Rivian Founder Launches MIND Robotics to Develop Humanoid Robots

Rivian Automotive founder RJ Scaringe has launched MIND Robotics to develop humanoid robots for manufacturing settings. The company aims to address integration challenges that arise when placing robots on factory floors. Scaringe serves as chairman of MIND Robotics. Rivian is listed as a significant partner and launch customer for the new firm.

Traditional factory robots operate in fixed spaces and perform limited tasks. Humanoid robots are designed to move more freely and handle varied jobs through AI training. Scaringe said Rivian identified gaps in how AI data systems and physical plant layouts support humanoid robots. These observations led to the creation of a separate company to study those issues.

Robotics raised $115 million in a seed round shortly after its founding in late 2025. It later secured $500 million led by Excel and Andreessen Horowitz, followed by $400 million last week, bringing total funding above $1 billion. U.S. manufacturing.

Cohen, founding partner at Drive TLV, said humanoids require systems that build trust between robots and human workers. He noted the need for closed loops between AI performance and defined production goals. Darragh De Stonndun, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics, said companies must redesign factory systems rather than expect robots to match human tasks exactly.

His firm works with Rivian on manufacturing engineering projects. Scaringe compared robot development to autonomous vehicle systems, noting both require safety constraints to prevent errors that could affect production or worker safety.