Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Computing and Communication Foundations awarded $441,861 to the University of Puerto Rico Research and Development Center Division (operating as Chancellor Mayaguez Campus) on October 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CFDA 47.070) program. This five-year CAREER award, concluding September 30, 2031, funds the development of a computational framework for integrating trust, shared awareness, and joint action in human-artificial intelligence (AI) driving teams for highly automated vehicles. The research redefines human-AI collaboration beyond traditional automation models, enabling features such as human-AI intention-sharing, obstacle detection assistance, AI behavioral adjustment based on human attention levels, and AI feedback requests on driving maneuvers. The research framework has potential applications across multiple disciplines including robotics, manufacturing, emergency response systems, and healthcare.

In addition to core research activities, this CAREER award includes integrated educational components designed to broaden workforce development and public understanding of AI and human-machine interaction. The project incorporates interactive community workshops and an applied robotics challenge targeting high school students and adults to foster greater understanding of automation and prepare the future science and engineering workforce. By combining fundamental research with educational outreach, the award addresses both the immediate need for safer human-AI driving teams and the longer-term requirement for a skilled workforce capable of advancing human-AI teaming technologies across multiple sectors.