Foundational Research in Robotics

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Description

The National Science Foundation's Foundational Research in Robotics (FRR) program, jointly led by the CISE and ENG Directorates, supports research on robotic systems that demonstrate significant computational capability and physical complexity. The program defines a robot as intelligence embodied in an engineered construct, capable of processing information, sensing, planning, and moving within or substantially altering its environment. Intelligence is interpreted broadly, encompassing methods that enable robots to solve problems or make contextually appropriate decisions and act on them.

The FRR program seeks proposals that:

• Focus on a robot or a class of robots.
• Aim to endow robots with new and useful capabilities or significantly enhance existing ones.
• Address fundamental gaps in the science of robotics.

Research may be interdisciplinary, spanning engineering and computer science, and may focus on intelligence, computation, embodiment, or their integration. Experimental validation on a physical platform is encouraged. Projects that do not make a direct, fundamental contribution to robotics or are better suited to other NSF programs should not be submitted.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with an FRR Program Officer before submitting a proposal. Non-compliant proposals may be returned without review.

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Due Dates

• Proposals are accepted at any time; there is no fixed deadline.

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Funding Amount

• No explicit award ceiling or floor is specified.
• Award size and duration are determined by the scope and needs of the proposed project, consistent with typical NSF research grants.
• Cost sharing or matching is not required.

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Eligibility

• Open to a broad range of applicants, including:
  • Academic institutions
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • For-profit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Other entities as defined by NSF eligibility guidelines
• There are no citizenship or institutional restrictions beyond standard NSF requirements.

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Application Process

• Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
• All proposals must clearly address:
  1. The focus on a robot or class of robots.
  2. The new or significantly enhanced capabilities to be developed.
  3. The fundamental gaps in robotics to be addressed.
• Meaningful experimental validation on a physical platform is encouraged.
• Discuss your project with an FRR Program Officer before submission to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Submit proposals via NSF FastLane, Research.gov, or Grants.gov.

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Additional Information

• Proposals not directly contributing to foundational robotics science or better suited to other NSF programs may be returned without review.
• NSF awards are subject to the current award conditions and OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance.
• For detailed program requirements and updates, refer to the program page.

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External Links

• NSF FRR Program Page
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• NSF Award Conditions
• Browse projects funded by this program
• Apply via Grants.gov

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Contact Information

For general NSF inquiries:

• Email: info@nsf.gov
• Phone: 1-703-292-5111
• NSF Contact Page