Protocol Institute · Proposal

Robotics Interest Group (RIG)

A playful, lightweight governance layer for applied research in agentic robotics. Not a lab. Not a grant vehicle. A place where good projects can safely form.

How the RIG is structured

Hosted by the Protocol Institute
Volunteer, advisory, consensus‑led
Founding members from Yak Robotics
Embedded SCVIC researcher for execution continuity
Industry + end users shape questions, not answers

RIG Governance Ecosystem — A convening structure — not ownership, not hierarchy.

How projects actually happen

Project delivery flow — Governance up top. Work in the middle. Learning everywhere.

Project idea emerges
RIG helps shape scope & constraints
SCVIC executes in‑lab
Intern embedded in real work
Outputs circulate openly

Funding + talent flywheel

Industry partner funds the problem
Mitacs covers ~50% of intern support
SCVIC provides lab + full‑time researchers
Talent learns by doing
Future paths: NSERC · NRC (drones, sensing, AI)

Funding and talent flywheel — Industry funds learning. Canada co‑funds talent. Everyone keeps optionality.

Why industry shows up

Train people who can actually work with agents
Experiment without committing to products
Shape problems before markets harden

Agents are starting to operate in the real world. Someone has to learn how to supervise them.