BugBotLab vs VEXcode

BugBotLab is a browser-based Python course where students program a BugBot robot in a simulator or on BugBot hardware. The course lists 409 lessons, progressing from first code through vision and machine learning. Students join classes with a six-letter code and do not need email addresses or accounts. It runs in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari on school laptops, Chromebooks, and iPads. Teacher tools include live class views, progress boards, mark books, assignments, tests, certificates, lesson materials, and custom tasks. School sign-in supports Google or Microsoft accounts. A new teacher receives 30 days of School plan access without a card; after the trial, one class remains free. Paid plans include a 149.00 GBP yearly Teacher plan and school plans. BugBotLab says data is stored in London, deleted on request or after twelve months unused, and not sold or used to train AI models. The BugBot robot is listed separately at £199 each or £999 for five, ex VAT.

VEXcode is coding software for VEX robotics, with versions listed for VEX 123, GO, AIM, IQ, EXP, V5, CTE, and AIR. It uses a consistent interface across VEX platforms and supports drag-and-drop Blocks, Switch Blocks for moving toward Python, and text-based Python and C++. VEXcode VR runs in a browser without installation and offers curriculum and activities, which teachers can edit in Google Docs. It requires no student accounts, and each license includes access for an educator’s students at school and at home. VR Free costs nothing and includes Blocks, 15 basic-graphics playgrounds, curriculum, activities, and online resources. Enhanced costs $199 a year; Premium costs $499 a year. The separate VEX VS Code Extension supports C++ and Python on Windows and Mac, with project, documentation, firmware, and troubleshooting tools. It requires VS Code 1.66 or later. VEXcode runs across Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows.