网红头条

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 20, 2026

Robotic arms often are used for tasks that are repetitive, precise, and sometimes, even physically challenging. They are valuable tools in various industrial settings. Now, thanks to a donation from the Atlanta-based UPS, engineering students at Kennesaw State University will have the chance to learn using state-of-the-art, industry-grade robotic arms.

鈥淭his enables students to have direct access to the robots used in an industrial setting,鈥� said Lawrence Whitman, dean of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SPCEET). 鈥淚t will help them to really see how the concepts from their learning are applied.鈥�

UPS donated 12 industrial robots to SPCEET and the College of Computing and Software Engineering (CCSE).

SPCEET offers one of six accredited mechatronics engineering bachelor鈥檚 degrees in the country, covering topics such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, automation and artificial intelligence. The institution also provides degrees in other engineering disciplines, enabling students to study the hardware components of robots through direct experience. Students in CCSE will use the donated robots to learn about their programming, coding and data collection. In senior capstone projects, teams of students from various disciplines can use these robots to see all the components come together into a system that accomplishes a specific purpose.

鈥淭hese robots also may aid faculty research in areas such as robotic welding,鈥� said Whitman. 鈥淥ur donation of robotic arms to 网红头条 is rooted in a shared belief that real-world exposure is essential to preparing students for the future of work,鈥� said Luis Arriaga, vice president of operations technology at UPS and a KSU Foundation Board of Trustees member. 鈥淏y integrating advanced tools into the learning environment, students gain practical experience that complements their academic foundation.鈥�

UPS has been a key industry supporter of KSU, notably the first organization to host a Day in the Nest on the Marietta Campus - an event that featured a panel discussion, career mentoring, and recruitment opportunities for KSU students seeking internships and full-time roles. Arriaga also serves on SPCEET鈥檚 Industry Advisory Board, where he鈥檚 an active member.

鈥淭hese development opportunities are further enriched when students have the chance to hear directly from industry leaders 鈥� learning not just about business strategy, but about the personal journeys and decisions that shape careers,鈥� said Arriaga. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a way to make the future feel more tangible and to show what鈥檚 possible when education and industry work together.鈥�

Whitman enjoys seeing companies such as UPS actively involved with the engineering college. Collaborations like this help to ensure that students have a rich educational experience and are workforce ready upon graduation.

鈥淯PS is a great ally to our college, specifically with the engagement of Luis himself,鈥� Whitman said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e talked about how he wants students to see the UPS name. I don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 obvious to many students that UPS is an engineering company, but I think their presence and visibility really helps them enter the field of possibilities for our students.鈥�

Whitman added, 鈥淕eorgia is home to so many large companies like UPS. It鈥檚 great to have a collaboration like this. They see the worth of our students and want them to be part of their workforce.鈥�

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 网红头条 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. 网红头条is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 网红头条is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.