Driven by the demand in artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, in partnership with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), we propose the creation of an advanced mobile manufacturing outreach laboratory that serves as a physical and digital gateway for current and future entrepreneurs to gain exposure to state-of-the-art technology, generate value-adding ideas, and receive formal training. The mobile laboratory will provide exemplary training modules and connected equipment where they are needed most, among communities of entrepreneurs that are historically underrepresented in manufacturing and thus have the greatest untapped potential for advancing the industry and at the same time promoting job growth through small business opportunities. The mobile laboratory will provide participants with three types of educational delivery mechanisms: (1) state of the art technology vignettes, (2) modules for participants to complete on-site, and (3) an off-site module participants can use for virtual reality (VR) based training that includes an entrepreneurial component. The Vignettes will be developed by RICE while the on-site and off-site modules will be built, developed, and maintained by UGA. The three mechanisms are meant to offer participants an opportunity to understand, apply, and create manufacturing AI projects. Further, the offerings provide participants with a varying level of engagement with the mobile laboratory depending on their implementation readiness. The goal is to cater to a wide range of participants while providing multiple modes of experiences, spanning multiple educational goals.
- Funder: US Department of Commerce via the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
- Amount: $3,600,000
- PI: Jaime Camelio