Published on
August 21, 2025
In a bid to inspire curiosity and encourage technological innovation among Kentucky students, the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) has unveiled a revolutionary initiative: a mobile artificial intelligence lab designed to visit school districts throughout the state. This cutting-edge rolling lab aims to introduce young minds to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in a hands-on, engaging manner. By offering immersive, interactive experiences, KEDC hopes to encourage students to envision a future where they are not only consumers of technology but also creators and innovators in their own right.
The launch event, held on a Wednesday morning, marked the beginning of an exciting journey to spark curiosity and inspire students to expand their understanding of AI and technology. According to KEDC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nancy Hutchinson, the project symbolizes the agency’s commitment to helping students think beyond the classroom setting.
Engaging Students in the World of AI
The rolling lab is more than just a classroom on wheels; it is a dynamic, immersive learning space that seeks to bring AI technology to life for students in grades 3 to 6. As soon as students step onto the RV, they are welcomed by an array of interactive activities designed to ignite their imaginations and challenge their perceptions of technology.
Brandy Breeze, the Director of Service Innovation at KEDC, expressed her excitement about the potential impact of the project. She emphasized that the lab is not only about exposing students to existing technologies but also about encouraging them to explore the possibilities of creating their own innovations. The mobile lab experience is designed to make learning fun, and it is built on the belief that students should be empowered to ask important questions, such as: How do these technologies work? What is the process of creating them? These questions, KEDC staff believe, will encourage students to explore their potential for future tech development.
Inspiration through Hands-on Learning
KEDC staff members, including Hutchinson and Breeze, explained that the idea for the mobile AI lab has been months, if not years, in the making. The team traveled across the United States to gather insights and ideas from industry leaders who have worked on projects for companies like Disney World and Universal Studios. This research has played a vital role in shaping the design and functionality of the mobile lab. KEDC staff believe that their AI lab is unique and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for students.
The mobile lab is tailored for younger students, specifically those in elementary and middle school grades. The hands-on activities inside the RV include flight simulators, car simulators, and an interactive meteorological globe, among other educational tools. In addition, students will have the opportunity to interact with a robot that stands four feet tall, offering them a chance to see firsthand how AI can be integrated into robotics.
Fostering Future Career Paths in Technology
The KEDC initiative is not just about giving students a fun day out of the classroom. According to Hutchinson, one of the primary goals of the mobile lab is to expose students to career opportunities in emerging fields. As AI continues to revolutionize industries, many career paths that will exist in the future have not even been imagined yet. By sparking students’ interest in technology, the lab aims to equip them with the curiosity and knowledge to embrace future possibilities in the workforce.
The RV will not only allow students to explore current technologies but also challenge them to think about the long-term impact of these advancements. Hutchinson believes that encouraging students to ask critical questions about how AI works and how it can be applied to solve real-world problems will help them develop the skills necessary to thrive in tomorrow’s job market.
Immersive Dome Experience
In addition to the mobile lab, KEDC has introduced a complementary immersive 360-degree dome experience, which will travel with the mobile lab. The dome offers an extraordinary learning experience, using videos to transport students to places like the ocean or the moon, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of various environments and concepts related to AI and science. This immersive technology is designed to captivate students’ attention, making learning more dynamic and experiential.
As Hutchinson points out, the introduction of the immersive dome and mobile lab is a crucial step in helping students better understand the role of AI in their lives. She likens this moment to the early days of the internet, when many people were skeptical about its potential. Today, the internet is an essential part of daily life, and Hutchinson believes the same will soon be true for AI, making it crucial for students to begin understanding and embracing it now.
KEDC’s Plans for the Future
The pilot program for the mobile lab is set to begin with its first stop in Rockcastle County this Friday, with additional visits to eight other schools scheduled for the first year of the initiative. This program, which is being rolled out as part of KEDC’s efforts to serve 80 districts across Kentucky, is expected to grow significantly. Schools within the district can request visits from either the mobile lab or the immersive dome, and the lab will be on the road full-time starting next year.
KEDC’s new initiative is aimed at ensuring that Kentucky students are well-prepared to engage with the ever-evolving world of technology and artificial intelligence. The AI mobile lab represents not only a fun and interactive learning experience but also a commitment to shaping the future of education and technological innovation in Kentucky.
The launch of the AI mobile lab by the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC) marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to inspire the next generation of tech innovators. By offering an interactive, hands-on experience, the lab provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of artificial intelligence and robotics. As the mobile lab travels across the state, KEDC hopes to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and ultimately inspire students to pursue careers in the technology sector.
