News Release 16-065

Want to learn about robots of all shapes and sizes? You've come to the right place.

NSF investments in fundamental engineering and science research have led to the development of robots for nearly all societal sectors, including cooperative robots as part of the National Robotics Initiative

Photo of Matei Ciocarlie standing next to a robot

Basic research breakthroughs by NSF-funded researchers are realizing the vision of universal robots.


June 6, 2016

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

Robots are about to enter daily life just as computers did three decades ago.

The increasing presence of assistive robotics technologies in factories, hospitals, cars, farms, homes and beyond is the result of nearly half a century of federal investments in fundamental science and engineering research.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has been at the forefront of these investments, supporting U.S. leadership in robotics for economic prosperity, national security and improved quality of life.

With the five-year anniversary of the National Robotics Initiative (NRI) this month and the American robotics market picking up speed, NSF this week presents a robot extravaganza, starting with the launch of a new special report and communications series on robotics.

Big, small, creeping, crawling, jumping, soft, slimy, furry -- robots of all shapes and sizes are supported through NSF-funded projects.

Designed and created by innovative NSF-funded researchers, robotics technologies will be highlighted this week in:

Use the hashtag #GenerationR to join the extravaganza and ponder the next generation of robotics.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Aaron Dubrow, NSF, 703-292-4489, email: adubrow@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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