Rocksi vs VEXcode

Rocksi is a browser-based simulator for programming a 3D virtual robot with block-based code. It is free, requires no registration, and runs in modern browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and Safari without a download or installation. Listed robot models include Franka, Niryo NED, Sawyer, and Robotiq grippers. The maker says Rocksi was created with education in mind, for settings such as school classes, university lectures, workshops, and fairs; its stated learner level is mixed. Its software page names Blockly and JS-Interpreter among the programming libraries, as well as three.js, cannon-es, urdf-loaders, and xacro-parser among the 3D libraries. Supported platforms also include iPhone, iPad, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. The project is described as MIT-licensed in its source repository. Robokind Stiftung, based in Hannover, Germany, is identified as the responsible organization and privacy data controller. The privacy policy says server logs may contain browser and operating system details, pages visited, visit times, and IP addresses, normally deleted within seven days. The homepage provides an email address for updates and feedback.

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.