Hollywood Robotics Team Explores Defense Drone Technology During ABSI Visit

HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Members of growingSTEMS Robotics Team 836A, known as “The Hive Mind,” recently toured ABSI Aerospace & Defense to learn about the growing role of unmanned systems in the defense sector.

GrowingSTEMS, a local nonprofit organization, provides hands-on engineering and STEM education programs for students ranging from third grade through high school and beyond.

During the visit, students received an inside look at how robotic systems are designed, manufactured and used in real-world applications. ABSI’s Aerial Targets Division (ATD) develops affordable, expendable unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, that serve as aerial targets for military, law enforcement and homeland security training. The systems are designed to help agencies prepare for potential drone threats.

“We enjoy hosting local youth for site visits,” David Zyga of ATD told The BayNet. “For many of these adolescents, robotics will evolve from an interest to a hobby, to an education and ultimately to a career. It is important for them to see how continued pursuit of this field can result in a meaningful impact on national defense and global security.”

Students also learned about UAV propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing processes, and viewed a UAV wing recovered from the wreckage of a recent successful counter-unmanned aerial systems engagement alongside ABSI engineers and project managers.

ABSI has participated in multiple internship and mentorship programs in recent years, including partnerships with The Patuxent Partnership and the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. According to the company, several interns have returned as employees while continuing to work toward their degrees.

The Hive Mind, based in Hollywood, earned the Excellence Award at the regional level this season, the highest honor presented, advancing the team to the Maryland State Championship. At the state competition, the team won the Innovate Award for its Python coding and placed third in the Skills competition.

In April, the team competed at the VEX IQ World Championship against robotics teams from 53 countries. The appearance marked the team’s second consecutive trip to the international competition after becoming the first local middle school team to qualify the previous year. The Hive Mind finished 21st out of more than 80 teams in its division with a score of 278.25, narrowly missing the Division Finals by less than 1 point.

The team now enters a period of transition as four members move on to high school, where they will begin advanced robotics training in soldering, wiring, computer-aided design, CNC machining and 3D printing. The team’s two returning middle school members are already working toward building another championship-caliber team.

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