R&D Lab

Frameworks and software for agent-first computing

Our research focuses on local AI infrastructure, agent interfaces, and MCP systems — with Courier OS and Scout as the flagship. Projects and case studies prove the patterns in production.

How we work

The research loop

Design research → Courier/Scout capabilities → MCP and interface patterns → client and open-source applications.

01

Agent-first design research

Study how probabilistic interfaces replace deterministic UIs — tool routing, trust, feedback, and emerging AI/AX patterns.

02

Courier & Scout capabilities

Ship those patterns into Courier OS and Scout — local models, computer use, MCP tools, and operator surfaces.

03

MCP & interface patterns

Codify reusable MCP servers, efficiency tricks, and agent experience patterns for products and partners.

04

Client & open-source applications

Apply the stack to SubmittalIQ, Cook'n/DVO, FlowDB, Courier Dispatch, and more.

Inside Courier

Scout

A local agent that can do anything you can on your computer

Scout is the agent inside Courier OS — optimized to run open-source models on your machine instead of relying on cloud models. It operates your computer, connects to MCP tools, and turns local inference into a real agentic interface.

Optimized for open-source models

  • Runs on your computer — not dependent on cloud model APIs
  • Can do anything you can on your computer as a local agent
  • Connects to MCP tools from the MCP Store and custom servers
  • Part of Courier OS — inference, dashboard, and device management included

Courier OS

The operating system for local AI on Apple silicon

Courier OS is the literal operating system for local AI — built to run open-source models on Apple silicon you control. A web dashboard for management and monitoring, plus inference, Scout (our local agent), custom apps, automations, agentic coding tools, and device management.

Local inference & APIs

Production inference on Apple silicon — open-source models, OpenAI-compatible APIs, and flat costs on hardware you control.

Self-hosted inference

OpenAI-compatible APIs on your hardware

Deploy private inference on dedicated Apple silicon — unlimited usage on open-source models, with production APIs for agents, apps, and integrations.

  • Open-source models optimized for Apple silicon
  • OpenAI-compatible endpoints for agents and apps
  • Web dashboard for models, usage, and health

Managed hosting

Production inference without running the hardware

When you want Courier capabilities without a hardware project, we host and operate Courier OS for you — same stack, operated by our team.

  • Fully managed inference with monitoring and updates
  • Predictable monthly costs
  • Same Courier OS stack, operated by RecursionAI

Multi-node orchestration

Local inference across your hardware footprint

Design and deploy Courier OS across the Apple silicon you have — expanding as your local AI footprint grows.

  • Unified API layer across devices
  • Cluster planning and capacity for growing usage
  • Migration paths as your infrastructure evolves

Scout, agents & MCP apps

Scout-powered local agents, custom MCP apps, workflow automations, and agentic coding — wired into how your team actually works.

Scout — local agent interface

An agent that can operate your computer

Scout is the local agent in Courier OS — optimized for open-source models on your machine. Custom apps, employee tools, MCP connections, and automations without cloud model dependency.

  • Local agent that can do what you can on your computer
  • Optimized for open-source models — not cloud APIs
  • Custom MCP apps and internal tools

Agentic coding

Coding assistants on your hardware

Deploy agentic coding tools optimized for smaller open-source models — systems and harnesses that bring frontier capability locally.

  • Local coding assistants for engineering teams
  • Agent harnesses tuned for your stack and models
  • Private repos, private inference

Custom agent workflows

Agents connected to your business

Build and deploy agentic workflows that connect to your tools, data, and processes — MCP integrations, custom connectors, and production agent pipelines.

  • MCP workflows wired into existing software
  • Agent pipelines for ops, support, and internal tools
  • Custom automations built on Courier OS

Infrastructure & device management

We manage your Courier OS fleet for you, or hand you the tools to run it yourself — from one Mac to a full deployment.

Managed infrastructure

We run Courier OS for you

Device provisioning, monitoring, updates, and health checks — we manage the Courier OS fleet so your team focuses on using agents, not babysitting hardware.

  • Remote monitoring and alerting via the web dashboard
  • Model updates, patches, and capacity management
  • Ongoing operations as part of a build engagement

Self-managed operations

You run it — we set it up and train you

Full handoff with dashboard access, remote device management, and operational playbooks — your IT team runs Courier OS with cloud-grade visibility.

  • Device and fleet management tooling
  • SSH access, health monitoring, and runbooks
  • Training for your team to operate the stack

Stack connectivity

Wire Courier OS into your business

Connect Courier OS to the systems you already use — CRMs, internal tools, data stores, and employee workflows — so local agents are part of production.

  • Integration architecture and implementation
  • Identity, access, and security considerations
  • Handoff documentation and ongoing support

AI/AX · Emerging

Agent Interface / Agent Experience — in development

AI/AX is an emerging category under active R&D. Custom design expertise and $200/seat team trainings are available now. Frameworks, publications, SDKs, and tools are coming soon — not shipping yet.

Available now

Expertise & training

Request custom AI/AX design help for agent integrations, or book team sessions on agent design, MCP development, and emerging AI/AX principles.

Coming soon · Roadmap

Artifacts in active R&D

  • Principles and frameworks for Agent Interface / Agent Experience
  • Publications and maturity-model examples
  • Training curriculum for product and engineering teams
  • SDKs for agent integration and evaluation
  • Design and evaluation tools

Projects & case studies

Evidence from the lab and the field

Courier-powered client work, MCP open source, and earlier agent product R&D.

Want Courier or Scout for your team?

Start a project for implementation, or explore the product directly.