Over the weekend of November 29 and December 1, UMEI Lightning Robotics FTC team The Thunderbirds showcased their innovation and teamwork at the Mississauga First Tech Challenge Qualifier held at the Rick Hansen High School.
Competing against some of the best teams in the region, the Thunderbirds had an incredible weekend filled with success and teamwork.
The team was chosen for the third alliance and placed second in the tournament, earning them a coveted spot at the Provincial Championships in February!
In addition to their achievements, the Thunderbirds received the prestigious Design Award, which recognizes teams that integrate industrial design elements into their robotic solutions.
Reflecting on this experience, Year 11 team member Liam Brown shared his thoughts. “During the Mississauga competition, our robot performed very well. Our goals throughout the design process were to earn points through every possible method. The robot was designed to use a pull-down grip to take samples and a claw to pick specimens from the wall. Another function we performed in competition was a Level 3 Accent. Our Level 3 Accent worked most of the time and was very effective. Overall, this competition was a great success,” he said.
Year 12 student Peter Martens added: “It was a great experience to arrive at the competition and see how lively all the stands were. We spoke to many teams about our game plan when playing together as an alliance, and we clearly communicated our professionalism to all of our alliances.
You can next see the Thunderbirds compete at the Windsor Qualifier at St. Clair College on January 11, 2025.
These achievements highlight the dedication and creativity of these students, who spent countless hours designing, building and programming their robot in preparation for this event.
Their perseverance and collaborative spirit was evident throughout the competition, from their strategic plays to their unwavering support for one another.
This exceptional performance fits perfectly with UMEI’s mission to allow students to explore their passions, develop their critical thinking and work as a team.
Events like the First Tech Challenge provide a platform for students to challenge themselves and shine in STEM fields.
Congratulations to the Thunderbirds on their remarkable achievements and thank you to everyone who supported their journey. We are excited to cheer them on as they head to the provincial championships.