Republic High School students Zander Radloff and Jeb Shumaker are finalists in an upcoming statewide competition in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. The two advanced to the state finals and secured a $2,500 prize package for their innovative shopping cart design. The national competition, focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) innovation, highlights student-created solutions to pressing local community issues.
Radloff and Shumaker are enrolled in an Engineering Design and Development course. They developed a project that addresses the challenges local retailers face due to a decline in foot traffic caused by online shopping. Their proposal aims to enhance the in-person shopping experience, hoping to draw consumers back into physical stores. The duo focused improvements to shopping carts and baskets, improving ease and satisfaction for shoppers, especially for the elderly and those with impairments.
Some examples of improvements proposed by the Republic team are hinges on the front of the shopping cart to allow it to fold down, so heavy items can be put into the cart more easily; better material for ball bearings in the cart’s wheels to extend its lifespan; and privacy screens around a section of the cart. “We have looked into various electronics to add, such as scanning and checking out with your cart,” Radloff added. That includes the way to keep carts charged with power so they can include a small screen to check items or direct shoppers to products in the store.
Radloff said he’s “stoked” not only for himself and Shumaker, but for the school’s engineering department.
“I am really excited to hear the results and it was honestly a little surprising that we could really make it that far,” Radloff said.
State winners will be announced later this month, with winners receiving a Samsung video kit and an even more valuable prize package.