Welcome

Welcome to the official homepage of Lightning Robotics, FIRST team 862! We joined FIRST Robotics Competition in 1999, and operate out of the Plymouth-Canton Community School District in southeast Michigan.

Great News from West Michigan!

We are happy to say that we had another very successful event, this time at the FIRST in Michigan West MI District Qualifier. We were undefeated (17-0!!), were ranked #2 at the end of Qualification Rounds, were part of the #1 ranked alliance, our alliance won the event, Julia won the Dean's List Finalist position, and our team is now ranked #3 out of the 528 teams in Michigan!


Great News from Belleville!

We are happy to say that we had a very successful event at the FIRST in Michigan Belleville District Qualifier. We were the captain of the #1 ranked alliance, our alliance won the event, and our team won the Impact Award!

What's Happening This Week?

Spring Break and preparation for State Championship

What's Happening Next Week?

Final preparations, then State Championship

2025 Game Challenge

This year’s game is called REEFSCAPE. Here is a video description.

Schedule

Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Day 1)

8:00AM-10:30AM    Drop-and-Go Load-In (Pits Not Open)

10:30AM-11:00AM   Regular Load-In,
Pits Open,
Inspections Begin

11:00AM-Lunch     Start of Practice Matches

12:30PM-1:30PM    Lunch for DTE and Consumers Fields

1:00PM-2:00PM     Lunch for Hemlock Semiconductor and Aptiv Fields

Lunch-3:00PM      End of Practice Matches

3:30PM-4:00PM     Drivers’ Meeting

4:30PM-5:00PM     Opening Ceremonies

5:00PM-7:300PM    Qualification Matches

~8:30PM*          Pits Close 60

                  minutes after the

                  conclusion of the last match

Friday, April 4, 2025 (Day 2)

8:00AM Pits Open

9:00AM-9:30AM     Opening Ceremonies

9:30AM-Lunch      Qualification Matches

12:30PM-1:30PM    Lunch for DTE and

                  Consumers Fields

1:00PM-2:00PM     Lunch for Hemlock Semiconductor

                  and Aptiv Fields

Lunch-6:00PM      Qualification Matches

6:30PM-7:00PM     Alliance Selection

7:00PM-7:30PM     Dean’s List Recognition

~8:30PM*          Pits close 60

                  minutes after

                  the end of

                  Alliance Selection

Saturday, April 5, 2025 (Day 3)

8:00AM Pits Open

9:00AM-9:30AM     Opening Ceremonies

                  (Including WFFA Announcement)

9:30AM-1:00PM     IntraDivisional Playoffs

                  and Awards

1:00PM-2:00PM     Lunch

1:30PM-2:30PM     Camera Calibrations and

                  Practice For Finals Teams

2:30PM-4:00PM     InterDivisional Playoffs

4:00PM-5:00PM     Final Awards followed by Worlds Invitations

~5:00PM*          Pits Close

 

* All times are estimated

  based on flow of rounds

Livestream Video

Event info and Match Schedule

Location

Saginaw Valley State University
Ryder Center
7400 Bay Rd
University Center, MI 48710
Map & Directions to Ryder Center
Venue Map of Ryder Center

General Info for Spectators at FIRST Events

Events are often quite loud. We strongly recommend ear protection -- ear muffs, etc. -- for small children and anyone that is sensitive to loud environments.

Lightning's Mission 

Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to develop STEM and business skills, and to instill the Lightning Robotics values of STRIKE.

Student leadership,
Teamwork,
Resilience,
Inspiration,
Knowledge, and
Engagement