What is MECO?

MECO (MEE-koh) Robotics is a community robotics organization in east Orlando comprised of a small, close-knit group of dedicated students, supportive parents, and talented mentors and coaches who bring STEM education and a unique form of community service to the underserved community of Bithlo and the surrounding area. We focus on problem solving, collaboration, leadership, and real-life applications of professional and life skills for students of all interests and backgrounds. And of course we build really cool robots.

We created a 125-pound robot that can pick up, carry, and throw balls while defending our side of the field in the FIRST Robotics Competition! Our team consists of enthusiastic middle and high school students and ultra-supportive mentors (some who are FIRST robotics team alum themselves).

🚀 WHY MECO? 🚀

MECO: Main Engine Cut Off marks the moment in a rocket’s flight when thrust gives way to guidance, precision, and control. It’s not the end of the journey, it’s the transition to what comes next.

At MECO Robotics, we build that transition. Students gain a strong technical foundation through hands-on engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving, then learn to apply those skills independently and with intent.

Like in rocketry, progress isn’t just about pushing harder; it’s about knowing when to adapt, take control, and move forward with purpose.

Our Mission Statement

MECO Robotics empowers underserved students in East Orlando by providing a safe, equitable, and engaging environment where they can explore robotics while creating lasting relationships.

We are dedicated to nurturing curiosity, resilience, confidence, collaboration, and enabling students to experience growth through both their successes and challenges.

We launch future leaders who excel personally and make a positive impact in their communities.

FIRST Robotics Challenge

Our high school team, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 8324 MECO Robotics, competes in an international engineering program where students run a team like a small company.

Each season (January–March), students:

Design and manufacture an industrial-sized robot
Develop software and autonomous systems
Manage budget, branding, and operations
Compete in a complex, fast-paced game with teams worldwide

This is our most advanced program and the core of our technical development.

FIRST Lego League

Our younger students participate in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge through Team 58292 MECObits .

Each season (August–March), students:

Build and program LEGO robots
Solve mission-based engineering challenges
Conduct research on real-world problems
Present solutions and compete with other teams

FLL serves as both an introduction to STEM and a foundation for future participation in FRC.

Community Outreach

MECO Robotics is committed to expanding access to STEM in Bithlo and the surrounding East Orlando community. Through workshops, demonstrations, and mentorship, we introduce students of all backgrounds to engineering, programming, and hands-on problem solving.

Our outreach focuses on meeting students where they are, whether that’s their first exposure to robotics or a deeper interest in technical skills, and providing a pathway to continued growth. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications, we aim to make STEM both accessible and relevant.

Beyond technical skills, our programs emphasize confidence, collaboration, and ownership, helping students see themselves as capable contributors in engineering and beyond.

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