# Announcing Release 1.4 of the VRX Simulation Platform

**URL:** <https://discourse.openrobotics.org/t/announcing-release-1-4-of-the-vrx-simulation-platform/48559>\
**Category:** Projects\
**Created:** [July 19, 2021, 3:54pm UTC](https://discourse.openrobotics.org/t/announcing-release-1-4-of-the-vrx-simulation-platform/48559 "2021-07-19T15:54:18Z")\
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**Author:** ![caguero](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex022/user_avatar/discourse.openrobotics.org/caguero/32/3037_2.png) [@caguero](https://discourse.openrobotics.org/u/caguero)\
**Post date:** [July 19, 2021, 3:54pm UTC](https://discourse.openrobotics.org/t/announcing-release-1-4-of-the-vrx-simulation-platform/48559/1 "2021-07-19T15:54:19Z")

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We are pleased to announce the release of version 1.4 of the VRX simulation platform! The VRX platform is a virtual environment built in Gazebo, designed for accelerating development of unmanned surface vehicles. It also serves as the “venue” for the [VRX 2022 Competition](https://robotx.org/programs/vrx-competition-2022/), a virtual competition closely coordinated with [RobotX 2022](https://robotx.org/programs/robotx-challenge-2022/).

This release adds several features and improvements to the VRX platform in preparation for the [VRX 2022 Competition](https://robotx.org/programs/vrx-competition-2022/). These include:

- A new arena, inspired by the Sydney International Regatta Centre (the designated venue for RobotX 2022)
- New buoys matching specifications of the RobotX 2022 course elements
- [Updated Wiki with revised and expanded tutorials](https://github.com/osrf/vrx/wiki)
- Official support for ROS Noetic / Gazebo 11
- For additional details please see the [changelog](https://github.com/osrf/vrx/blob/master/Changelog.md).

As a reminder, VRX 2022 is open to any student team affiliated with an educational institution. Please see the [VRX Introduction](https://robonation.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Introduction-Document-Virtual-RobotX-2022.pdf) for an overview of the event and key dates.

What’s coming next :

- [VRX Release and Competition Tutorials – now available](https://github.com/osrf/vrx/wiki)!
- Workshop & Kickoff – October 2021
- Competition Phase 1 – December 2021
- Competition Phase 2 – March 2022
- Finals – April 2022

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

The VRX Technical Team: Brian, Carlos, Carson and Michael