Ricardo Thomas / The Detroit News

Southern Christian School's Celeste White, left, 12, of Detroit and Kimberly Bligos, right, 13, of Farmington Hills test their robot while Roeper student Jaela McDonald, center, 11, of Pontiac watches during a qualifier for the Lawrence Technical University Robofest 2008. The teams of students must build two autonomous robots that can complete tasks. The goals of the competition include fostering an interest in science, promoting innovative thinking and teamwork and encouraging workplace ethics.