Middle Georgia learners have a new dedicated space to code, create, develop, and learn.
The GEAR Lab at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins recently celebrated its grand opening, just in time for summer programming for students of all ages to explore AI and emerging technologies, coding, AR/VR spaces, and cybersecurity.
GEAR stands for Georgia Engineering, AI and Robotics Lab, and its opening represents the broad support the Middle Georgia region has shown in STEM and robotics instruction. Georgia AIM was among a list of local and regional project supporters to make the lab a reality, and now it provides a permanent space for regular coding bootcamps and “teach the teacher” robotics trainings.
Through its investments in robotics education, workforce training and applied AI, Georgia AIM has helped expand access to hands-on learning opportunities across Middle Georgia. These activities provide critical instruction but have lacked a physical hub for the programs and partnerships Georgia AIM has helped grow across the region.
The GEAR Lab is now that space.
“This is more than a classroom,” said Dan Rhoades, president and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation. “It’s a purpose-built, high-tech environment where learners at every stage can engage directly with artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and software development.”
Creativity + coding
Rhoades saw the need for this kind of space in his previous role as director of the 21st Century Partnership, a Georgia AIM partner that supports competitive robotics in the region. He also saw the broad community support for the robotics programs.
A dedicated space for STEM learning builds on the growth of K-12 robotics teams and training opportunities supported by Georgia AIM. By connecting K-12 robotics with regional colleges providing STEM programs and the needs of local industry, Middle Georgia residents can more clearly see career paths related to technology.
These experiences introduce students to the same technologies, such as automation and AI, that are increasingly shaping modern manufacturing.
“Students are introduced to these skills early, college programs extend and deepen that learning, and industry helps to shape and apply it against real-world context,” said Rhodes. “We’re not just cutting a ribbon, we’re opening a gateway to opportunity.”
Inside the GEAR Lab, neon lights highlight 30 computer CPUs mounted to the walls and connected to a state-of-the-art server. This presentation of the workstations — as part of a larger, connected space — underscores the goal of the GEAR Lab.
Rhoades said the lab is designed to support instruction for all levels and ages, with a focus on hands-on projects led by experts in engineering, computer science, robotics and AI. The goal is for these projects to challenge students to think critically and solve real-world problems.
The workstations also support a variety of software to make that possible, including video game development, 3D animation and design programs, and AI tools to help with modeling and data visualization.
A larger collaboration
On the day of the GEAR Lab ribbon cutting, the museum also celebrated the Robins Spark Hub, a space where airmen and civilian partners can come together to develop ideas into real solutions.
Throughout the Spark Hub, large monitors connect to headsets to create virtual-reality environments. A wall of 3D printers helps turn ideas into prototypes. Airmen are encouraged to use the space to experiment and develop innovations that benefit the larger military community.
The GEAR Lab includes collaborations from a host of Middle Georgia educational partners, including Central Georgia Technical College, Houston County School District, Mercer University, Middle Georgia State University, Sigma Defense and the 21st Century Partnership. Partners supporting the space include Georgia AIM, the Peyton Anderson Foundation, 21st Century Partnership, Flint energies Foundation, Sigma Defense, Norfolk Southern and the Pritzker Tawani Foundation.
Sigma Defense is one example of the burgeoning tech career pipeline in Middle Georgia. The Perry-based company started with a staff of two; now it employs about 800 around the world through its defense contracts.
Rhoades added that along with students, local business owners are encouraged to use the space and develop their own innovations. “It is a pretty wide net that we’re trying to get into these spaces and utilizing the amazing capabilities,” he said.