At Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the next generation of innovators is already at work. Through hands-on robotics programs, students learn to design, build, program, and improve their own creations while developing problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. Inspired by the inventive legacies of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, our teams embrace experimentation, perseverance, and the understanding that great ideas are developed through curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We are proud to host three youth robotics teams:
Assembly Required (est. 2017) • Grades 5 – 9 • First LEGO League (FLL) Challenge
jEdison Knights (est. 2023) • Grades 9 – 12 • First Tech Challenge (FTC)
The Sith Fords (est. 2026) • Grades 9 – 12 • First Tech Challenge (FTC)
A Tradition of Excellence
Our robotics teams have represented Edison and Ford Winter Estates at regional, state, and international competitions.
In the 2025–2026 season, Assembly Required advanced to the Florida State Championship for the sixth consecutive year, continuing an extraordinary record of competitive achievement. The team has also participated in two FIRST World Championships and the Florida State International Invitational.
The jEdison Knights advanced to the Florida State Championship in the 2025–2026 season, displaying their growth as a team.
Our greatest success is helping students develop the confidence, technical skills, and collaborative spirit to tackle increasingly complex challenges.
We believe that STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) skills are critical for students in the 21st century. We also believe the core values of collaboration and innovation will be critical for tomorrow’s leaders. Because of our commitment to these values, we’ve had a long-standing connection to youth robotics that we’ve built upon year over year:
2012: Edison Ford staff began serving as robotics mentors throughout the region.
2017: Assembly Required was established.
2022: Assembly Required advanced to the FIRST World Championship.
2023: The jEdison Knights were established, and Assembly Required returned to the FIRST World Championship a second year where they won a first place core award, the highest achievement by any US team that year.
2024: Assembly Required competed at an international invitational.
2026: Assembly Required achieved its sixth consecutive State Championship qualification; the jEdison Knights also advanced to the State Championship; and the Sith Fords were established, expanding our FTC program to two teams.
To Learn More:
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Do you know a child interested in joining an Edison Ford robotics team? Click here to join the waitlist for next season
Are you interested in becoming a sponsor or donor? Click here to contact us
