Request for Information: Materials for Physical Compute in Untethered Robotics

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Microsystems Technology Office is seeking innovative material-level breakthroughs to enable physical intelligence in untethered autonomous robotic systems capable of operating in environments with no communication or human oversight. The focus is on embedding sensing, actuation, control, learning, and decision-making directly into the physical structure of robots, moving beyond conventional approaches that rely on increased sensor density and data transmission, which degrade energy efficiency, speed, and security. Responses must propose disruptive advancements at the material, component, or kernel level that fundamentally redefine how autonomy is achieved, with an emphasis on systems that exhibit low-latency adaptive reflexes, energy-efficient operation, and real-time responsiveness without centralized processing. Technical submissions must include quantifiable metrics demonstrating progress in embedded proprioception, integrated sensing-actuation-compute functionality, energy harvesting efficiency, and scalable pathways from novel materials to functional systems, while explicitly excluding incremental software or hardware improvements. All responses must be submitted as unclassified, unencrypted documents via email to DARPA-SN-26-76@darpa.mil by May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and must adhere to strict formatting requirements including 11-point font, 1-inch margins, and submission in Word, PowerPoint, or PDF format only. The technical response is limited to 4 pages per area addressed, with a maximum of 8 pages if covering both requested areas, plus a 1-page cover page, up to 2 pages of references, and a single summary slide. Classified submissions are permitted only after prior coordination and cannot be sent directly via email. Proprietary information must be clearly labeled, and respondents must bear all costs associated with preparation and submission. This is a purely informational request under FAR 15.201(e), with no obligation on DARPA to respond, award contracts, or provide feedback; no evaluation factors, contracting clauses, payment details, or formal acquisition terms are applicable. The primary intent is to inform future program development and identify transformative capabilities, with an anticipated workshop planned for June or July 2026 in Arlington, Virginia, where selected respondents may be invited to present.