“DOT Bots Challenge” invests $1.5 million to encourage American innovation and use of robotics technology to improve America’s transportation systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy launched the “DOT Bots Challenge”-a first-of-its-kind competition inviting Americans to submit ideas on how robotics can transform our transportation networks. The Administration wants to invest in ideas that improve transportation safety, efficiency, affordability, and project delivery. Today, robotics technologies are being used for numerous applications in transportation, including safety inspections, maintenance tasks, and construction work.
The challenge offers up to $1,500,000 in total prize money across two stages:
- Proof-of-Concept (Stage 1): Up to 5 finalists will be selected and each will receive $100,000
- Demonstration (Stage 2): One winner will receive a grand prize of $1,000,000
“From supersonic flight to autonomous vehicles to delivery drones, American innovation is already reshaping how we think about transportation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “To ensure America stays ahead of the race, we have to invest in our country’s best and brightest ideas – including robotics. I encourage all innovators to take advantage of this exciting opportunity and join the challenge. Together, we will revolutionize our roads, runways and railroads.”
Challenge Timeline:
- Challenge Status: Open
- Submission Deadline: August 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
- Stage I Finalists Announced: Fall 2026
- Stage II Winner Announced: Fall 2027
- Questions: A webinar will be held on Wednesday, July 8, at 3:00 PM ET
Additional Information:
Stage I, Concept Paper:
In Stage I, eligible Participants will submit concept papers describing an idea for robotics solutions that address public sector transportation needs. DOT will select up to five finalists to receive a Stage I cash prize and qualify to develop a functional prototype of their idea during Stage II.
Stage 2, Prototype/Demonstration:
In Stage II, the finalists selected to advance from Stage I will develop their concepts into functional prototypes of a robotics solution. A functional prototype should consist of a fully operational robotics solution and may be a modification of an existing off-the-shelf platform or a newly developed technology. A virtual prototype does not meet the requirements for this challenge. The target technology readiness level (TRL)2 at the end of Stage II is 6-7 (prototype demonstrated in relevant or operational environment). Projects that are expected to reach TRL 5 (integrated components demonstrated in a laboratory environment) may also be considered if warranted based on other submission characteristics.
Along with the competition, USDOT has released a Strategy Report on the State of Robotics in Transportation that summarizes recent advancements in robotics, highlights USDOT investments in robotics, and identifies opportunities and challenges for further applying robotics to transportation.