The Robo-Lions are Carroll County's FIRST Robotics Competition team, one of several youth robotics programs run under Partnership and Inspiration for Engineering Education and Entrepreneurship (PIE3), an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit. PIE3 was formed in 2011, when the Robo-Lions split off from Liberty High School to become a community-based team open to students across Carroll County.
PIE3 board president Thomas Milnes told Westminster Wire their landlord needs the Finsburg building they’re in back by June 30, 2027. Whatever space the team finds next needs to be at least 1,400 square feet, Milnes said, enough room for the tools, parts storage and monthslong build seasons that competitive high school robotics requires — not just a place to meet, but a place to build.
Milnes said the TownMall of Westminster is still very much under consideration as a possible new home. He said PIE3 wants the search made public and welcomes leads from anyone in the community with a space that might work. Readers with a tip can reach the team through Milnes at [email protected].
2022 Team Photo at the Championships in Houston Texas, from https://robo-lions.org/history/.
Twenty years, five trips to Worlds
Milnes said the Robo-Lions have qualified for the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship five times: 2011 and 2013 in St. Louis, and 2022, 2023 and 2026 in Houston.
Founded in 2007, the Robo-Lions are in their 20th year, and PIE3 is marking it with an open house at the team's current Finksburg location on Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Directions are posted at robo-lions.org/location.
On Field Team at FIRST Pitch Event with Orioles Bird, 2025, from https://robo-lions.org/history/.
All photos from https://robo-lions.org/history/. Featured photo Drive Team with Lord of the Rings 2 at Chesapeake District Championship 2024.