The Middle Georgia Innovation Corridor (MGIC) together with Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM), hosted the first-ever Middle Georgia Manufacturing Expo at the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center on Tuesday.

The event, a part of Georgia AIM week - a week-long highlight of Georgia AIM innovative projects across the state - welcomed community stakeholders and legislators to a morning of presentations and demonstrations. The event kicked off with remarks by Angie Gheesling, Executive Director of the Development Authority of Houston County, Dr. Joe Richardson, Executive Director of the Innovation Corridor, Donna Ennis, Director of Community Engagement and Program Development Co-Director for Georgia AIM and Aaron Stebner, Co-Director, and Lead for Georgia AIM.

“We are thrilled to have participated in the first ever Georgia AIM week and to have hosted the first-ever Middle Georgia Manufacturing Expo,” said Richardson. “It was a great day of partnership and innovation for everyone involved!”

Throughout the event, attendees participated in breakout sessions led by local organizations funded by the Georgia AIM project. A highlight of the day was a visit to the AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Studio at the VECTR Center, where students gain practical experience with robotics and artificial intelligence technologies, preparing them for careers in these cutting-edge fields.

The Flying Legion, a team of students from Houston County, Northside, Veterans, Perry, and Warner Robins High Schools, showcased their custom-built robot, designed for an upcoming competition against other teams from Georgia and South Carolina. 

Fort Valley State University’s Mobile STEM Labs also took center stage, demonstrating the university’s innovative approach to providing students with hands-on experience in STEM careers, including precision agriculture.

“By bringing together stakeholders in innovation, we aim to foster partnerships that drive economic growth and technological advancement throughout our region,” said Richardson. “We are building a future where creativity and innovative solutions thrive among our schools, businesses, and industries in Middle Georgia.”