PRESS RELEASE: Museum of Aviation Foundation Announces Ribbon Cutting for New GEAR Lab

Warner Robins, Ga. – The Museum of Aviation Foundation will host the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new GEAR Lab (Georgia Engineering, AI, and Robotics Lab) on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. The event will take place on the second floor of the Eagle Building at the Museum of Aviation. 

The GEAR Lab is a new hands-on technology learning space designed to introduce students, professionals, and community members to the technologies shaping the future workforce. The lab provides opportunities to explore fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, cybersecurity, aerospace systems, virtual reality, and advanced manufacturing through interactive learning experiences and real-world applications. 

Through courses, workshops, and demonstrations, participants will be able to build robots, write code, explore machine learning, create simulations and virtual environments, and work with emerging technologies used across modern industries. 

The lab is designed to be accessible to all experience levels. Whether someone is brand new to technology or already interested in engineering and coding, the GEAR Lab provides a place to experiment, create, and discover potential career paths in high-demand technical fields. 

Located adjacent to Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, the Museum of Aviation Foundation developed the GEAR Lab to help connect education, industry, and workforce development while inspiring the next generation of innovators. 

“The GEAR Lab represents the next step in our mission to inspire future innovators,” said Dan Rhoades, President and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation. “By giving students and community members access to the same types of technologies used in today’s industries, we’re helping them explore career pathways in engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace. This lab is about curiosity, discovery, and preparing our region for the future.” 

Community leaders, education partners, and local stakeholders are invited to attend the ribbon cutting and experience demonstrations of the new lab. The event will highlight how the GEAR Lab will support workforce development, technical literacy, and STEM education across Middle Georgia.

This project would not be possible without the generous support of our supporters: Peyton Anderson Foundation, 21st Century Partnership, Flint Energies Foundation, Sigma Defense, Georgia AIM (Georgia Tech), Norfolk Southern, and Pritzker Tawani Foundation.

Museum of Aviation Mission Statement:The Museum of Aviation inspires and educates by preserving the heritage of the United States Air Force through public engagement and a superior visitor experience.