Rivian's Bold Move: Diving Headfirst into Industrial AI and Robotics
Rivian is making waves again! The electric vehicle manufacturer has launched its second spin-off company this year, a venture called Mind Robotics, focusing on industrial AI and robotics. This news, announced on November 4, 2025, signals Rivian's ambitious expansion beyond just electric vehicles.
Mind Robotics aims to revolutionize how businesses operate in the physical world by leveraging industrial AI. The company plans to use Rivian's operational data as the foundation for a "robotics data flywheel."
But here's where it gets interesting: Rivian has already secured roughly $110 million in seed capital for Mind Robotics. However, details about the new company are still scarce. Rivian's strategic move hints at a broader vision, extending its reach into cutting-edge technologies.
This isn't Rivian's first foray into creating separate entities. Earlier in March, they spun off their micromobility division into a startup called Also Inc. Also Inc. received funding from Eclipse and Greenoaks Capital. This history suggests Rivian's willingness to explore new markets and opportunities beyond its core business.
A trademark application for Mind Robotics was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, listing Jiten Behl of Eclipse as a signatory and Eclipse's Palo Alto headquarters as the corporate address. The application is broad, covering everything from machinery and vehicles to "incubators for eggs."
And this is the part most people miss...
It's unclear whether Rivian employees will transition to Mind Robotics, as they did with Also. A Rivian spokesperson remained tight-lipped on the matter, but the company's statement hints at the possibility. Rivian highlighted its "strong bench of technology talent" and "innovation-driven culture." This could suggest that Rivian is fostering an environment where new ideas and ventures can flourish.
Controversy Alert:
Robotics and industrial AI are currently hot investment areas. Many companies are entering this space, including Tesla and General Motors.
What do you think about Rivian's move? Is this a smart diversification strategy, or are they spreading themselves too thin? Share your thoughts in the comments!
About the Author:
Sean O’Kane is a seasoned reporter with a decade of experience covering the transportation industry's business and technology, including Tesla and other startups. You can reach him at sean.okane@techcrunch.com.
