Meet Tony Dyson - the engineer who built R2-D2

  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.

We offer live events featuring storytelling, robotics demos, and a special appearance by a life-sized R2-D2 unit.  

Programs run 20-30 minutes and can include a short reading from the book, an introduction to R2, highlights from the builder, and high level overview of STEM concepts.  

A custom program can be created that includes a hands-on craft activity, author book signing, and/or a photo-op with R2.

  Perfect for promoting STEM at your school, library, or other venue.  Virtual events may also be available.

Dr. Scott Ransom is a robotics educator, engineer, and STEM advocate dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. A former faculty at the University of Washington, he taught Robotics and Neural Engineering, guiding students at the intersection of intelligent machines and human-centered technology. He is now with the HAND Engineering Research Center at Northwestern University, where he helps advance research and partnerships focused on developing dexterous robotic systems while educating students in this field. 

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 offered him unique insight into the inventor’s life, character, and creative spirit.

We are building curriculum guides for classroom use of this book.  

Includes NGSS-aligned concepts, STEM Spotlights, and hands-on “Think Like Tony” challenges designed for classrooms and curious learners.  If you would like to provide input or feedback on draft versions let us know!

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Published by Archway / Simon & Schuster, the biography will be available April 2026 through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

If your school or library would like a copy drop us an email at the address below.  A number of free copies are available, priority given to Title I schools.