Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees received a $300,240 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Engineering (CFDA 47.041) awarded July 15, 2026, with completion targeted for June 30, 2029. This collaborative research initiative focuses on developing robust multi-agent learning algorithms and decentralized control methods for autonomous systems operating in real-world environments. The project deliverables include foundational theoretical advances in multi-agent learning with provable convergence guarantees, novel function approximation frameworks addressing dimensionality challenges, and practical robust control methodologies applicable to intelligent transportation systems and power grids. Research outputs will be validated through pilot implementations on vehicle fleets and grid infrastructure to demonstrate scalability and reliability.

Beyond core research products, the project commits to broader impact deliverables including the release of open-source software tools, curriculum integration at the university level, and collaborative workshops with industry and government partners to inform certification standards for autonomous systems. By bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications, this award aims to advance trustworthy artificial intelligence for critical national infrastructure while addressing the fundamental challenge of performance degradation when AI systems transition from controlled simulations to variable, noisy operational environments.