I think several FRC teams have noted the advantages of using smaller scale robots to use for fall training purposes and prototyping (see
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=45531). There will be a
conference session in Atlanta called, "Using Vex to Supercharge Your FRC Team" by Dan Larochelle & Donn Griffith. These are wonderful uses for the Vex kit (or other smaller robots). But that is only half the story of the FIRST Vex Challenge program. Vex is being utilized in geographical areas that cannot financially support an FRC team. And in schools and by groups that don't want to commit to the FRC program. And by others as a bridge between the FLL and FRC programs. And to borrow from the famous Mark Twain, "The rumors of Vex' death are greatly exaggerated." Let's wait and see what happens before deciding to "replace Vex".