U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is launching the "DOT Bots Challenge," a first-of-its-kind competition seeking public ideas on how robotics can reshape the nation's transportation systems.
The initiative offers up to $1.5 million in prize money to incentivize innovations that support the development of new robotics platforms and use cases that can enhance safety for workers and travelers while improving how infrastructure is built, maintained, and operated.
The competition arrives as robotics increasingly handle tasks like safety inspections, maintenance, and construction.
"From supersonic flight to autonomous vehicles to delivery drones, American innovation is already reshaping how we think about transportation," Duffy said in a statement. "To ensure America stays ahead of the race, we have to invest in our country’s best and brightest ideas – including robotics."
The challenge will be executed in two distinct phases:
- Stage 1 (proof-of-concept): Participants will submit concept papers addressing public sector transportation needs. Up to five finalists will be selected to receive $100,000 each and advance to the next round.
- Stage 2 (demonstration): Finalists will develop physical, functional prototypes. DOT specified that virtual prototypes will not qualify, aiming instead for technologies that can be demonstrated in real-world or operational environments. A single grand-prize winner will receive $1 million.
Alongside the competition, the department released a strategy report detailing recent advancements, current federal investments, and future opportunities for robotics in the transportation sector.
The submission window is currently open, with a deadline set for Aug. 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT. Finalists for the first stage are scheduled to be announced in the fall of 2026, with the grand-prize winner named in the fall of 2027.
Applicants can enter by submitting a package to [email protected]. The department will host an informational webinar for prospective applicants on Wednesday, July 8, at 3 p.m. EDT.
