Rivian’s startup Mind Robotics hires former Ford EV chief Doug Field

The executive responsible for the Tesla Model 3's production hell now leads an industrial robotics effort that uses Rivian's factories for testing.

Rivian's industrial AI and robotics venture, Mind Robotics, has hired former Ford EV chief Doug Field as its president. Field, who previously led EV efforts at Ford and was instrumental in developing the Tesla Model 3, brings extensive experience in electric vehicles and automotive technology to the startup. Mind Robotics, founded last year by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, aims to automate industrial and manufacturing tasks at scale using purpose-built robots powered by foundation models. The company has already secured over $1 billion in funding from prominent venture capital firms. Rivian will serve as Mind Robotics' first customer, providing a live, high-volume manufacturing environment for robot training and deployment. Field's appointment signals a significant step towards scaling Mind Robotics' operations and developing its full-stack solution for industrial manufacturing.

Doug Field's move to Mind Robotics signifies a concentrated effort to bring experienced automotive leadership into the advanced robotics and AI manufacturing space. This hiring underscores the growing trend of automotive expertise being leveraged beyond traditional vehicle production, focusing instead on the foundational technologies that power modern manufacturing itself. Mind Robotics' strategy of using Rivian's high-volume factory as a real-world testing ground for its AI-driven robots suggests a pragmatic approach to product development, aiming for rapid iteration and demonstrable scalability.

The substantial backing Mind Robotics has received, exceeding $1 billion, indicates strong investor confidence in this convergence of AI, robotics, and industrial automation. Field's prior experience at Tesla and Apple, coupled with his leadership at Ford's EV division, positions him to tackle complex engineering challenges. The startup's focus on a 'full stack' for industrial manufacturing, rather than humanoid robots, suggests a deliberate choice to address immediate industrial needs with practical, AI-enhanced automation solutions, potentially differentiating it from competitors pursuing more speculative humanoid applications.