Record Robotics kicks off 2026 competition season in new Waltham home

Record Robotics, an award-winning student robotics team, kicked off its 2026 competition season with a party and brainstorming session at its new headquarters, 224 Calvary St., on Saturday, Jan. 10. The team moved its operations and design center from rental space in Belmont to the renovated mill last August

Record Robotics got its start in 2016 when a few Belmont High School students spent six weeks in a garage building a robot. The result was a 5-foot-tall, 120-pound machine that could travel up to 10 miles per hour. FRC Team 6731 was born and never looked back.

Times and members have changed. Today, Record Robotics has more than 30 high school students from local communities including Waltham, Belmont and Arlington. The team also includes more than 15 volunteer mentors and maintains an impressive operating budget.

The “Super Bowl” of robotics

The team is now preparing for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) championship, known as the “Super Bowl” of high school robotics because it combines the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and technology. The national event draws teams from across the country, including more than 200 competitors from New England alone.

The rules are strict. Teams have eight weeks to design, build and code an industrial-size robot before competing in 12 preliminary matches over two days. They earn points by completing as many tasks as possible in a race against the clock.

“We get a kit of parts from FIRST. It’s then up to the students to assemble and program a robot that can handle the challenge,” said team leader Glenn Wong.

In it to win it

Record Robotics has a strong record of success, taking first place in its rookie year and reaching the district finals three times. The team also earned a creativity award for an innovative lift design.

Over the next two months, Record Robotics students will meet several days a week to design and build their new robot with guidance from their mentors.

“As a team parent and mentor, I see how hard the students work,” said Melinda Hallisey of Waltham. “They put a lot of effort into building and improving the robot, designing team clothing and promo materials, and asking for donations. It can be pretty intense, especially during competition season, but they have fun doing it. My son has learned so much and met great kids. It’s been a really positive experience.”

Throughout the season, students gain real-world experience in engineering, programming and marketing. They’re responsible for creating team gear, signage, newsletters and swag to share with other teams at competitions.

The team currently includes four members from Waltham High School — Reid, Clem, Cody and Jeremy — some of whom also participate in the Waltham High robotics team that competes in the FIRST Tech Challenge.

Record Robotics raises its own funds to cover expenses ranging from robot parts and special carpeting to competition fees and power tools. Membership dues, donors, grants, corporate sponsorships and student fundraising all contribute to the team’s budget.

Both Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy and City Council President and Ward 9 Councilor Robert G. Logan attended the kickoff to meet students and tour the new headquarters.

“Record Robotics is a great program for our local youth,” Logan said. “I was fascinated touring the space and hearing all that is planned for the coming year, but what struck me most was the enthusiasm of the participants. I wish them well in the tournament.”

Record Robotics is open to new student members, mentors and donors. To learn more about the team or how to join, visit recordrobotics.org.