Transformers Robots in disguise: The Weaponizer Minicons were all child experiments

 Yes,the show confirms this by mentioning they were captured in their youth and have been experimented on. But I want to explain this further because this is something that some people don't really catch on and to the point of at least can get what Shockwave have done prior the ending of Transformers Prime. 

The minicons' youth:

During the war,many minicons went into hiding,and some others wanted to join the war. The Weaponizers on the other heads,who weren't considered Weaponizers at the time,wanted nothing more than peace and quiet. They used to be normal and ordinary minicons. They used to be happy bots until the Decepticons shown up. Aerobolt was once saved by Optimus Prime but at the time he was saved,the other minicons were kidnapped. 

The capture and the experiments:

Aerobolt,not fully trusting Optimus,decided to find the other minicons without him,leading him to his capture by Megatron. Through the process of experimenting,they misses a piece of body parts to further tests and modifies. Shockwave then tells Megatron they now have access to brand new power and to acquire this power,they would have to connect each of the seven minicons altogether to the user,who can then acquire the Power Surge. (If you have followed the Starscream arc from Transformers Robots in disguise,you'll understand what I was talking about.) The flashback Starscream gave us explained how the minicons have escaped so I don't know to talk about the flashback. 

Is Megatron and Shockwave aware of the minicons' escape?:

Considering the fact that Megatron exiled himself in Predacons Rising,it is saved to say that he's not aware of what has happened to the minicons. And probably would'nt even care since it's no longer his business. But what about Shockwave? Is he aware? I don't know. At least,Starscream knew they escaped.