Rivian reportedly spins off robotics unit, taps Doug Field as president

Reports suggest Rivian may have separated its robotics efforts into a new entity, Mind Robotics, with Doug Field named as president.

The development, if accurate, could reflect a growing emphasis on robotics as a standalone focus area. Field’s background in electric vehicles and autonomous systems might lend credibility to the effort, though details about the company’s roadmap or financial backing remain unconfirmed.

The timing aligns with broader industry shifts, as competitors like Maven Robotics advance their own robotics platforms. Maven, which recently raised $100 million and began a UK factory pilot, has drawn attention for its humanoid robot deployments, as StartupReader covered last month. Whether Rivian’s reported move signals a similar trajectory remains unclear, with no official word on Mind Robotics’ intended applications.

Field’s appointment, if finalized, would add another layer to Rivian’s evolving strategy. His experience in scaling EV and autonomy projects could hint at ambitions beyond Rivian’s core business, though the company has not clarified the relationship between the two entities.

Sources: kucoin.com