TL;DR: Rivian’s robotics arm Mind Robotics appoints former Apple and Tesla veteran Doug Field as president to lead development of industrial robots for Rivian factories.
The Details
- Mind Robotics, founded by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe in 2025, has raised over $1 billion and is targeting “universally capable” robots for factory work.
- Doug Field brings experience from Apple’s Project Titan, Tesla’s Model 3 program, and Ford’s EV/software division, positioning the startup to accelerate hardware and AI integration.
- The hire signals Rivian’s intent to internalize automation, potentially reducing labor costs and enhancing production efficiency, while competing with other automakers exploring humanoid robots.
Watch For
- Announcement of a prototype or public demo of Mind Robotics’ units.
- Updates on funding rounds or strategic partnerships with component suppliers.
- Timeline for robot deployment in Rivian manufacturing facilities.
Analyzed by FNXT Experts