Tony Dyson

About the Book

What if your curiosity could build a robot? Meet Tony Dyson - the engineer who helped bring R2-D2 to life. From taking things apart as a kid to solving real-world problems in Hollywood, Tony’s journey shows how creativity, persistence, and curiosity can lead to incredible inventions. Along the way, explore the science behind robotics through fun STEM Spotlights and try your own ideas with “Think Like Tony” challenges. Blending biography with hands-on STEM learning, this book is perfect for curious minds, future engineers, and anyone who loves to build, explore, and imagine what’s possible. If you like building, exploring, and asking “what if?”, this book is for you.

About the Author

Scott Ransom, PhD, is a robotics educator, engineer, and STEM advocate dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. A former faculty member at the University of Washington, he taught Robotics and Neural Engineering, guiding students at the intersection of intelligent machines and human-centered technology. He currently works with the HAND Engineering Research Center at Northwestern University, where he helps advance research and partnerships focused on developing dexterous robotics. Dr. Ransom had the privilege of working with Tony Dyson both professionally and personally during Dyson’s transition to the University of Washington, an experience that offers him unique insight into the inventor’s life, character, and creative spirit.