UVU’s first Technology Expo united 50 student teams to showcase innovations—from autonomous tugs to smart monitors—highlighting cross-disciplinary impact and Utah’s growing tech talent.
Orem, Utah - April 23, 2025
Today Utah Valley University’s College of Engineering and Technology held its inaugural Technology Expo, uniting 11 departments and more than 50 student-led projects in a dynamic display of innovation, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving. From autonomous robotics to sustainable aviation systems, the event made clear that UVU students aren’t just learning technology—they’re shaping the future with it.
“This wasn’t just a science fair,” said Madison Eborn, Marketing Manager for the College. “It was a platform for students to solve complex problems and present solutions that could genuinely impact industries and communities.”
Over fifty student groups from UVU’s engineering and computer science departments showcased semester-long inventions, including a battery-powered autonomous aircraft tug for airports, a smart baby monitoring system, and a custom-built accessible door opener. Each project reflected months of dedicated work and inventive thinking—clear evidence of UVU’s commitment to preparing engineers and technologists ready to lead in Utah’s innovation-driven economy.
One of the most ambitious efforts was the autonomous aircraft tug, created as part of a senior capstone. Designed to tow commercial planes to and from runways with engines off, the tug dramatically cuts fuel use, emissions, and noise—addressing the often-overlooked fact that as much as 36% of a flight’s emissions occur during taxiing, takeoff, and landing. It’s a timely solution aligned with the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Since its initial debut last year, the team has made remarkable strides. Live field tests at Provo Airport demonstrated the tug’s ability to connect with and move full-size aircraft repeatedly across the tarmac with minimal human interaction. They’ve also built a remote-control interface that uses a cellular datalink and real-time video feed, enabling control from virtually anywhere with a connection.
The project earned first place in the FAA’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) University Design Competition and has drawn interest from Oshkosh Aerotech, makers of the LEKTRO aircraft tow line. Unlike the LEKTRO models, UVU’s tug operates autonomously.
Development has been supported by a grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and faculty mentors Dr. Brett Stone, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and Matt Jensen, a former design engineer at Northrop Grumman.
“This Expo showed what happens when you break down silos,” Eborn said. “A computer scientist working with a mechanical engineer or a digital media specialist—that’s where the breakthroughs happen.”
The event drew strong interest from students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members. With its overwhelming success, the College plans to establish the Technology Expo as an annual event—cementing UVU’s role as a pipeline for next-gen talent and a driver of regional innovation.
