The National Science Foundation (NSF) is providing various awards for robotics research via the National Robotics Initiative. The program seeks to accelerate the development of robots that work alongside or with humans, provide fundamental research for the next generation of robotics, advance the capability and useability of robotic systems and encourage innovative application areas. Funding will cover all aspects of the development cycle, beginning with research & design and ending production & distribution.
Awards are offered for both small and large projects. Small projects consist of one or more principal investigators, and are eligible to receive $100,000-$250,000 per year for up to five years. Large projects are comprised of multi-disciplinary teams and can receive $250,001-$1,000,000 per year for up to five years. Funding beyond this level should be discussed with the NSF program officer prior to proposal submission.
The deadline for letters of intent is October 1, 2012. More information can be found in the link below:
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503641&org=CISE