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

On Monday, Mind Robotics—the self‑driving offshoot created by electric‑vehicle manufacturer Rivian—revealed that it has brought on Doug Field, who previously headed Ford’s electric‑vehicle division, to oversee its technology development.

Field’s background covers three marquee electrification programs in the auto world. Following his tenure at Ford, where he directed the brand’s shift toward battery‑electric vehicles, he joined Apple’s much‑speculated car project, helping meld sophisticated software with automotive hardware. Subsequently, he moved to Tesla, where he was instrumental in launching the Model 3, overseeing critical engineering and the scale‑up of production.

Formed 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 up its development timeline. The firm targets Level 4 autonomy for its fleet in the coming years, positioning itself alongside competitors like Waymo and Aurora.

Analysts point out that Field’s history of scaling high‑volume EV manufacturing may be vital as Mind Robotics transitions from prototype trials to broader rollouts. His familiarity with the regulatory and safety hurdles tied to autonomous‑vehicle launches should also aid the startup in navigating complex approval procedures both in the U.S. and overseas.

Rivian chief executive RJ Scaringe lauded the hire, noting that Field’s combination of automotive engineering and software expertise fits Mind Robotics’ aim to develop safe, dependable driverless systems that support Rivian’s wider sustainability objectives. The decision highlights Rivian’s approach of creating focused subsidiaries to address separate pieces of the EV value chain, ranging from battery production to autonomous software.

The recruitment arrives as the autonomous‑vehicle industry sees a renewal of funding following a lull. Firms are scrambling to demonstrate that their technologies can function safely on public roads, and aligning with veteran engineers is viewed as a means to mitigate risk. Adding Field may also indicate Mind Robotics’ plan to draw more talent and investment as it grows.

Although Mind Robotics has not released exact launch dates, it has signaled that extensive road testing of its autonomous platform will commence 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 rapidly Mind Robotics can turn Field’s expertise into concrete advances, as investors look for proof that the venture can hold its own in a crowded field. A positive outcome could cement Rivian’s status as a fully integrated EV manufacturer able to offer both electric and autonomous capabilities under a single roof.