Robotics & Autonomous Systems (Multiple Opportunities) is sponsored by Department of Defense (DoD) various agencies (e.g., USSOCOM, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, DARPA). The DoD offers various funding opportunities for basic and applied research in robotics and autonomous systems, including AI. While primarily defense-focused, some opportunities may align with foundational research in AI, robotics, and human-robot interaction that could have broader applications. This includes advanced manufacturing, unmanned systems, and revolutionary defense technologies.

DARPA's Strategic Technology Office (STO) Innovation Solutions Opening (DARPA-PS-26-09) invites revolutionary research ideas across defense technology areas including applied artificial intelligence, autonomy and control algorithms, distributed autonomy and teaming (machine-machine and human-machine), robotics, advanced computing, communications and networking, electromagnetic warfare, radar and sensing technologies, directed energy systems, and space systems. STO seeks technologies capable of transforming system behavior such as resilient autonomy, advanced sensor architectures, or disruptive communications platforms. The solicitation uses a two-step process: applicants first submit a short abstract, and if DARPA determines the idea is promising, the team is invited to submit a full proposal. Short-duration exploratory projects such as studies or proof-of-concept experiments may receive priority during abstract evaluation.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Robotics Programs is sponsored by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA Robotics Programs offer funding for innovative robotics research and development projects with potential defense applications. DARPA funds high-risk, high-impact research through Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), program solicitations, and special notices. These opportunities target transformational technologies that could significantly advance national security capabilities, spanning fields such as advanced materials, energy systems, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, photonics, and cyber-physical systems, including pioneering advancements in robotics.

DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-Wide Broad Agency Announcement (HR001125S0013) seeks proposals that investigate innovative approaches enabling revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems for national security applications. DSO explicitly excludes research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice, instead seeking paradigm-shifting breakthroughs. The office covers a broad range of scientific disciplines including mathematics, computation and algorithms, physical sciences, materials science, and novel AI approaches grounded in scientific fundamentals. DSO programs often address foundational challenges in AI such as learning theory, reasoning under uncertainty, physics-informed machine learning, and computational neuroscience approaches to AI. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis through June 2, 2026. Funding instruments include cooperative agreements, procurement contracts, and other mechanisms.

DevX Autonomy is the Army Applications Laboratory's streamlined acquisition platform that accelerates how the government discovers, assesses, and awards innovative technologies in autonomy and unmanned systems. Instead of lengthy written proposals, vendors submit a 6-minute video pitch describing their solution, capabilities, and readiness. Subject-matter experts assess submissions against published criteria, and award-ready solutions are added to a searchable repository accessible government-wide. The open call solicitation (W911NF-26-S-0040) runs from December 30, 2025 through August 31, 2026 with monthly submission cutoffs at 12:00 noon Eastern on the final day of each monthly collection period. Submissions are accepted across seven categories: Platforms (autonomous ground, sea, and air systems), Payloads (mission-specific sensors and comms), Mission-Enabling Solutions (human-system integration and mission planning), Lethal Capabilities, Sustainment Solutions, Subcomponents (motors, sensors, controllers), and Disruptive Innovations. Award-ready solutions can move directly into contracting pathways without further competition.

The FY2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) supports basic research at U.S. institutions of higher education across 22 topic areas where multiple traditional disciplines interact to provide rapid advances in defense-relevant science. AI and autonomy are priority research areas within this cycle, alongside advanced materials, quantum sciences, biotechnology, and human performance. The program funds large multidisciplinary teams to tackle fundamental research challenges that span traditional departmental boundaries. Each MURI award supports a team of investigators from multiple disciplines and potentially multiple institutions working on a unified research effort. The FY2026 MURI solicitation is managed jointly by the three DoD basic research offices: the Army Research Office (ARO W911NF25S0004), the Office of Naval Research (ONR N00014-25-SF-002), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Topics of interest include information sensing and processing, behaviors of materials and matter, and systems manipulation, with specific topics related to AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems. This is distinct from single-investigator programs like the Young Investigator Program or the NSF Trailblazer award.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) released Broad Agency Announcement FA955025S0001 under the Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program, with approximately $200 million anticipated for basic research awards. AFOSR seeks proposals for fundamental scientific and engineering research with the potential to impact future U.S. Air Force and Space Force capabilities. Two scientific branches manage topic areas: Engineering and Information Sciences (RTA) and Physical and Biological Sciences (RTB). The Engineering and Information Sciences branch encompasses two divisions: Engineering and Complex Systems (RTA1) and Information and Networks (RTA2). The Information and Networks division (RTA2) has outlined priority areas including autonomy, space situational awareness, and network security. Within these areas, AFOSR is particularly interested in fundamental advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous decision-making, and human-machine teaming. Research proposals are typically funded between $100,000 and $300,000 per year, with most awards running three years and maximum duration of five years. The BAA remains open until superseded, accepting proposals on a rolling basis. This represents one of the Air Force's primary mechanisms for funding university and industry basic research in AI and autonomy.