Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Plant Tour

About the Facility

The RICE Logistics Launchpad is a Georgia-based hub for advanced manufacturing training, demonstration, and product launch support. Located inside the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE),this dynamic space includes a state-of-the-art mobile lab, immersive training stations, and technology-enabled classrooms. Our Stakeholders/entrepreneurs, students, and industry partners gain direct, hands-on access to modern production tools, applied manufacturing techniques, and real-time operational concepts. Serving as the anchor for RICE’s mobile and remote learning initiatives, the Launchpad brings AI-driven manufacturing education into communities across Georgia, reshaping how small businesses, workforce partners, and stakeholders engage with the state’s fast-evolving industrial and innovation economy.

Three Key Highlights

1. Applied Manufacturing Training Environment – Walk through hands-on training areas designed to demonstrate manufacturing fundamentals, equipment interaction, and process-based learning in a controlled environment.
2. Immersive Technology: AR/VR & Robotics – See how augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are used for training, safety scenarios, and process visualization, along with a demonstration of Nova, the robotic dog, used to showcase inspection, mobility, and technology engagement applications.
3. Rice Mobile Studio – Step inside the Rice Mobile Studio to understand how mobile manufacturing education is delivered to schools, communities, and manufacturers across Georgia using compact, technology-driven training platforms.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Takeaways

• How hands-on training environments support standardized work and repeatable learning

• Using visual and immersive tools to improve process understanding and safety awareness

• Applying layout and flow principles in both fixed and mobile training environments

• Integrating workforce development into long-term operational improvement efforts

Who Should Attend

• Continuous Improvement / Lean Leaders

• Operations and Plant Leadership

• Manufacturing Engineers

• Quality and Production Leaders

• Workforce Development and Training Managers

• Educators and Industry Partners supporting manufacturing talent

This tour is best suited for leaders responsible for developing people, improving processes, and building sustainable manufacturing capability.

Tour Agenda

9:45-10:00am Registration, Networking, GMA Welcome

10:00-10:30am Tour Host Presentation and Safety Briefing

Split into two groups:

10:30 – 11:00am Mobile Studio Tour

10:30 – 11:00am AR/VR & Nova the Robotic Dog 

11:30 – 12:00pm Rice Tour

12:00- 1:00pm Team Photo, Lunch, Closing, Networking

TOUR REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance is limited:
-  1 Ticket for non-manufacturing companies
-  2 Tickets for manufacturing companies

CLOSED-TOED/FLAT-BOTTOM SHOES ARE MANDATORY. No High Heels!

Photos are encouraged!