Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus — U.S. National Science Foundation funding opportunity
U.S. National Science Foundation · Federal agency

Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus

The Motor Nexus (M3X) program supports fundamental research that enables intelligent engineered systems and humans to engage in bidirectional interaction in a physics-based environment, to enhance and ensure well-being....

85
match
Deadline Fixed Location Alabama Type grant Level Federal Open posted Apr 16, 2025
✦ AI Summary
  • Who can apply: Federal-level applicants (see eligibility for details).
  • Issued by: U.S. National Science Foundation.
  • About: The Motor Nexus (M3X) program supports fundamental research that enables intelligent engineered systems and humans to engage in bidirectional interaction in a physics-based environment, to enhance and ensure well-being. For the purpose of…
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About this opportunity

The Motor Nexus (M3X) program supports fundamental research that enables intelligent engineered systems and humans to engage in bidirectional interaction in a physics-based environment, to enhance and ensure well-being. For the purpose of this program an intelligent engineered system is a human-designed system — a combination of both — that interacts with its environment to achieve specific goals. These systems collect data, analyze it to make informed decisions, and take actions that enhance well-being. They may operate autonomously or collaboratively with humans, adapting their actions based on the data they collect. A key requirement for the M3X program is that these systems must function within a physics-based environment, whether physical or virtual, where interactions exhibit recognizable physical behaviors, such as those associated with inertia. Intelligent engineered systems are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, interacting with humans across diverse environments and through different modalities (for , auditory). M3X aims to deepen the understanding of such interactions, particularly in complex and dynamic settings such as elder care, disaster response, and dynamic workplaces. The program encourages explorations into the physical or cognitive principles that enable or constrain human-machine collaboration, advancing foundational theories, interaction modeling, and technological innovations that enhance intuitiveness. Proposals submitted to the M3X program must clearly articulate how the proposed work advances knowledge of bidirectional interactions between humans and intelligent engineered systems. Examples include robots assisting in disaster response, smart environments that learn user preferences, and virtual reality-based rehabilitation technologies that simulate plausible physics. While proposals are not required to address all aspects of the interaction, they must propose significant contributions to at least one of the following areas: Conceptual Frameworks and Theoretical ModelingDevelopment of new computational frameworks that provide structured approaches to understanding and analyzing the bidirectional interaction between humans and engineered systems. These frameworks serve as formalized models or methodologies that guide research in areas such as behavior of both humans and intelligent engineered systems during their interactions. Additionally, these computational frameworks facilitate the modeling of safe operating conditions in dynamic task environments and the identification of theoretical limits of cognitive and physical performance capabilities during interaction. Dynamic Interaction Analysis and SimulationInvestigation of emerging and established bidirectional interaction phenomena in hybrid environments. Potential topics may include multi-scale interaction. The program also welcomes novel experimental paradigms to evaluate processes and performance. Innovative Technologies for Enhanced InteractionDevelopment of technologies to enable novel or improved forms of bidirectional interaction, guided by hypotheses and interaction-driven requirements. Potential topics may include creating meaningful task designing new modalities and interfaces for interaction; developing advanced instrumentation methods; testbeds, and improving real-time integration of multi-modal sensorimotor data. The M3X program strongly encourages proposals that aim to establish new perspectives and paradigms across one or more of the three areas listed above. To ensure strong alignment with M3X objectives, Principal Investigators are encouraged to submit a one-page Project Summary to [email protected] for feedback from Program Directors.

Funding agency

U.S. National Science Foundation
Federal agency

Tags

Education & Research Climate & Environment Science, Tech & Engineering (STEM)
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Who can apply

Eligibility details aren't on file yet — check the agency source link in the Documents tab for the latest rules.

Geographic eligibility

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
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  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • District of Columbia

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Source documents

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Citation details

Source systemgrants.gov
Source ID358682
PostedApr 16, 2025

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