About Innovation First, Inc.

Overview

Innovation First, Inc. began by producing electronics for autonomous mobile ground robots and is now a leader in educational and competitive robotics products, and a growing developer of consumer robotics toys. Incorporated in 1996, Innovation First is a privately held corporation that was founded on the belief that innovation is necessary very early in the design process to produce simple and elegant product designs.

Areas of Expertise

Innovation First is the undisputed leader in designing and supplying control systems to the largest educational robotics competitions worldwide. The Company's VEX Robotics Design System is the leading classroom robotics platform designed to nurture creative advancement in robotics and knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

The VEX Robotics Design System has given way to other robotics products including the VEXplorer, HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures, and IFI Robotics that span the education, consumer and business-to-business markets.

Innovation First is continuing to develop robotics to enhance the VEX experience and is currently expanding its presence in the retail toy market with the launch of new consumer robotics toys in 2008.

Leveraging the company's core competency in electrical and mechanical engineering, the RackSolutions division was formed in 1999 with the goal of becoming the "Rack Mount Problem Solvers." RackSolutions now works closely with all major computer OEMs to provide custom mounting solutions and industry-wide rack compatibility for data installations of all sizes.

Headquarters

Based in Greenville, Texas, Innovation First operates out of a 13 acre complex that houses an advanced metal fabrication plant, distribution center and corporate offices. Innovation First has more than 75 employees worldwide.

Web Sites

Innovation First has launched several Web sites supporting the advancement of the robotics industry including:

  • VexRobotics.com: Main hub for the VEX Robotics Design System and other robotics products, including VEXplorer and HEXBUG, and contains resources for educators who want to implement VEX in the classroom.
  • RobotEvents.com: First Web site of its kind providing comprehensive online resources for the latest robotics news, blogs, events and other information for robotics enthusiasts.
  • IFIrobotics.com: A leading website for the supply of competition and hobby robotics products.
  • HexBug.com: A site promoting the company’s unique HEXBUG Micro Robotic Creatures.
  • RackSolutions.com: Provides information on custom mounting solutions and products that solve industry wide rack compatibility issues for enterprise servers, storage and PC equipment.
Digital Resources