[FIMAlumni]

Let's start the discussion about the competition at Lansing with some of the top teams coming into the event:

314: The Megatron Oracles are currently ranked 5th in FIM. Winners at Kettering and Great Lakes Bay, 314 is a ramp fed HP bot creating 3 stacks of 5 with RCs and noodles. 314 is incredibly consistent and seems to make the match feel much longer with their smooth fluid movements.

5533: Electric Horse Power is ranked third of 1 event teams. Kettering finalists, 5533 is a landfill miner on a forklift like structure. It's been awhile since 5533 competed, so expect some upgrades as they fight to get to states.

68: Truck Town Thunder is ranked fourth of 1 event teams. Centerline Semifinalist last week, 68 is a ramp fed HP bot creating stacks of 6 with a RC. 68 also has the added benefit of competing once out of state to gain experience while not using up one of their 2 district events.

5260: Owosso Operating System is ranked seventh out of 1 event teams. Standish Semifinalist, 5260 is a landfill miner that utilized the hook and chain system to lift up multiple totes. They create stacks of 3 and can cap them on a separate action.

3707: Team BUG, is ranked thirteenth out of 1 event teams. Waterford Winner, 3707 is a landfill miner also utilizing the hook and chain system. BUG was a steal at Waterford, pick 24, but I don't expect them to be left there nearly as long this time.

With a healthy mix of landfill and HP in the top 5, teams matched up with their counterparts should rank very high. I expect high ranked HP bots will pick Landfill robots and vice versa.