Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) and the Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center officially cut the ribbon on April 17 in celebration of the opening of its AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Studio. The studio was made possible with support from Georgia AIM (Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing).

The event took place at the Georgia VECTR Center and featured a brief program, a tour of the studio, and light refreshments.

A welcome from CGTC president Ivan H. Allen opened the program for comments from Aaron Stebner, co-director of the Georgia AIM project and professor of mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition, Brig. Gen. John Kubinec, USAF (Ret.), of the 21st Century Partnership spoke about the importance of local partnerships in the success of this project, and CGTC instructor for the AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing Program, Deryk Stoops, laid out the vision and impact of the studio and recounted the program’s success since opening for student enrollment in October.

“The opening of this studio at the Georgia VECTR Center demonstrates our unwavering commitment to veterans and their families,” said Allen. “This collaborative effort of our institutions to establish this program and studio means that more Georgians have access to high-demand, innovative and life-changing careers.”

Following the program, Stebner linked with Stoops to cut the ribbon and ceremonially open the studio.

The state-of-the-art studio serves as home to the AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing training program, which prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing facilities and work with smart machinery. The program springboards students into careers in the emerging area of industrial systems and advanced manufacturing with regional and statewide demand among manufacturers.

The AI-Enhanced Robotic Manufacturing program and studio is a result of Georgia AIM, a federally funded, statewide project led by Georgia Tech that combines artificial intelligence and manufacturing innovations with transformational workforce development and outreach programs. The program’s goal is to serve as a national model for how to accelerate the transition to automation in manufacturing while diversifying the next generation of AI leadership. In addition to Georgia AIM, the 21st Century Partnership also leveraged financial support locally for the military and veteran-focused training program.

The inaugural cohort of students for the program began in October 2023 and completed the 15-week certificate program in February. With interest surging among students and employers, CGTC enrolled a second cohort of students for spring semester to continue to connect industry with qualified graduates trained in the latest technology in support of the local workforce pipeline.

Community leaders, industry partners, and college leadership celebrated the ribbon cutting as a milestone of achievement in the grant-funded opportunity.

For more information about the Georgia VECTR Center visit, www.gavectr.org.

To learn about Georgia AIM visit, georgiaaim.org.