Eastern Market is going to be invaded by robots. Robots, books, tutors, and school kids. Normally you wouldn’t see those things grouped together but they will all converge under the roof of the Detroit Robot Factory, the newest location of 826michigan’s tutoring center and retail store.

826michigan is a non-profit organization that helps children grow their writing and academic skills. They’re based in Ann Arbor, but are already busy serving schools in Detroit as well as Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, serving over 3,000 students in the last year.

“We’ve been running 826michigan programs throughout the city at various schools, libraries, and [community] centers with quite a warm reception from those we encounter and serve,” said Courtney Wise Randolph, Communications Coordinator for 826michigan.

The space in Eastern Market, located just behind Rocky Peanut Company on Russell Street, will provide dedicated additional space for Detroit children to take advantage of the multitude of services 826michigan provides. “[It allows] us the chance to offer even more of our signature programming to students, namely our Drop-in Tutoring program and Field Trips,” Randolph added.

There is also the matter of the robots.

826michigan is one of several non-profits of this type in the country. The original non-profit, 826 Valencia, opened in 2002 and was required to sell retail goods due to zoning restrictions in their neighborhood. When forced to open up shop to support their tutoring center, the staff did what any creative group would and opened a pirate supply store. Yes, pirates.

The success of the store and center quickly blossomed into other unique locations: Superheroes in New York, Time Travelers in Los Angeles, other shops - seven total - including Michigan’s own robot shops. The fun and quirky goods being sold up front help fund the good work going on in the back.

826michigan will sell robot themed products at the Detroit location, but also sell several collections of writing crafted by the students themselves as well. “When our students see their work in print … their confidence explodes,” Randolph said, reflecting on the volumes. This means students can be published authors before they’re even old enough to drive.

“I’m thrilled about the opening of the new space.” Randolph said, “I expect the Detroit Robot Factory to be a tremendous asset to the city’s students.”

The Detroit Robot Factory will open this fall. If you can’t wait to have robots until then, swing by the Liberty Street Robot Repair and Supply in Ann Arbor and discover what makes 826michigan tick.