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.

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

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’s 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.

“These robots also may aid faculty research in areas such as robotic welding,” said Whitman. “Our donation of robotic arms to Kennesaw State University is rooted in a shared belief that real-world exposure is essential to preparing students for the future of work,” said Luis Arriaga, vice president of operations technology at UPS and a KSU Foundation Board of Trustees member. “By integrating advanced tools into the learning environment, students gain practical experience that complements their academic foundation.”

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’s Industry Advisory Board, where he’s an active member.

“These development opportunities are further enriched when students have the chance to hear directly from industry leaders — learning not just about business strategy, but about the personal journeys and decisions that shape careers,” said Arriaga. “It’s a way to make the future feel more tangible and to show what’s possible when education and industry work together.”

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.

“UPS is a great ally to our college, specifically with the engagement of Luis himself,” Whitman said. “We’ve talked about how he wants students to see the UPS name. I don’t think it’s 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.”

Whitman added, “Georgia is home to so many large companies like UPS. It’s great to have a collaboration like this. They see the worth of our students and want them to be part of their workforce.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State 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. Kennesaw State 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.