Rivian-backed startup Mind Robotics is strengthening its leadership team with the appointment of Doug Field as president. The move signals the company’s ambition to expand its industrial artificial intelligence and robotics operations, bringing experienced automotive and technology leadership into a business focused on transforming manufacturing.
The announcement was made on October 13, 2026, during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco. Field will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, including product development, engineering, and business execution, while Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe will remain involved in the venture.
An Experienced Automotive Leader Enters the Robotics Industry
Doug Field brings extensive experience across some of the world’s most recognized technology and automotive companies. Before joining Mind Robotics, he helped shape Ford’s electric vehicle and technology strategies for five years.
His career also includes senior engineering leadership at Tesla, where he worked on the development of the Model 3, and involvement in Apple’s Project Titan, the company’s discontinued electric and autonomous vehicle initiative. Earlier in his career, Field was employee No. 1 at Segway.
His background in engineering, electric vehicles, and large-scale product development could help Mind Robotics move from early-stage development toward broader industrial deployment.
Field’s appointment also reflects the growing overlap between automotive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Companies are increasingly exploring how intelligent machines can improve production processes, reduce repetitive work, and support more adaptable manufacturing systems.
What Is Mind Robotics Building?
Founded in 2025 by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, Mind Robotics is developing an integrated industrial robotics platform powered by artificial intelligence.
Rather than focusing primarily on humanoid robots that imitate human movement, the company aims to build purpose-designed robotic systems capable of performing industrial and manufacturing tasks.
Its technology strategy centers on combining robotics hardware with advanced AI models. These systems are intended to learn from real manufacturing environments and perform tasks at scale.
Rivian provides an important advantage as Mind Robotics’ first customer. Its manufacturing facilities offer a practical environment where the startup can train, test, and deploy robotic systems under real production conditions.
This approach could help bridge the gap between laboratory demonstrations and reliable industrial applications, where consistency, safety, and performance are essential.
Strong Investor Support Fuels Expansion
Mind Robotics has attracted more than $1 billion in funding, according to TechCrunch. Its reported backers include Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, Eclipse, Kleiner Perkins, and investment arms associated with Volkswagen and Salesforce.
The financial support provides a foundation for developing sophisticated robotics technology, expanding engineering capabilities, and preparing systems for commercial use.
However, significant funding alone does not guarantee success. Industrial robotics companies must demonstrate that their technology can operate reliably, integrate with existing production lines, and deliver measurable value to manufacturers.
Mind Robotics’ relationship with Rivian could give it an opportunity to address these challenges in an active manufacturing environment before expanding to additional customers.
Why AI-Powered Robotics Matters for Manufacturing
Manufacturers face ongoing pressure to improve productivity, maintain quality, manage labor requirements, and respond to changing production demands.
Traditional automation can perform repetitive tasks efficiently, but systems designed for fixed processes may struggle when products, components, or operating conditions change.
AI-powered robotics aims to make industrial systems more adaptable by allowing machines to interpret information, learn from data, and perform a broader range of tasks.
If successfully implemented, these technologies could help manufacturers improve operational consistency, reduce certain manual workloads, and make production systems more flexible.
For automotive companies, the opportunity is particularly relevant because vehicle manufacturing involves complex assembly processes, precision engineering, and demanding quality standards.
What Comes Next for Mind Robotics?
Field’s appointment marks an important leadership development as Mind Robotics prepares to scale its operations. His experience managing complex engineering programs may help the startup translate its technology ambitions into practical manufacturing solutions.
The company is part of Scaringe’s broader strategy of supporting businesses beyond Rivian’s core electric vehicle operations. Another venture, Also, focuses on micromobility products, including electric bicycles. Both companies operate independently, with Rivian holding minority ownership stakes.
For the wider technology industry, Mind Robotics represents a growing effort to move AI beyond digital applications and into physical production environments.
Its long-term success will depend on how effectively it combines intelligent software, robotics engineering, and real-world manufacturing experience to solve practical industrial challenges.
The takeaway: Mind Robotics’ appointment of Doug Field highlights the growing importance of experienced engineering leadership as AI-powered robotics moves closer to large-scale industrial adoption.
