A new robotics practice facility was officially opened on Tuesday as community members gathered together to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony at UACJ Whitehall Industries, a local company that manufactures aluminum parts for the automotive industry. 

The regional complex will allow daily use by local high school students who participate in FIRST® Robotics, a program designed to foster engineering and other workforce skills in young people. Teams of students are challenged to design, build, and program robots and compete for awards while learning skills like teamwork, respect, scouting and fundraising.

The development of the facility was spearheaded by MiSTEM Director Brian Dotson, who began discussions with UACJ regarding space and funding during the summer of 2024.

“This facility isn’t common at all. There’s nothing like this anywhere near here,” Dotson said. “It started when I had a conversation with Karen (O’Bots coach) and Cary Shineldecker. 

“They said, ‘We need some support in robotics. Can you imagine having a basketball team and not having a court to practice? How good would your team be? Not very good. Is there a way we can make a shared space that can be used by all students in the region?’”

Dotson said UACJ officials were very receptive to the idea and agreed to make space for a robotics “field” at their building on South Madison Street. Other businesses and organizations supported the endeavor with monetary sponsorships. (see below)

Fast forward to 2025, and students from Mason, Lake and Oceana counties and beyond are now able to use an 80x80-foot carpeted field for robotics practice and unofficial competitions in Ludington. 

Robotics on Display

The incredible talents of the area's FIRST® Robotics students were on full display at the grand opening event, as they used remote controls to maneuver their robots on the field in a fast-paced, simulated 3-on-3 competition.  

Presenters thanked the community members and organizations involved in creating the space.

Dotson stated that, if more sponsorship funding becomes available, officials would like to expand the local robotics program to include a middle school field and the necessary tools for building and maintaining robots. 

He cited a FIRST® Robotics principle of “coopertition” – a combination of cooperation and competition –  when students are partnered with participants from other schools at local contests.

FIRST® participants develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence when they: 

• collaborate and share ideas
• compete with, repair, and upgrade their robots
• engage with cutting-edge technology
• creatively solve problems
• interview with volunteer judges
• have fun

“FIRST® Robotics equips students with the essential skills needed for success in our ever-evolving industries,” Ludington High School O-Bots Coach Karen Shineldecker said. “FIRST® partners with businesses, mentors, coaches, and leaders in the industry to empower these programs. UACJ Whitehall Industries has embraced this mission by providing this regional practice field, along with supporting internships for our FRC (FIRST® Robotics Competition) alumni. We can’t thank them enough.” 

“UACJ Whitehall Industries does more than host a robotics practice facility—they eliminate every barrier along the way,” Dotson said. “They are the epitome of true community support, turning what once seemed impossible into reality for hundreds of STEM students, both today and for generations to come.”

An event will be held at West Shore Community College in January as a kickoff to the 2026 robotics season. After that time, students will begin building their 115-pound robots and preparing for a competition at the end of February.

For more information on FIRST® Robotics, visit firstinspires.org.

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Thank you to the many sponsors for this practice facility: UACJ - Whitehall Industries, Ferris State University, Summit Tech Center, MiSTEM Network, Haworth, House of Flavors Mfg, Community Foundation of Mason County, West Shore Bank, GEMS FRC Team 4362, Cooper's Floor Covering, and Carter Lumber.