Over the weekend of November 29 and December 1, the UMEI Lightning Robotics FTC team, The Thunderbirds, showcased their innovation and teamwork at the Mississauga First Tech Challenge Qualifier held at Rick Hansen Secondary 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 went on to secure second place in the tournament, earning them a coveted spot at the Provincial Championships in February!
Adding to their achievements, The Thunderbirds were honoured with the prestigious Design Award, which recognizes teams that incorporate industrial design elements into their robotic solutions.
Reflecting on the experience, Grade 11 team member Liam Brown shared his thoughts. “At the Mississauga competition, our robot performed very well. Our goals throughout the design process consisted of gaining points through allpossible methods. The robot was designed to use a drop-down intake to pick up samples and a claw to pick specimens off 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 efficient. Overall, this competition was very successful,” he said.
Grade 12 student Peter Martens added, “It was a great experience to arrive at the competition and see how alive all the pits were. We talked to plenty of teams about our game plan for when we played together as an alliance, and we communicated gracious professionalism clearly towards all of our alliances.”
You can see The Thunderbirds compete next at the Windsor Qualifying Event at St. Clair College on January 11, 2025.
These accomplishments 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 were evident throughout the competition, from their strategic plays to their unwavering support for one another.
This outstanding performance aligns perfectly with UMEI’s mission to empower students to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, 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 has supported their journey. We’re excited to cheer them on as they head to provincials.
