2025 STEAM EXPO

PROJECT SUMMARY

I worked on questions related to the design and programming of a vehicle controlled by a mobile app, such as how to integrate different technological components and how to customize the bodywork using 3D modeling and printing tools. I also analyzed how this type of project can be applied in educational contexts, promoting practical, technological, and hand-eye coordination skills.

WHY?

I did this project to explore how a vehicle can be controlled through a mobile app. We wanted to integrate technology, programming in Arduino IDE, and 3D design (Fusion 360) into a single project, as well as investigate how this can be applied in practical education and the development of useful skills for the future.

HOW?

First, I researched how to control the vehicle using a phone app called MIT App Inventor. Then I designed the body using 3D modeling software called Fusion 360. I printed the parts on a 3D printer, although I had some problems because the body was larger than the printer bed, so I had to divide it to fit. After printing, I glued the parts together and placed the body on the chassis, which is made of wood.

WHAT?

I found out that the project does work, but it requires a lot of precision in both programming and design. Some printed parts had rough textures due to filament issues, which affected the finish. Even so, we managed to make the vehicle move using the app.

SO WHAT?

This project helped us learn how to build a toy car from scratch and how to program it. I gained a better understanding of how some of the components work. I also realized that I need to improve in organization and time management. It promotes education by showing how technology can be integrated into hands-on learning, and this experience could be useful in the future. If I could make a separate physical controller (instead of using the phone), it could serve as a tool for developing hand-eye coordination. I learned that combining technology and creativity can be challenging, but also very useful for learning in a practical way.

WHAT'S NEXT?

To improve the project, I could create a separate physical controller instead of just using the phone, which would help develop hand-eye coordination. I could also optimize the designs so the parts fit better on the printer and use higher-quality filament to avoid texture issues. Next time, I would plan the printing times more efficiently and try new features in the programming app, such as adding sensors or lights, to make the vehicle more interactive.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The first idea for the Batmobile was to make Ayrton Senna’s Formula 1 car, but I realized it wasn’t going to work very well because of the wheels and that the design would be a bit complicated. So I decided to go with the Batmobile instead, combining some of the designs from the 1989–1992 Batmobiles, and that’s how it turned out. With the help of Professor Rodney Rojas from Mechatronics, I worked on the mechanical part; with Celeste Torres from Industrial Arts, I made the chassis; and I worked on the body with Luciano Santiviago from Digital Fabrication.

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