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Maker Spotlight: Mike Hinkle – A Lifetime of Creativity and Curiosity

Our community shines because of makers like Mike Hinkle — a mentor and lifelong learner whose creativity and curiosity continue to spark innovation at Monumental Impact.

Mike recently wrapped up an incredibly busy build cycle, preparing robots across three combat robotics weight classes — Beetleweight, Plastic Antweight, and Fairyweight — along with a robot for the RIVAL Robotics League. His workshop has been alive with the hum of tools, the buzz of testing, and the spark of innovation as he balances design, fabrication, and mentorship.

Since August, Mike has been guiding four new combat roboticists through our Combat Robotics Starter Program, helping them bring their custom robot designs to life. Under his mentorship, these students have learned how to design, build, and test their creations — skills they’ll put to the test when they compete at our 5th Annual MITEE Gobble Squabble on Saturday, November 22nd at UCCS.

Mike also mentors our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks, teaching mechanical fundamentals, game strategy, and build planning. He brings a thoughtful balance of experience and encouragement, helping students grow their technical skills while fostering teamwork and creativity.

Beyond the makerspace, Mike extends his love for discovery to the broader community through Maker Moments: Creativity & Curiosity, a hands-on session he leads at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center. Through these sessions, he helps people of all ages reconnect with the joy of making — reminding us that creativity is one of life’s most joyful experiences. It’s something we can discover, rediscover, and celebrate throughout our lives.

Mike’s story as a maker stretches back many years, including his early work with Techno Chaos, where he helped families and students explore technology and creativity together. You can learn more about his journey at techno-chaos.com/about-us/mike-hinkle.

Mike embodies the spirit of Monumental Impact: lifelong learning, mentorship, and the power of creativity to connect people. Whether guiding a student team, mentoring new roboticists, or leading community workshops, he reminds us that making isn’t just about the final product — it’s about the curiosity, collaboration, and confidence we gain along the way.

Final touches! Mike prepares his RIVAL Robotics League bot at the Colorado School of Mines scrimmage.
Testing in progress — Mike evaluates his RIVAL Robotics League bot unloading DOOMSDAY game elements during a scrimmage at the Colorado School of Mines.
Mike and members of the Combat Robotics Club meet to discuss build techniques and robot design strategies in preparation for upcoming competitions.
Mike leads a discussion with members of FTC Team 19541 – the Bionic Sharks – reviewing robot design concepts and game strategy during a build session at Monumental Impact.
Hands-on learning in action! Mike works alongside the Bionic Sharks team as they test drive components and troubleshoot mechanisms.
Having fun talking robots with the Bionic Sharks team.
Mike demonstrates live 3D printing during a Maker Moments: 3D Creations & Curiosity session at Silver Key’s Tri-Lakes Activity Center, inspiring others to explore creativity at any age.
Mike readies his Plastic Antweight bot, “Pain in the Bot,” before a match — a great example of precision design and the excitement of combat robotics.
In the arena — Mike competes with his Plastic Antweight bot at the Golden Tech Tussle, held at the Colorado School of Mines’ Labriola Makerspace & Innovation Space.
A lifetime of creativity and curiosity — Mike stands proudly with his lineup of combat robots, embodying the joy and lifelong learning that drive his work.

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