Bill would fund six remote-controlled "cloud labs" for scientific research

What does this do?

The bill would create a national network of up to six "programmable cloud laboratories" — robotics- and AI-equipped labs scientists could operate remotely over the internet. The National Science Foundation would select participating labs through a competitive process, with each chosen lab eligible for up to $5 million per year for up to five years. At least one lab must support biotechnology research, and the labs must follow shared technical standards and cybersecurity protections while working toward eventual financial independence from government funding.

Who does it affect?

The bill would affect research universities, government science agencies, and private tech and biotech companies that could apply to host a lab node. It would also affect scientists who use advanced lab equipment, taxpayers who fund the program, and workers in automation, robotics, and biotech fields.

Why does it matter?

The program would automatically end on September 30, 2031 unless Congress extends it, and Congress would receive yearly updates on the network's performance. A separate government study would examine whether labs not chosen for the network could still connect with it.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $30 million per year, 2026-2030
• up to $5 million per lab yearly
• up to five years per lab