David E. Steitz
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1730
david.steitz@nasa.gov
Lisa-Joy Zgorski
National Science Foundation, Arlington, Va.
703-292-8311
lisajoy@nsf.gov
RELEASE: 11-203
NASA, NSF COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP ADVANCED ROBOTICS
WASHINGTON -- The National Science Foundation (NSF) will take the lead
with NASA and two other federal agencies to support the
administration's National Robotics Initiative.
The initiative complements the administrations' Advanced Manufacturing
Initiative and technology transfer efforts and supports the
development and use of robots in the United States that work beside,
or cooperatively, with people and that enhance individual human
capabilities, performance and safety.
"To help everyone from factory workers to astronauts carry out more
complicated tasks, NASA and other agencies will support research into
next-generation robotics," President Obama said during a speech
Friday at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Over the past five years, tremendous advancements in robotics
technology have enabled a new generation of assistive systems and
devices in industries as diverse as manufacturing, logistics,
medicine, health care, military, agriculture, and consumer products.
"NASA has been focused on human-robotic interaction for more than a
decade, leading to flight of our newest crew member on the
International Space Station, Robonaut2," said NASA's Chief
Technologist Bobby Braun. "Our challenge today is to develop robotics
technology that can increase the effectiveness and safety of humans
in space and deliver cutting-edge science. Through our participation
in the National Robotics Initiative, NASA will create the new
knowledge, technology and capabilities needed for our future space
missions while benefiting life here on Earth, today."
It is becoming increasingly evident that these early, next generation
products are a harbinger of numerous, large-scale, global, robotics
technology markets likely to develop in the coming decade. The
robotics initiative, which pays particular attention to fundamental
research and education by academia and industry, seeks to engage our
next generation of scientists and engineers in fields essential in
the new global technology economy.
"It's exciting to be on the forefront of creating new knowledge and to
play a catalytic role in the development of smart technology that
enhances America's productivity and ultimately the quality of life of
Americans," said NSF Director Subra Suresh. "It's also an opportunity
to harness the expertise of our colleagues in several government
agencies to tackle a major challenge and to bolster creative science
and the U.S. economy. NSF is proud to lead this effort."
The purpose of the initiative is to encourage innovative collaborative
research that combines computer and systems science with mechanical,
electrical and materials engineering and social, behavioral and
economic sciences to tackle the most important and challenging
problems in producing this class of human-assisting co-robotics.
Investments in the initiative from NASA, NIH, NSF and United States
Department of Agriculture may reach $40 to $50 million in the first
year, with anticipated growth in funding as other agencies and
industry partners engage.
NIH has used robotics for the rapid screening of potential drugs and
the subsequent discovery of new drugs. NIH anticipates robotics will
play an important role in rehabilitation, home health care, and
advanced robotic surgery in the near future.
The USDA encourages automated systems and improved robotics for
inspection, sorting, processing or handling of animal or plant
products, as well as multi-modal and rapid sensing systems for
detecting defects, ripeness, physical damage, microbial
contamination, size shape and other quality attributes of such
products.
NSF will manage the solicitation and peer review selection process.
All participating federal agencies will work with partners to foster
the exchange of ideas and technologies that will directly benefit
American today and well into the future. For more information about
the National Science Foundation, visit:
For more information about NASA, visit:
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