Columbus State to Build $22.2M Robotics and Space Science Facility

• A new 36,000-square-foot facility is planned on Columbus State’s Main Campus, backed by $22.2 million in public and private funding.
• The project will combine robotics labs, aerospace exhibits, and STEM programming for students from kindergarten through college.

Columbus State University will begin work on a 36,000-square-foot advanced technologies facility, supported by $22.2 million in combined state, federal, and local funding. It will be the university’s first state-supported academic construction project in over two decades, bringing new robotics, engineering, and space science infrastructure to its Main Campus.

The Coca-Cola Space Science Center, which features aerospace exhibits, over 300 NASA artifacts, and draws more than 40,000 visitors annually, will relocate to the new facility. The building will also support collaboration with local schools and include labs, classrooms, and areas for STEM programming and robotics competitions.

The facility will anchor Columbus State’s fast-growing robotics engineering program, which has expanded from six students to more than 100 across undergraduate and graduate levels. It will also play a key role in meeting Georgia’s workforce needs.

“As we look toward the economic future of the Chattahoochee Valley and the state of Georgia, fields like robotics, advanced manufacturing and space science will be key,” said Columbus State University President, Stuart Rayfield, in an official news release. “We are grateful to the governor, the University System of Georgia Board of Regents and our legislative delegation for their confidence in what we’re building at Columbus State—and our role in meeting Georgia’s workforce needs.”

🌀 Tom’s Take:

This is a significant investment in new technologies for Columbus State, including a strong commitment to physical AI. It will undoubtedly help accelerate the hockey stick growth they are already seeing in students interested in robotics engineering.

Source: Columbus State University