NIOSH Robotics and Intelligent Mining Technology and Workplace Safety Research (U60)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a cooperative agreement opportunity focused on advancing robotics and intelligent technologies for mining safety. This initiative reflects a continued federal investment in improving occupational safety and health outcomes in one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. The program aligns with broader federal priorities under the Occupational Safety and Health Program and contributes to the Miner Health Program Strategic Agenda spanning 2020 through 2030, which emphasizes integrated research, innovation, and real world application of safety solutions. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support applied research projects that develop and implement automation, robotics, and intelligent mining systems designed to improve safety and health outcomes in mining environments. The program encourages projects that result in field ready technologies capable of improving communication systems, emergency self escape capabilities, refuge systems, and situational awareness during mining operations. Emphasis is placed on assured autonomy, meaning that autonomous systems must enhance worker safety while maintaining or improving productivity. The initiative responds to persistent hazards identified in mining, including fatalities related to machinery, roof and rib failures, and pressure vessel incidents. Funding will support projects that integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensor systems, data fusion, and human centered design into mining operations. Allowable uses of funds include research, development, testing, and evaluation of systems that improve miner safety, as well as training and change management strategies associated with implementing new technologies. Projects are expected to produce measurable impacts, including improved emergency response capabilities, enhanced operator awareness, and new safety evaluation methods. Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between proposed work and documented risks, including providing data on exposure levels, affected populations, and anticipated outcomes. Eligibility is broad across multiple organization types, including public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, nonprofits, tribal organizations, and certain for profit entities. However, congressional intent specifies that awards are expected to go to U.S. academic institutions that meet strict criteria, including offering an ABET accredited undergraduate program in mining or mineral engineering and graduate programs in both mining engineering and explosives engineering. Foreign entities and non U.S. components of organizations are explicitly excluded. This requirement significantly narrows the practical applicant pool despite the wide listing of eligible entity types. The application process will require submission through standard federal grant systems, with all applications due by specified deadlines and submitted no later than 11:59 PM local time of the applicant organization. While specific application components are not fully detailed in the forecast, applicants are expected to include detailed research plans, supporting data, and evidence based justifications aligned with program objectives. Evaluation will likely focus on scientific merit, feasibility, alignment with safety priorities, and potential impact on reducing mining hazards. The timeline indicates that the opportunity is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date in November 2026 and application deadlines projected for February 2027 and October 2027. Awards are expected to be made in August 2027, with project activities beginning in September 2027. The program anticipates issuing two awards with substantial funding allocations, indicating a competitive process focused on high impact research institutions. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers financial barriers for eligible applicants. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare early given the technical and institutional requirements associated with this opportunity.

Align proposals with documented mining hazards and provide strong data driven justification for safety impact