US SB3468

Directs the National Science Foundation Director to designate up to 6 nodes within 1 year of enactment, creating a national network of physical laboratories equipped with robotics, AI, and advanced instrumentation that can be remotely programmed and controlled for automated scientific experiments

Eligible entities for node designation include universities, nonprofit research organizations, private-sector research entities, and consortia, with preference given to applicants demonstrating third-party cost sharing and pre-existing infrastructure

Requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop interoperability standards within 180 days of node designation, covering laboratory instrumentation, data infrastructure, communication protocols, cybersecurity, and AI-assisted workflows

Mandates nodes develop financial sustainability plans to reduce Federal funding reliance through user fees, licensing, or consortia membership, and requires annual congressional briefings on progress toward self-sustainability and performance metrics

All Network authorities, programs, and funding terminate on September 30, 2031