(G6-8) Onshape CAD for VEX IQ Robotics
(G8-12) Onshape CAD for VEX V5 Robotics

Onshape Robotics CAD is an advanced robotics engineering course for students who have completed either the VEX IQ or VEX V5 foundation course. The course enables students to design and prototype robots digitally before mechanical assembly, helping teams improve efficiency, reduce mistakes, and minimize rework during the build process. Students are expected to already understand basic robot construction and be familiar with common VEX parts and systems.

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Onshape is a leading cloud-based Computer-Aided Design (CAD) platform widely used by robotics students for professional-quality 3D modeling.  The CAD software can also be applied to 3D Printing and Laser Cutting core techniques that are used widely in VEX Robotics. The software operates entirely through a web browser, thus students can work together on sophisticated robot designs from any device without relying on costly, high-performance computers. The platform is also closely connected to the educational robotics community, providing VEX libraries that support major robotics competitions.

The course is divided into 2 levels. In the Entry Level, students learn the fundamentals of Onshape CAD by recreating their familiar VEX IQ/V5 basebot and clawbot robots. Students practice creating parts, assemblies, and mechanical systems while developing core engineering design skills.  Moving to the Intermediate Level, students design more complex robot subsystems including drivetrains, lifting mechanisms, and intake systems. 

This course is ideal for students interested in advanced robot building and mechanical engineering. CAD is encouraged for use in VEX IQ competitions and is even more essential for VEX V5 competitions.

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OnShape CAD Unit and Lesson Plan:

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1. (Entry IQ/V5) Onshape basics, CAD the basebot and create step by step building instruction (2 lessons)

2. (Entry IQ/V5) CAD the claw-bot with a front claw and create step by step building instruction (2 lessons)

3. (Entry IQ/V5) CAD the arm-bot with an up-lifting robot arm and create step by step building instruction (2 lessons)

4. (Intermediate IQ) CAD advanced 2-to-1 ratio chain-based drivetrain (2 lessons)

5. (Intermediate IQ) CAD advanced 2-to-1 ratio gear-based drivetrain (2 lessons)

6. (Intermediate V5) CAD advanced 450-rpm gear-based drivetrain (4 lessons)

7. (Intermediate IQ/V5) CAD a reverse 4-bar lifting system (3 lessons)

8. (Intermediate IQ/V5) CAD a rubber-band roller intake system (3 lessons)

9. (Intermediate V5) CAD a flex-wheel intake system (3 lessons)

10. (Intermediate IQ/V5) CAD the 2026 competition hero robot (4 lessons)

11. (Advanced) CAD your team's winning competition robot from last season (4 lessons)

12. (Advanced) CAD your team's competition robot design for the new competition season