Hello from Whiteford Robotics Team 6570!

Robotics is playing a crucial role in preparing today’s students for the careers of tomorrow. While having fun!! Students participate in marketing/business, programming, or build teams, or even a combination of many if they chose. Each season, they design and construct robots that operate in both autonomous and teleop (or manual) driving modes. They compete under new rules and innovative game formats within a global organization. Team members lead practices, strategize with opposing teams, run marketing teams, give back to the community, and so much more!

Our team is made of 8 - 12th grade students that include football and track athletes, band and choir members, and more! Coaches and mentors help students build STEM skills, learn networking and communication techniques, develop business and professional experience, and become leaders while balancing many different roles. Together they make up several small groups that compete in FIRST Robotics Competitions. These groups include our build team, programming team, drive team, and marketing team.

The build team designs and constructs the robot using a wide range of tools and machines in our Robotics Lab. They’re also essential during competitions—handling repairs after tough hits, making quick adjustments, and improving the robot’s performance for upcoming matches.

The programming team brings the robot to life by turning hardware into motion and intelligence. Using the systems built by the build team, they develop the code that powers everything from autonomous routines to real‑time control. At the start of each match, the robot relies on cameras and sensors to navigate the field on its own, and this team is responsible for refining our swerve drive, vision processing, and autonomous performance.

The marketing team handles everything from designing spirit wear and creating our competition pit display to managing sponsor communication, community outreach, social media, and event planning. Students on this team especially enjoy creating fun for the team—like team swag, activities, and events that bring our program together.

During competition, these roles shake up as students make up the Drive Team, a Spokesperson, Safety Captain, pit members, scouters, and more.

Students work together to succeed in competitive matches and build life skills.

 

When?

Robotics has three sessions each year. For details on the current session, visit the Parent & Student Resources page.

Preseason: Late September - November

Preseason sets the foundation for everything we accomplish later. Meeting once a week gives each subteam time needed to prepare for competition season and work on fundraisers that help eliminate participation fees for students. It’s also a key time for team bonding and training.

Competition Season: January - April

This is where everything comes together. We meet multiple times a week on a flexible schedule so students can choose the practices that fit their availability. The season starts off with FIRST’s live game reveal Kickoff event, and from that moment we’re off and running—designing, building, perfecting the robot, trying out competition roles, and preparing to compete within a very limited window. We participate in two district competitions, often a practice competition, and a championship if qualified.

Summer Season: Mid June - Mid August

This session is all about learning and having fun. We meet once a week in a relaxed, low‑pressure environment where students can try new roles, explore different subteams, and build skills for next season. We also compete in two off‑season events that are packed with energy and excitement.

 

Our History

Founded in 2017, our team is built on the core values of teamwork, creativity, and developing future leaders. We consistently place in the top ten at District Competitions and reached a major milestone in 2019 when we qualified for the State Championship for the first time. In 2023, we expanded into a dedicated Robotics Lab at Whiteford High School, giving our students the space and tools to grow even further. We qualified again in 2024—this time competing at the State Championship—and we’re proud to now be a team that reaches that level regularly. As our program continues to grow, we’re committed to advancing our achievements each year and building a strong, sustainable future for Whiteford Robotics.

 

Our Boosters

The Robotics Booster Club supports Whiteford’s middle school and high school robotics programs by empowering students, coaches, and families through fundraising, recruitment, advocacy, and community engagement. Our mission is to expand opportunities in robotics and provide meaningful experiences that help students explore and prepare for future STEM and business careers. We meet once a month about 9 times throughout the year. 

Please consider joining the boosters! Email whitefordrobotics6570@gmail.com for more information.

 

About FIRST Robotics

• FIRST is a global nonprofit founded in 1989.
• There are over 600 teams registered in the state of Michigan and over 60 countries participating from around the world.
• In Michigan, teams compete in two district competitions that take place over a three-day period and earn State Qualifying points.
• Success at the State level leads to a World's competition that typically takes place in Houston, TX.

For more information on FIRST, visit their website: firstinmichigan.us/FRC.com