In some areas of metro Atlanta, many students lack access to high-speed internet, dedicated digital computer labs, and modern STEM training.
Robert Harden and his son Corey set out to solve that problem with TLAB — a mobile technology and innovation lab designed to deliver tech education directly to underserved neighborhoods.
Developed in close collaboration with local educators, the initiative brings STEAM education, spanning elementary school through college, directly to communities that need it most. The fully self-contained unit serves a dual mission: offering interactive tech coursework while doubling as a community hub for esports training and tournaments.
Delivering that experience requires serious commercial mobility. The classroom is housed inside a 40-foot gooseneck trailer packed with 13 custom workstations, a dedicated server, artificial intelligence servers, and six tons of delicate electronics.
The equipment only creates impact if it can reach the curb, which means solving a heavy-duty challenge: safely hauling a 12,500-pound rig through congested highways, tight school drop-off lanes, and neighborhood library parking lots.
To move the mission, Harden chose a 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat equipped with the Ultimate package and a 7.3-liter Godzilla V8.
Built for Payload and Heavy-Duty Demands
“Based on my trailer’s configuration, payload and GVWR were the absolute deciding factors for choosing this as TLAB’s next towing vehicle,” said Robert, whose single-rear-wheel truck delivers more than 4,000 pounds of payload capacity.
“When we decided to build The TLAB Mobile Technology Lab, Ford was top of mind.”
Robert is in good company. More small businesses operate Ford Super Duty trucks than similar vehicles from any other automaker in America.1
That dependability gives the father-son team the foundation they need to focus on students. Inside the trailer, Corey — an avid gamer with a background in photography and drone operation who honed his technical skills through “YouTube University” — hand-built and configured all 13 workstations and a dedicated server.
Equipped with onboard generator power, climate control, and dedicated cellular connectivity, the trailer accommodates up to 24 students inside and expands to 36 with an exterior tent.
First launched in 2018 as TLAB Luxury Gaming, the enterprise has reached more than 30,000 participants, using esports as an engaging entry point to AI prompting, coding, and tech careers.
Bringing STEM Education to Metro Atlanta
Through their work with education provider AI STEAM Lab, recent stops have included AI literacy workshops to 100 families at a library activation, teaching fourth graders responsible AI prompting, and helping college students map technology career pathways.
At the recent Future Hackathon event hosted with leading technology providers at the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Corey directed an eight-team Rocket League tournament broadcast to an anticipated livestream audience of over 16,000 viewers.
Navigating Tight Urban Quarters
Maneuvering a 40-foot rig through historic campuses and residential streets requires pinpoint control, and Robert relies heavily on purpose-built trailering technology.
“Since I pull a 40-foot, 12,500-pound gooseneck trailer, I greatly utilize the camera system,” he said.
“The bed camera is super helpful while hitching up the gooseneck coupler. While maneuvering in and out of metro Atlanta communities where elementary schools and libraries are typically found, the 360-degree camera system becomes really handy. Extended towing mirrors and blind-spot monitoring add safety features, and I especially love the side-view cameras when making tight turns on city streets.”
Robert also credits the truck’s trailer pre-trip lighting check and the low-end torque of the 10-speed transmission when climbing grades.
For Robert, every stop at an Atlanta school brings the family story full circle.
For more than 30 years, his father drove commercial Ford trucks five days a week for Maislin Brothers. That enduring trust mirrors what drivers nationwide experience: Ford F-Series has been recognized by S&P Global Mobility for having the highest Model Loyalty in the Heavy-Duty Pickup Segment for the 2025 award year.2
The trucks that once provided his father’s livelihood now empower Robert and Corey to open doors for tomorrow’s innovators.
Laura Shaffer is a member of the Ford Pro communications team.
TLAB Rig & Towing Specs
- Tow Vehicle: 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty® Lariat (Single Rear Wheel, Ultimate Package)
- Powertrain: 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 engine; 10-speed TorqShift® transmission
- Payload Capacity: 4,000+ pounds
- Trailer Specs: 40-foot gooseneck trailer; 12,500 pounds GVWR
- Driver-Assist Tech: 360-Degree Camera System, Bed View Camera, BLIS® with Trailer Coverage, Trailer Light Check
What to Read Next
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1. Based on S&P Global Mobility, US TIPNet VIO for all truck and pickup vehicle types, GVW 2-8, January 2026 for small businesses owning 1-9 vehicles.
2. Based on S&P Global Mobility US owner loyalty analysis of the Heavy-Duty Pickup segment, Ford F-Series had the greatest percentage of owners who returned to market and purchased or leased another Ford F-Series in the 2025 award year (October 2024 – September 2025).
