ANN ARBOR, MI - Robotics enthusiasts and competitors packed into the gym of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School as it hosted the First Robotics Districts Competition from March 9-11.

40 teams from area high schools gathered to show off their robotics displays and competed to move on to the state competition with hopes of advancing to the national competition.

Teams had six weeks to design, build and program robots for the competition.

Once the robot was complete, it was stuffed into a plastic bag and sealed until competition with the exception of a six-hour window in which teams were able to make adjustments.

Supporters of respective robotics clubs cheered for their alliance throughout the competition.

Aukit Patel, a senior at Bedford High School, noted the competition while acknowledging the amiable atmosphere that exists among competitors.

"They like to say it's a sport for the mind, but it's really great to meet people that are like-minded," he said.

Patel also believes that the benefits of the competitions are not only for friendships, but for the development of robotics as well.

"To have the same mindsets in the same room is awesome. It kindles conversations, innovations and good ideas."