Need & Vision

Expanding Access to Robotics, STEM, and Innovation

The Grosse Pointe Robotics & Innovation Center (GPRIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is leading the development of the Southeast Michigan Robotics & Innovation Center (SEMRIC)—a permanent robotics and innovation hub located in Detroit.

Today, robotics teams across Michigan are developing future engineers, programmers, technicians, skilled trades professionals, and innovators. Yet many students continue to build, code, and practice in garages, hallways, classrooms, basements, and other temporary spaces because dedicated facilities simply do not exist.

By creating a permanent home for robotics, innovation, workforce development, and hands-on STEM learning, SEMRIC will expand access to opportunities for students from Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and communities throughout Southeast Michigan.

The Need vs. The Vision

Teams Need Room to Practice

Success in robotics requires more than building a robot—it requires space to test, practice, and improve. Many teams currently work from garages, basements, and other temporary locations that cannot accommodate a full-size competition field. A permanent, year-round facility would provide students with the space needed to develop skills, build confidence, and prepare for competition.

Room to Practice and Improve

Full-size High School (FRC), Middle School (FTC), and Elementary (FLL) practice fields allow students to train and prepare under real competition conditions.

Building Skills That Last a Lifetime

Students are already learning engineering, manufacturing, problem-solving, and teamwork through robotics. However, many teams lack a dedicated space where they can safely build, test, and improve their designs.

Built for Safety and Real Learning

Instead of working in hallways, a dedicated machine shop gives students a safe, supervised space with the tools needed to design and build with precision.

Innovation Without a Home

Many robotics teams currently operate from garages, classrooms, hallways, and other temporary spaces. While students and mentors continue to succeed despite these challenges, these environments limit collaboration, growth, and access for additional students.

A Space to Build Together

Instead of working out of garages and temporary spaces, teams have room to collaborate, problem-solve, and build side-by-side.

Demand Exceeds Capacity

Student interest in robotics and STEM continues to grow, yet available space has not kept pace. In many cases, students work wherever space can be found, creating barriers to learning and limiting opportunities for expansion.

Tools That Support the Work

Dedicated programming workstations, CAD computers, and 3D printers give students access to the technology needed to design, prototype, test, and improve their ideas.

What the Center Will Provide

Full-size FLL, FTC, and FRC practice fields
Dedicated build, testing, and collaboration space
Programming, CAD, and 3D printing resources
Fabrication and manufacturing equipment
Industry mentorship and workforce development opportunities
Community workshops and STEM learning experiences
A permanent home for teams currently without dedicated space
Expanded access for students from Detroit, Grosse Pointe, and Southeast Michigan

The Opportunity

Today, 34 robotics teams engage more than 300 students across eight schools in the Grosse Pointe community. Yet nine local teams are still building, programming, and practicing from garages, temporary workspaces, classrooms, hallways, and shared facilities because dedicated space simply does not exist.

The Southeast Michigan Robotics & Innovation Center (SEMRIC) will address this challenge by creating a permanent robotics and innovation hub in Detroit, expanding access to dedicated build space, programming labs, fabrication resources, mentorship opportunities, and full-size competition practice fields for students throughout Southeast Michigan.

More than a robotics facility, SEMRIC is an investment in Michigan's future workforce. Through robotics, students gain experience in project management, leadership, communication, teamwork, engineering, programming, manufacturing, design, and problem-solving—skills that prepare them for success in any career and are especially valuable in Michigan's automotive, advanced manufacturing, technology, engineering, and skilled trades sectors.

The SEMRIC will create a lasting community asset where students can learn, build, collaborate, innovate, and thrive for generations to come.

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