Canada faces a critical productivity gap, and next-generation AI-robotics offers a powerful solution. Advances in 4D scene understanding, agentic reasoning, robotic mobility, and manipulation are converging to enable a new era of intelligent, flexible robotic systems that can significantly boost productivity and GDP growth across key Canadian sectors.

This is a focused working session directly supporting a major NFRF-Transformation (NFRF-T) proposal led by Professor Steven Waslander and colleagues at the University of Toronto Robotics Institute and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Our NFRF-T proposal uniquely integrates cutting-edge robotics with strategic innovation policy to drive world-leading advancements with high commercialization potential. In this workshop, we aim to identify high-impact technical applications of flexible robotic agents within Canada's primary industries (manufacturing, resource extraction, construction, logistics) that can be propelled by this integrated approach.

We welcome academic, industry, and government leaders with technical insights into advanced autonomy. We also seek those with deep expertise in translating innovations into real-world Canadian challenges and national strategy, particularly given the NFRF-T's dual technical/policy thrusts and focus on fostering a strong Canadian robotics ecosystem with commercial success. This session will cover:

• NFRF-T Vision & Pillars (15 minutes): Proposal overview: strategic aim, core technical & policy pillars, and staged pathway to commercialization/adoption.
• Collaborative Technical Ideation (60 minutes): Pinpoint autonomy scenarios where advances in scene understanding, agentic reasoning, mobility, and manipulation will lead to significant breakthroughs. We will brainstorm concrete, technically feasible robotic prototype concepts for real-world impact, and explore their potential pathways from research to market.
• Strengthening the NFRF-T Team (15 minutes): Identify potential partners to fill proposal gaps (ECRs, EDI, policy) and industry partners to bolster commercialization.

This session will directly contribute to the NFRF-T proposal by producing:

• Prioritized Technical Application Scenarios with Commercial Potential: An inventory of high-potential robotic ideas, including technical approaches, required breakthroughs, and early insights into commercial viability.
• Direct Input for Proposal's Technical & Impact Sections: Concrete insights for the NFRF-T's technical, impact, and commercialization arguments.

Identification of Key Partners for Comprehensive Impact: Potential collaborators who can enhance the NFRF-T proposal in terms of Early Career Researchers (ECRs), Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), policy perspectives, and strong industry partners to maximize commercialization and adoption potential.