Mind Robotics hires former Ford EV chief Doug Field to lead its autonomous vehicle program

On Monday, Mind Robotics — Rivian’s spin‑off focused on self‑driving technology — said it has brought on Doug Field, who previously ran Ford’s electric‑vehicle division, to head its tech development.

Field’s career covers three marquee EV programs. He first led Ford’s transition to battery‑driven cars, then joined Apple’s much‑speculated automobile project, helping meld sophisticated software with vehicle hardware. Later, at Tesla, he was instrumental in launching the Model 3, overseeing critical engineering and the scale‑up of its production.

Established to build autonomous technology for Rivian’s forthcoming delivery vans and later consumer vehicles, Mind Robotics said Field’s know‑how in electric powertrains and intricate software integration will speed its timeline. The firm targets Level 4 self‑driving functionality for its fleet in the coming years, putting it in competition with Waymo and Aurora.

Analysts point out that Field’s history of ramping up high‑volume EV production may be vital as Mind Robotics shifts from prototype trials to broader roll‑outs. His familiarity with the regulatory and safety hurdles tied to autonomous‑vehicle launches should aid the startup in handling complex approval procedures both domestically and internationally.

RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s chief executive, lauded the hire, saying Field’s mix of automotive engineering and software expertise matches Mind Robotics’ aim to deliver safe, dependable driverless tech that fits Rivian’s wider sustainability objectives. The decision highlights Rivian’s approach of creating focused subsidiaries to address separate parts of the EV value chain, from batteries to autonomous software.

The appointment arrives as the autonomous‑vehicle industry sees renewed funding following a lull. Firms are hurriedly trying to demonstrate that their systems can function safely on public roads, and teaming up with veteran engineers is viewed as a method to lower risk. Field’s arrival could also indicate Mind Robotics’ plan to draw additional talent and investment as it grows.

Although Mind Robotics has not revealed exact launch dates, it said extensive road trials of its autonomous platform will start later this year, aiming for commercial rollout within Rivian’s delivery fleet by 2026. Field will direct these activities, working hand‑in‑hand with Rivian’s vehicle engineering groups to guarantee smooth hardware‑software integration.

Observers will monitor how swiftly Mind Robotics can turn Field’s background into concrete advances, with investors looking for proof the venture can hold its own in a saturated market. A win would bolster Rivian’s standing as a fully integrated EV manufacturer able to offer both electric and autonomous technologies from a single platform.