Robotics Traveling Van

An interactive K–12 outreach project focused on teaching engineering principles through hands-on robotics demonstrations.


Project Overview

The Robotics Traveling Van (RTV) project aims to develop portable, engaging robotic systems that introduce K–12 students to mechanical engineering, electronics, and programming. Our 2025–2026 project includes the development of two demonstration robots: an Inverted Pendulum Robot and a Ball Beam Balance Robot. These robots are designed to be durable, transportable, and educational, allowing future outreach teams to easily teach core STEM concepts through live demonstrations.

Inverted Pendulum Robot Prototype
Inverted Pendulum Robot

A reaction-wheel-based pendulum robot used to teach concepts such as PID control, angular momentum, and dynamic stability.

Ball Beam Balance Robot Prototype
Ball Beam Balance Robot

A control-theory demonstration robot that uses a stepper-motor-driven beam to balance a rolling ball.

Promo Video

Fall 2026 Poster

Fall 2026 Poster

Gallery

Inverted Pendulum Robot


Ball Beam Balance Robot

Headshot of Kyle Draper
Kyle Draper – Team Lead

Coordinating the robot and keeping the vision and making sure every detail is accounted for, Kyle has been in charge of coordinating the team and making sure the physics for the robot lines up. They have also aided the team in the endeavors of everything with the project from assisting with the prototypes, circuitry, and creative process when needed. In his free time, Kyle a big fan watching movies and television.

LinkedIn Resume
Headshot of Andy Babcock
Andy Babcock – Head Software Engineer

From C to C++ to HTML, Andy has coded both robots and the website. Aside from implementing PID logic in C++, they also aided in team organization and coordination with the Mechanical Engineers. In their free time, Andy play Super Smash Bros Melee and attends locals.

LinkedIn Resume
Headshot of Kaden Zaremba
Kaden Zaremba – Creative Design Lead

From brandmarks to presentation posters to social media videos, Kaden has created a multitude of graphical assets for and related to the Robotics Traveling Van project. He is also partly responsible for soldering and website synthesis. In his free time, Kaden likes playing video games and repairing broken video game consoles.

LinkedIn Resume
Headshot of David Jimenez
David Jimenez – Chief Manufacturer

David has helped with designing the circuit for robot 2. He is also responsible for project documentation as well as assisting with soldering for the project. In his free time, David likes to be hike, camp, and be outdoors.

LinkedIn Resume

Mentors and Sponsors

Headshot of Professor Rodolfo Echevarria Solis
Professor Rodolfo Echevarria Solis
Headshot of Dr. Michael Shafer
Dr. Michael Shafer