From Prototype to Competition Robot
A strong competition robot rarely appears on the first try. Teams sketch, prototype, measure, test, break things, repair them, and then simplify.…
Middle School • FIRST Tech Challenge
We build more than robots. We build problem-solvers.
Golden Gears Robotics is a Bloomfield Hills middle-school team where students turn ideas into mechanisms, code, strategy, and competition-ready engineering.
How we compete
Engineering is a team sport.
FTC combines design, fabrication, programming, match strategy, documentation, and communication. Every subsystem matters — and so does every teammate.
⚙
01 / DESIGN
Build the machine
Prototype mechanisms, model parts, fabricate components, wire electronics, and improve reliability through testing.
⌘
02 / CODE
Make it think
Program sensors, autonomous routines, driver controls, and repeatable robot behaviors using Java-based FTC tools.
↗
03 / COMPETE
Play the game
Study scoring, plan match strategy, work with alliance partners, practice driving, and adapt under competition pressure.
6–8Middle-school grades
2–3×Typical meetings per week
2Regional events listed by BHR
1Team, many disciplines
Our process
Build smart. Move fast. Work together.
The goal is not to get every idea right the first time. The goal is to learn faster: test a concept, find the weak point, improve it, and repeat.
- Break the game into solvable engineering problems.
- Prototype before committing to a final mechanism.
- Use testing data to improve speed and consistency.
- Keep code, hardware, drive practice, and strategy connected.
- Document what worked — and what didn’t.
Team updates
From the build room.
Season notes, engineering lessons, competition recaps, and community updates from Golden Gears Robotics.
What Students Learn in FIRST Tech Challenge
FIRST Tech Challenge asks students to solve a real engineering problem under competition constraints. The work goes far beyond driving a robot:…
Welcome to Golden Gears Robotics
Golden Gears Robotics is a middle-school team built around engineering, coding, teamwork, and competition. This site will be our home for season…
Community powered
Partners keep the gears turning.
Use these sponsor slots for local businesses, engineering partners, manufacturers, mentors, and organizations that support the team.
Founding Sponsor
Engineering Partner
Community Partner
Your Logo Here
Help middle-school students build, code, and compete.
Sponsorship can support robot parts, event costs, fabrication, tools, team materials, and hands-on STEM experiences.
Quick answers
Golden Gears FAQ
What is Golden Gears Robotics?
Golden Gears Robotics is a middle-school robotics team in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, participating in FIRST Tech Challenge competition.
What do students learn in FIRST Tech Challenge?
Students practice engineering, CAD, fabrication, programming, strategy, testing, documentation, teamwork, and communication while building a competition robot.
How often do middle-school FTC teams meet?
Bloomfield Hills Robotics currently says its middle-school FTC teams typically meet two to three times per week during the season.
How can a business support Golden Gears?
Businesses can help through sponsorship, materials, technical mentorship, in-kind services, fabrication support, and community connections.