Overview
The Robotics & Autonomy Cluster at Berkeley Air & Space Center brings together UC Berkeley faculty with NASA Ames researchers to advance research at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, avionics, and autonomous systems — areas that are central to the future of aerospace and increasingly impactful across terrestrial domains.
The cluster is organized around five core areas of research and collaboration:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Autonomy
- Systems Engineering and Avionics
- Robotics
- Validation and Verification
Leadership and Participants
The cluster is led by Negar Mehr, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UC Berkeley (profile) and includes faculty and researchers from across UC Berkeley and collaborators at NASA Ames.
Expression of Interest
The Robotics & Autonomy Cluster is building a community of researchers interested in collaborative work across robotics, autonomy, artificial intelligence, systems engineering, and related fields. UC Berkeley faculty members and NASA Ames Researchers are invited to share their research interests and ideas for future collaboration.
Responses will help identify common areas of interest, facilitate connections among researchers, and inform future workshops, seed funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. Information submitted through this form may also be used to identify potential collaborators for research proposals and cluster activities.
Complete the Research Collaboration Interest Form
Request for Proposals
The Robotics & Autonomy Cluster offers a seed funding program to support early-stage research aligned with its mission and to strengthen collaboration with NASA Ames.
Awards are up to $25,000 for one-year projects led by UC Berkeley faculty. Proposals must include collaboration with at least one NASA Ames researcher and identify a pathway toward a larger external funding opportunity.
The current call focuses on research in AI/ML, autonomy, robotics, systems engineering, and validation of autonomous systems, particularly in areas aligned with NASA’s civil space priorities.
Proposal deadline: June 30, 2026
Contact
For inquiries about the cluster or funding opportunities: