Is anyone here familiar with Vex robotics? I'm thinking of purchasing it, but I want to make sure it's suits my project ideas and skills.

For instance . . .

1. Is Vex Robotics a good learning tool for beginners?

2. Can anyone explain to me in detail what provisions Vex Robotics has for building autonomous robots?

I appreciate all your help.

Hi,
Vex is great for begginers and people new to robotics. They have many different setups and it can be changed over and over to suit your challenge needs. From what i know they are not autonomous at all. They are controled through a remote like an rc car but it has many more channels to control different options.

As for getting the vex right now i would wait. RadioShack has sold it to another company so i would wait to see if they come out with any new versions. I will post an update to let you guys know. I know this because TheRobotStore.com looked into becoming a dealer but stopped because after Radio Shack let it go. TheRobotStore.com fear was there would be no support for it and new version may be comming out. Hope that helps.
Nick

While Robonick says "wait" it might be wise to stock up at the Shack now. All VEX kits are on sale, since they are being closed out. You might go to the new VEX site, www.IFIRobotics.com
which contains all of the company's robotic offerings to learn more about the system. Have you also looked at FischerTechnik kits?

You might also look at the brief VEX discusson under Other Entertainment Robots