How to Join Lightning Robotics
Lightning Robotics is open to any high school* student in the Plymouth-Canton area.
*8th Grade members are admitted on a limited, case-by-case basis with approval of team leadership.You are not required to be a Plymouth-Canton Educational Park or Plymouth-Canton Community Schools student.
You do not need to have prior robotics experience.
New members join the team at the beginning of the school year and spend the preseason of September through December training, working on projects, and preparing for competition season, which starts in January with the announcement of the new game (the robot game changes every year).
Exceptions are sometimes made, so if you cannot join at the start of the school year, please Contact Us to see if joining at another time is possible.
If you have questions/concerns about joining the team, please reach out through our Contact Us page.
2026-27 Team 862 Student Registration
This link will take you to an interest form for the 2026-27 school year. We typically start promoting new-member recruitment events in late July or early August. You are always welcome to say hello any time you see us in the community or at a competition. All FIRST events are free for spectators, and all spectators are encouraged to visit the "pit" area to get a close-up look at the robots and talk to the teams.
Meeting Times and Location
September-December
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30PM Start in Canton High School Little Theater
There will be some additional meetings and/or events.
They will always be announced with time to plan ahead.
January-February
Mondays 6:00-9:30PM Start in Canton CV-wing, team workspaces
Tuesdays 6:00-9:30PM Start in Canton CV-wing, team workspaces
Wednesdays 6:00-9:30PM Start in Canton High School Little Theater
Thursdays 6:00-9:30PM Start in Canton CV-wing, team workspaces
Saturdays 8:00AM-4:00PM Start in Canton CV-wing, team workspaces
There will be additional meetings and/or events.
They will always be announced with time to plan ahead.
March-April
Meeting days and times will be determined by tasks, events, etc.
They will always be announced with time to plan ahead.
