UGA Manufacturing Living Labs
About Us
Living labs are dynamic innovation ecosystems that foster collaboration among citizens, businesses, research institutions, and governments. By leveraging real-life settings and ongoing feedback, living labs prioritize co-creation and rapid prototyping to develop sustainable solutions, delivering shared value to all participants while facilitating transformative change and up-scaling innovations.
University of Georgia Manufacturing Living Labs (UGA MLL) are comprised of university students and faculty, local and regional communities, K-12 schools, industry partners, and international collaborators. We embody a collaborative and experimental approach to innovation in manufacturing, aiming to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and practices that can drive industry competitiveness and sustainability.
We bridge the gaps between theoretical research and practical application, paving the way for transformative advancements in the manufacturing sector. As a dynamic and collaborative environment aimed at improving manufacturing processes and outcomes, we are founded on three core pillars: research, education, and engagement. Click any of the tiles below to learn more.
Our Partners
Our industry and research partnerships are core focuses of Manufacturing Living Labs. If you’d like to learn more about what a partnership entails, you can visit our Engagement page or our Research page.
Latest News & Announcements
Pecan Workshop 2026
Jul 21, 2026
Join us for the 2026 Pecan Post-Harvest Processing Research Workshop on August 19-20 in Athens, GA, at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel. Researchers from the University of Georgia College of Engineering, Fort Valley State University, and the USDA Southeastern Fruit & Tree Nut Research Station will present advancements in pecan cracking, shelling, processing, food safety, increased shelf life, and storage.
Agenda Available →
Save the Date: National Manufacturing Day 2026
Jul 21, 2026
This year's National Manufacturing Day will take place on October 1, 2026 from 9AM-12PM. Join us for an exciting opportunity to explore manufacturing, innovation, and technology at UGA! Use the form below to RSVP for the event.
Register now →
National Manufacturing Day 2025
Oct 2, 2025
Our 2025 National Manufacturing Day celebration brought together industry partners, students, and community members for a day of learning and engagement. Attendees visited industry exhibitor tables, toured our lab spaces—including the 53-foot Georgia AIM Mobile Studio—and experienced hands-on technology demonstrations.
Read more →