[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

Proposals accepted anytime

No specified ceiling or floor; award size and duration vary by project

Supports foundational research advancing the science and engineering of robotics, emphasizing computational intelligence and physical embodiment.

Proposals must directly address fundamental robotics research; non-compliant submissions may be returned without review.

--- ## Description The program supports research on robotic systems that combine significant computational capabilities with physical complexity. A robot, for this program, is defined as intelligence embodied in an engineered construct capable of processing information, sensing, planning, and moving within or altering its environment. Intelligence refers to methods enabling robots to solve problems or make contextually appropriate decisions and act on them. Research may address intertwined questions of intelligence, computation, and embodiment, or focus on a distinct aspect of these, provided the work is clearly justified in the context of a class of robots. The emphasis is on foundational advances in robotics across the full range of engineering and computer science challenges. To be responsive, proposals must: - Center on a robot or class of robots. - Aim to endow robots with new or significantly improved capabilities. - Address fundamental gaps in robotics as an essential part of the intellectual merit. Experimental validation on a physical platform is encouraged. Projects not making a direct contribution to robotics science, or better suited for other NSF programs, should not be submitted here. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their ideas with an FRR Program Officer before submission. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - No set award ceiling or floor; funding level and duration are determined by project scope and merit. - No cost-sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility - Open to all types of applicants ("Unrestricted"), including: - Academic institutions - Nonprofits - For-profit organizations - State, local, and tribal governments - Other entities as defined by NSF policies --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the NSF [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). - Submission is via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/324369) or [NSF FastLane/Research.gov](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505784). - Strongly encouraged to contact an FRR Program Officer prior to submission to ensure alignment with program goals. - Non-compliant proposals may be returned without review. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must clearly articulate the focus on robotics, the new or improved capabilities to be developed, and the fundamental research gap addressed. - Experimental validation on a physical robot is encouraged. - Indirect cost reimbursement policy updates may apply; see [NSF policy notice](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/document/indirect-cost-rate). - For questions on proposal preparation, refer to the [NSF PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1). --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Description & Details](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=505784) - [NSF Foundational Research in Robotics Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/frr-foundational-research-robotics) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/324369) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) - [Browse Projects Funded by This Program](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/advancedSearchResult?ProgEleCode=144Y00&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Division | |-------------------------|------------------------------|----------------|--------------------| | Jordan M. Berg | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-5365 | ENG/CMMI | | Cindy Bethel | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4420 | CISE/IIS | | Huaiyu Dai | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4568 | ENG/ECCS | | Alexandra Medina-Borja | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-7557 | ENG/CMMI | | Siddiq M. Qidwai | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2211 | ENG/CMMI | | Ralph F. Wachter | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8950 | CISE/CNS | | Yue Wang | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4588 | ENG/CMMI | | Karl E. Wimmer | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-2095 | CISE/CCF | | Cang Ye | [Robotics@nsf.gov](mailto:Robotics@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-4702 | CISE/IIS | For technical issues with Grants.gov submissions: NSF grants.gov support [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov)

Foundational Research in Robotics

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