between February 17 and 20 2008. It will be available commercially in August 2008, and is expected to retail for less that $100.

VEX 802.11 Wi-Fi Control System
Innovation First is also planning to launch a new control system built on the Wi-Fi 802.11 standard.

The patent for the new Control System is pending and the technology is said to offer a secure, affordable option for education and competition robotics users. Using the Wi-Fi controller, consumers will let users program their VEX robot wirelessly through any computer, including OLPC, running Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems. The system also facilitates new features like robot to robot communication and even allows operators to drive robots remotely via the Internet.

Explaining the benefits of the control system, Jason Morrella, senior director of education and competition, Innovation First, said: “The new Wi-Fi controller is great for robotics competitions and classroom environments using ten or more robots because VEX users will not be bound by the typically low number of available robot radio frequencies for simultaneous use.

“It will allow hundreds of robot operators to control their VEX robots at the same time in a designated space with no crystals, which will facilitate more fields and more match play by teams at events.”

Commenting on the developments, Tony Norman, president and CEO, Innovation First, said: “We have had great success with the VEX Robotics Design System and these new additions reinforce our commitment to VEX and the robotics community. VEX is currently used by tens of thousands of educators and hobbyists worldwide and now new and existing users alike will have the option to enhance their VEX experience with the 802.11 Wi-Fi Control System and VEX Mini.”

Find out more at Innovation First (PDF)