Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems (HyBRIDS)
ID: DARPA-EA-25-02-01Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the "Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems" (HyBRIDS) initiative. This opportunity aims to develop innovative biohybrid robotic systems that integrate synthetic and biological components to surpass the capabilities of traditional robotic models, addressing significant challenges in component integration, robust design methods, and deployment obstacles. The HyBRIDS program is crucial for enhancing national security applications by transforming the field of biohybrid robotics for complex operational environments. Interested researchers should submit their proposals by April 7, 2025, with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, and can contact the BAA Coordinator at HyBRIDS@darpa.mil for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    BAA Coordinator
    HyBRIDS@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The DARPA Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) Opportunity, titled "Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems" (HyBRIDS), invites researchers to submit innovative proposals focused on biohybrid robotics for national security applications. The program encourages substantial, groundbreaking ideas that integrate synthetic and biological components to develop robotic systems that outperform traditional models. Proposals should aim to address significant challenges in creating biohybrid robots, including component integration, robust design methods, and deployment obstacles, with the expectation of a 12-month performance period and budgets ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Researchers are required to justify the novelty and practicality of their proposed concepts, articulate the anticipated metrics, and describe the project’s schedule, while also considering ethical implications. The evaluation process will occur on a rolling basis until April 7, 2025, with no late submissions accepted. Selected proposals may lead to Research Other Transactions (OTs) agreements. This opportunity emphasizes the exploration of innovative pathways rather than incremental improvements, aiming to transform the field of biohybrid robotics for real-world applications and enhancing operational capabilities in complex environments.
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