ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia is making a major push into artificial intelligence, not just in tech hubs, but in farms, factories and classrooms across the state.

Middle school students in Carrollton on Monday got a hands-on introduction to AI, including a robot dog that shook their hands.

“It’s mind-blowing,” one student said as the robotic K-9 trotted to gasps and laughter from the students.

The demonstration was part of Georgia AIM, short for Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing, a $65 million federally funded initiative aimed at building the state’s next-generation workforce.

“The more I learn about it, the more I seem interested and want to do it,” said seventh grader Jud Weaver.

State officials say the technology shift is already underway. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, Georgia is home to more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs, and over 70% of them now rely on automation or smart technology. By 2030, nearly half of all factory tasks could be automated, but experts warn millions of tech-enabled positions could go unfilled unless students are trained now.

AI education goes beyond coding and engineering. Programs like EarSketch allow students to compose music using AI-generated beats, showing that technology can be creative as well as mechanical. “Whether it’s robotics, drones or digital music, the goal is to teach them how to control technology, not be replaced by it,” said Donna Ennis, associate vice president for community-based engagement at the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute and co-director of Georgia AIM.

Monday’s event was held at Southwire’s 12 for Life program, a Carrollton-based partnership where students earn high school credit while working in real manufacturing jobs.

For many students, a four-year college isn’t the plan. Georgia manufacturers now offer apprenticeships and certification-based careers, where AI and robotics technicians can start with salaries of $60,000.

“It’s all because someone first said, ‘I see you and I believe in you,’” said Cameron Searcy of 12 for Life.

Georgia AIM Week continues through Friday, with events taking place across the state from Savannah to Warner Robins to Atlanta. Organizers say the mission is clear: don’t just let students use technology — teach them to build it.

Sept. 30

• Warner Robins: Middle Georgia Innovation Day at the Museum of Aviation highlighting new technology available to manufacturers

• Atlanta: Georgia Tech Manufacturing Consortium 4.0 Meeting, a special event for consortium members only

Oct. 1

• Augusta: Cyber Innovation Day highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in implementing AI in manufacturing

• Albany: Agri-Tech In Action featuring innovations in hydroponics and other agricultural advances

• Atlanta: Manufacturing Consortium 4.0 Meeting (Day 2)

Oct. 2

• Athens: National Manufacturing Day Celebration at the University of Georgia College of Engineering featuring robots and new manufacturing innovations

• LaGrange: West Georgia Manufacturing Day, an annual event connecting K-12 students to manufacturing career pathways

• Dublin: AIM 2 Summit career expo hosted by the Dublin-Laurens County Chamber for area students and their families

• Savannah: Pathway to Careers, a career expo for Savannah-Chatham School District students and their families

Oct. 3

• Savannah: Inside Manufacturing featuring tours of Savannah area manufacturers

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