The Killer Bees

Team 33, the Killer Bees, is one of the founding teams of FIRST Robotics Competition, and their legacy stretches back to the very beginning of the program. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan — the headquarters of what was then Chrysler Corporation — the Killer Bees were born from the partnership between American industry and Dean Kamen's vision of making science cool for young people. That founding DNA still defines the team today.

Competing since 1997, the Killer Bees have accumulated a record that places them among the most decorated teams in FRC history. They have won multiple World Championship titles and Chairman's Awards, the latter being FIRST's highest honor, recognizing a team's impact on their community and the broader mission of inspiring young people to pursue science and technology. The Killer Bees do not just build great robots — they build great engineers and great citizens.

The team's connection to Michigan's automotive industry runs deep. Mentors from Chrysler (now Stellantis), along with engineers from the broader Detroit manufacturing ecosystem, provide students with insights into professional engineering practice that go far beyond what a classroom can offer. Students learn to work with industrial-grade tools and materials, manage project timelines, and collaborate across disciplines — the same skills they will need in their careers.

The Killer Bees' impact on the FRC community extends well beyond their own success. They have mentored dozens of teams in Michigan and across the country, sharing their knowledge and helping newer programs build sustainable engineering cultures. Their longevity and consistency make them a living bridge between FIRST's founding era and its modern incarnation as a global movement.