The TechnoTrek Mini is a compact, WiFi-controlled car designed for young innovators who want to build, code, and drive their own creation. Its mechanical core features a real differential gear - a system widely used in full-scale vehicles - that distributes torque from a single motor to two driving wheels. A second motor handles steering by rotating the entire differential assembly, delivering a distinctive and engaging control method that challenges students to think about motion in new ways.
Assembly begins with a modular building kit that allows students to construct the chassis and gear system from scratch, reinforcing key concepts of mechanics, gearing, and motor alignment. Once assembled, the electronics - built around an ESP32 WROOM microcontroller and a DRV8833 motor driver - are brought to life through text-based coding in Arduino C. Students write programs to control motor speed with PWM, manage direction via H-bridge logic, and enable wireless control through a web interface. This approach offers a deeper dive into syntax, variables, and hardware interaction, building strong foundations for more advanced programming.
The project also includes hands-on circuit design in Fritzing, where students create a schematic of their build, helping them visualize and document their wiring. The learning experience culminates with each participant taking home their fully functioning TechnoTrek Mini - complete with their own custom code.
Blending mechanical engineering, electronics, and real programming, this version of the TechnoTrek Mini is ideal for workshops aiming to prepare students for deeper STEM challenges and real-world prototyping.
That is take home project!
The Camp Dates and Time
5 days, from 27 - 31 Oct’25
From 12.30 until 15.40
Age: from 11 years old (to 17)
Location
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE
