Traveling Robotics Van (RTV)
An interactive K–12 outreach project focused on teaching engineering principles through hands-on robotics demonstrations.
Project Overview
The Traveling Robotics 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: a self-balancing pendulum robot (Robot 1) and a ball-on-beam control robot (Robot 2). These robots are designed to be durable, transportable, and educational, allowing future outreach teams to easily teach core STEM concepts through live demonstrations.
Our Robots
Robot 1 – Self-Balancing Pendulum
A reaction-wheel-based pendulum robot used to teach concepts such as PID control, angular momentum, and dynamic stability. Designed to be rugged and portable for repeated outreach demonstrations.
Learn More
Robot 2 – Ball-on-Beam System
A control-theory demonstration robot that uses a stepper-motor-driven beam to balance a rolling ball. This system teaches students about feedback control, sensors, and dynamic response in real-world engineering.
Learn MoreGallery
A collection of photos and videos of our robots and team.
Promo Video
Robot 1
Robot 2
Our Team
Meet our team members and mentors.
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
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
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
Mentors and Sponsors
Professor Rodolfo Echevarria Solis
