Bionic Black Hawks Soar: Robotics Season Highlights

The Bionic Black Hawks capped off an exciting year by competing at the FIRST® 2026 Championship in Houston, Texas (April 29–May 2), where they connected with robotics teams from all over the world and participated in working sessions with leaders of the engineering industry. At earlier events this season, the team also earned two prestigious regional awards:

• Engineering Inspiration Award – Woodhaven District Competition (March 13–15)
• Excellence in Engineering Award – Saline District Event presented by Oracle (March 27–29)

Another season accomplishment was the successful rollout of a new communication platform within the team. With features like task-tracking and charts viewable by all, it has been particularly useful in transferring knowledge from older students to newer teammates. “The team this year is relatively young, with only three seniors out of 35 teammates,” shared Brock Atto (grade 11). “But we have a really good group of freshmen, and we’ve been working to set ourselves up for success next season, and to set up our underclassmen for the seasons after we’re gone.” 

The Bionic Black Hawks team prioritizes connection and team-building, including a “lock-in” at the start of each season. “We have everybody come to the shop, eat cereal, watch movies, and we have little activities,” shared Jena Gayar (grade 11). “It really helps everyone get to know each other.” The team also welcomes current grade 8 robotics students for weekly visits, giving them a preview of what to expect when they join the high school program.

Over the next several weeks, the team will relocate its shop to the new district robotics facility at 3100 Lone Pine Rd, in the space next to Bloomin’ West, and will continue outreach efforts to younger students. “During the summer, we host an FTC camp,” shared Leeland Dunstone (grade 11), “and in the fall we host the FTC season kickoff for middle schoolers, and hold workshops for them.” The high school team also participates in their own off-season competitions during the fall, allowing members to hone their skills and even try out new roles in a more relaxed, low-stakes environment.

Congratulations to all Bionic Black Hawks team members on a fun and collaborative season! 

For incoming freshmen interested in joining the team, there will be an informational meeting in early June. Watch for details in middle school newsletters and PTO Facebook pages later this week. 

For information on how to register K-8 students for next season, please visit the Bloomfield Hills Robotics website.