2025 FIRST LEGO League: Michigan Robotics Competition Inspires Young Innovators

Young minds across Michigan gathered for the 2025 FIRST LEGO League robotics competition on December 6. Teams of students from elementary through high school built and programmed LEGO robots to tackle real-world challenges. The event, held at multiple locations, emphasized creativity and problem-solving in STEM fields.

FIRST LEGO League, or FLL, is part of the larger FIRST organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. Kamen created FIRST to inspire kids in science and technology, much like sports inspire athletes. Over the years, FLL has grown into a global program, engaging over 600,000 students annually in more than 100 countries. This year's theme focused on medical innovations, with robots navigating obstacle courses to simulate health-related tasks.

One standout team from Detroit programmed their robot, named MediBot, to sort virtual medications with precision. Using LEGO Mindstorms kits, which include sensors and motors, the bot detected colors and shapes to complete missions. Judges praised the team's innovative use of a custom arm mechanism, built from everyday LEGO pieces.

The competition isn't just about winning. It builds confidence and teamwork. As one young participant said, "My robot failed at first, but we kept tweaking the code until it worked." Events like this spark lifelong interest in robotics, preparing the next generation for a world driven by automation and AI.

Winners advanced to regional qualifiers, with the ultimate goal of reaching the FIRST Championship in Houston next spring. For now, the buzz from December 6 lingers, reminding us how small bricks can lead to big ideas.