National Science Foundation Research Spotlights
Across disciplines, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are tackling some of society’s most complex challenges — supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). From developing advanced robotics that mimic the dexterity of a human hand to AI-powered software that provides highly personalized and adaptive learning experiences, NSF-funded research at Carnegie Mellon drives innovation, fuels collaboration, and inspires the next wave of scientific breakthroughs.
Explore the spotlights below that showcase the real-world impact of National Science Foundation-funded research at Carnegie Mellon University.
Sustained Federal Funding Produces Parkinson’s Breakthrough
For millions of patients with Parkinson’s disease, existing treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation offer only temporary relief. Learn more about how the National Science Foundation-funded research at CMU has focused on unraveling the brain’s movement circuits.
Customized Finger Braces for Faster Injury Recovery
Repeatedly removing finger braces after injury leads to slower recovery times and chronic stiffness. See how the first-ever 3D-printed finger brace easily shifts from rigid to flexible, eliminating the need to take it off and on.
AI Unlocks Rare Disease Research
Researchers need massive amounts of patient data to study genetic causes of disease, but for rare conditions, such data doesn't exist. Learn how CMU's researchers partnered with Stanford University and others to develop a deep-learning method that enhances available data.
Using Drones to Fight Wildfires
Current military-grade aircraft drones cannot fly low through trees or smoke. With support from the NSF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CMU researchers are developing advanced drone capabilities that can fly faster, farther, and with great resilience.
Interactive, Educational Exhibits Powered by AI
Traditional science education often focuses on reciting facts, not engaging children. Learn how a team of CMU researchers created a series of interactive, hands-on exhibits and learning stations for museums and schools.
The AI Math Tutor Helping Millions of Students
Using technology to deliver high-quality, individualized instruction at a national scale is a critical challenge. Learn how CMU worked to develop computer-based math tutors that provides personalized and adaptive learning experiences.
Robotic Hands Move from Lab to Factory
Many industrial and complex tasks—from delicate medical procedures to precise manufacturing assembly—require the dexterity and nuance of a human hand. Current robots often lack the fine motor skills and precision needed for these jobs, creating a critical gap in automation for essential industrial tasks.
Building an AI-Literate America in Our Schools
America's students need a foundational education in the underlying computer science principles to prepare them for the future. See how CMU researchers have teamed with universities across the country to develop AI teaching resources for K-12 students and teachers.
Improving Indoor Air Quality for All
Everyday items like cleaning products and candles can release harmful chemicals that can pose a serious health risk. Learn how CMU NSF-funded researchers have developed a revolutionary new technology: a low-cost, long-lasting sensor to detect formaldehyde.
Making the Game They Want to Play And Becoming the Programmer They Want to Be
Traditional "educational games" found in out-of-school-time environments can feel forced and less engaging. Learn how researchers at CMU's Robotics Academy and the Human-Computer Interaction Institute tackled this challenge by working with youth to co-design a portfolio of educational games for community centers, libraries and other afterschool clubs in and around Pittsburgh.
Virtual Robots Break Down Barriers to Coding Education
Many students face significant barriers to engaging in robotics or computer science education due to a lack of physical hardware, complicated software setups, or a shortage of instructors. Learn how CMU researchers developed the Virtual Robot Curriculum to solve both the access and assessment challenges.
Robotic Sensor Finds the Hidden Harvest
Robotic harvesting in dense agricultural environments is limited because leaves and clutter block visual input for camera-guided robot arms. Learn how researchers at CMU's Robotics Institute developed a data-driven system that uses sound to locate crops hidden from view.
Teaching Robots to Safely Navigate Communities
Delivery robots and other automated machines on public sidewalks and streets have a hard time navigating complex spaces and can pose safety risks. Learn how CMU researchers are designing better navigation and communication systems for robots in public by putting community input first.
Revolutionizing Targeted Drug Therapies with AI and Synthetic Biology
The discovery of therapeutic antibodies is a resource- and labor-intensive process. Conventional methods are ill-suited for creating treatments for personalized cancer care or rapidly evolving viral pandemics. Learn how CMU researchers led to the development of a novel Nanobody discovery platform that can rapidly screen a large number of Nanobody-antigen pairs simultaneously.
More Energy Efficient Computing
AI-driven computing is demanding an ever-increasing amount of power. This rising consumption strains power grids and limits the operational life of battery-powered sensors in critical infrastructure. Learn how CMU research fundamentally re-engineered the architecture of a general-purpose computer to prioritize energy efficiency, leading to the creation of the most energy-efficient general purpose processor in existence.