From Silicon Valley to Houston: Team 766’s Robotics Revolution Breaks Records and Inspires a New Generation
Team 766 celebrates a historic year of innovation and mentorship, securing national recognition and inspiring the next wave of robotics leaders.
- 3 Prestigious Awards: Engineering Inspiration, Excellence in Engineering, FLL Mentor Award
- 10+ Years: Since last Engineering Inspiration Award win
- 16 Rookie Teams: Mentored through Mechanical M-Ayhem competition
- Supported By: Industry leaders like Lockheed Martin and the Intuitive Foundation
When it comes to youth robotics, few teams can match the meteoric rise of Menlo-Atherton’s Team 766. In 2025, their relentless pursuit of innovation and community impact has turned heads—not just in California, but on the national stage.
Team 766’s journey began with intensive months of design, coding, and outreach. Their efforts paid off at the prestigious Silicon Valley Regional, where—for the first time in over a decade—they secured the coveted Engineering Inspiration award. This honor acknowledges the team’s widespread influence, particularly as mentors to budding engineers through programs like Mechanical M-Ayhem and FIRST LEGO League.
But the Silicon Valley triumph was just the beginning.
Q: What Set Team 766 Apart in 2025?
Team 766 didn’t just win—they set a new standard. Their Excellence in Engineering award in Berkeley recognized their standout robot design: bold, efficient, and brimming with cutting-edge tech.
Meanwhile, the team’s tireless mentorship efforts rippled out across the Bay Area. Ten student mentors devoted hundreds of hours to guiding elementary and middle schoolers through the world of LEGO robotics, building the pipeline for future innovators.
Their accomplishments landed them a ticket to the national finals in Houston, proving that community impact and technical prowess go hand in hand.
How Did Team 766 Expand Their Impact?
It’s not just about the robots—it’s the ecosystem Team 766 cultivates.
– Mechanical M-Ayhem broke barriers for rookies, giving 16 new teams hands-on, competitive experience before the main season.
– With industry backing from sponsors like Lockheed Martin and the Intuitive Foundation, Team 766 powered outreach beyond their own school.
– Their custom app, bearTracks, helped other FIRST Robotics teams analyze and improve their machines—democratizing success on the field.
Q: What’s Next for Team 766 and the Robotics Community?
With three major awards under their belt and a rapidly growing mentorship footprint, Team 766 isn’t slowing down.
They’re planning to extend educational programs into more schools and create further open-source tools for fellow robotics competitors. By championing both technical skills and a collaborative spirit, they’re determined to keep the robotics torch burning bright at M-A and beyond.
How to Start Your Own Robotics Revolution
– Connect with established teams—like those in the FIRST Robotics community.
– Organize mini-competitions for new members to build practical skills.
– Seek sponsorships from local tech companies and foundations.
– Launch mentorship initiatives for younger students—start simple with LEGO builds!
Ready to Join the Robotics Movement?
Follow Team 766’s blueprint for success—commit to bold innovation, invest in mentorship, and celebrate community wins. The future of tech starts now!
Checklist to Ignite Your Robotics Team’s Success:
- Build strong industry partnerships
- Engage in continuous mentorship programs
- Develop technical and outreach skills equally
- Create and share resources that benefit the broader robotics community
- Celebrate every victory, big or small!
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