Mind Robotics taps ex‑Ford EV leader Doug Field to steer autonomous‑vehicle efforts

Mind Robotics, the autonomous‑driving venture spun out of electric‑vehicle maker Rivian, announced on Monday that it has hired Doug Field, the former head of Ford's electric‑vehicle program, to lead its technology development.

Field brings a résumé that spans three of the automotive industry's most high‑profile electrification projects. After a stint at Ford, where he oversaw the company's push into battery‑powered models, he moved to work on Apple's long‑rumored car initiative, contributing to the secretive effort to integrate advanced software with vehicle hardware. He later joined Tesla, where he played a central role in bringing the Model 3 to market, supervising key aspects of its engineering and production ramp‑up.

Mind Robotics, which was created to develop self‑driving systems for Rivian's upcoming delivery vans and future consumer models, said Field's expertise in both electric powertrains and complex software integration will accelerate the startup's roadmap. The company aims to deliver Level 4 autonomous capabilities for its fleet within the next few years, positioning itself against rivals such as Waymo and Aurora.

Industry observers note that Field's track record of scaling high‑volume EV production could prove crucial as Mind Robotics moves from prototype testing to larger‑scale deployments. His experience navigating the regulatory and safety challenges that accompany autonomous‑vehicle rollouts is also expected to help the startup negotiate the intricate approval processes in the United States and abroad.

Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, praised the appointment, stating that Field's blend of automotive engineering and software acumen aligns with Mind Robotics' mission to create safe, reliable driverless technology that complements Rivian's broader sustainability goals. The move underscores Rivian's strategy of building specialized units to tackle distinct aspects of the EV ecosystem, from battery manufacturing to autonomous software.

The hiring comes at a time when the autonomous‑vehicle sector is experiencing a resurgence of investment after a period of slowdown. Companies are racing to prove that their systems can operate safely in real‑world conditions, and partnerships with seasoned engineers are seen as a way to de‑risk development. Field's addition may also signal Mind Robotics' intention to attract further talent and capital as it scales.

While Mind Robotics has not disclosed specific timelines for product launches, the company indicated that it will begin extensive road testing of its autonomous platform later this year, with an eye toward commercial deployment in Rivian's delivery network by 2026. Field will oversee these efforts, coordinating closely with Rivian's vehicle engineering teams to ensure seamless integration between hardware and software.

Analysts will be watching how quickly Mind Robotics can translate Field's experience into tangible progress, as investors seek evidence that the venture can compete in a crowded market. Success could reinforce Rivian's position as a vertically integrated EV player capable of delivering both electric and autonomous solutions under one umbrella.