Skip to content
TechCrunch·

🤖Ex-Tesla Exec Joins Mind Robotics to Build $1B Industrial Robots

A top exec's move could shake up industrial robotics

TL;DR

Mind Robotics, backed by $1 billion, aims to automate industrial tasks with AI-driven robots. Ex-Tesla exec joins as CEO, bringing expertise from Ford and Apple EV projects.

Mind Robotics, a startup with over $1 billion in funding, has hired an executive with a storied career in automotive tech to lead its industrial robotics efforts. This move could significantly impact how factories operate. The executive, who previously worked on EVs at Ford and Tesla, is now CEO of Mind Robotics, which is building robots designed to automate manufacturing tasks at scale. Rivian, the electric vehicle maker, is not only a customer but also a minority investor, owning about a third of the company as of June 30, 2026. This partnership provides Mind Robotics with a live, high-volume manufacturing environment for model training and deployment.

Ex-Tesla Exec Joins Mind Robotics to Build $1B Industrial Robots — TechCrunch

Key Points

1

Mind Robotics has raised over $1 billion from various investors, positioning itself as a leader in industrial robotics.

2

The executive's background includes roles at Ford, Tesla, and Apple, shaping EV and autonomous vehicle strategies.

3

Rivian is Mind Robotics' first customer and holds a minority stake, about a third, in the company as of June 30, 2026.

4

Mind Robotics' robots will run on foundation models, automating industrial and manufacturing tasks at scale.

5

Another startup, Also, is also backed by Mind Robotics, focusing on micromobility with high-end e-bikes.

Why It Matters

Mind Robotics' industrial robots, backed by $1 billion and led by an ex-Tesla exec, could revolutionize factory automation. Rivian's minority stake and live manufacturing environment provide a unique advantage. Factories running high-volume production lines will see the most immediate benefits, with potential for significant efficiency gains.

industrial-robotsfactory-automationai-in-manufacturingtesla-executiverivian

Comments

Subscribe to join the conversation...

Be the first to comment

Enjoyed this article?

Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.

Join 3,568 builders reading daily.

Also get