NSF X-Labs Initiative – AI for Physical Systems Topic Announcement

The National Science Foundation’s X‑Labs Initiative is soliciting full‑time, multi‑disciplinary R&D teams to develop early‑stage, platform‑level AI technologies that operate in or interface with the physical world (e.g., robotics, cyber‑physical systems, bio‑integrated devices). Teams will submit a Phase 0 written proposal, be evaluated for a Phase 0 award (up to $1.5 M over ~9 months), and, pending a Go/No‑Go decision, may receive a Phase 1 award (up to $50 M per year for 24‑36 months) and possible Phase 2 extensions. The effort emphasizes novel, sector‑defining platforms, autonomy in decision‑making, and compliance with U.S. security and research‑security requirements.