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Rivian spinoff Mind Robotics hires former Ford EV chief Doug Field
Doug Field, former Ford EV chief, has been appointed president of Mind Robotics, a spinoff from Rivian focused on industrial AI and robotics. This venture, backed by over $1 billion, aims to automate manufacturing. Field's experience includes key roles at Ford, Tesla, and Apple, and Rivian will serve as a testbed for deploying robotics solutions.
Key points
- Doug Field has been hired as president of Mind Robotics, a Rivian spinoff focused on industrial AI and robotics.
- Mind Robotics aims to automate industrial tasks and has secured over $1 billion in funding.
- RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian, still plays a role but Field will lead day-to-day operations.
- The startup uses Rivian as a high-volume manufacturing environment for robot training.
- Field’s hiring is part of scaling Mind Robotics just a year after its founding, highlighting its rapid development.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI and robotics in industrial applications aligns with current trends in automation and manufacturing efficiency.
- Doug Field's previous experience at major EV manufacturers positions him well to influence the direction of industrial automation.
- Rivian’s investment in robotics highlights a trend where automotive companies explore adjacent technologies in a competitive market.
The hiring of Doug Field marks a significant move for Mind Robotics, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation in industrial automation, reflecting wider trends in technology integration within manufacturing.