Imagine a world where electric trucks aren't just vehicles—they're the backbone of a revolution in artificial intelligence and robotics. That's the bold promise Rivian is chasing with its latest venture, and it's already sparking debates in the tech world. But here's where it gets intriguing: is this a genius move to dominate multiple industries, or a risky gamble that could stretch the company too thin? Stick around, because we're diving deep into Rivian's newest spinoff, Mind Robotics, and exploring what it means for the future of business and tech.
It's November 4, 2025, and Rivian has just announced the birth of its second spinoff company this year. Dubbed Mind Robotics, this new entity is all about harnessing industrial artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to transform how businesses in the physical world—think manufacturing, logistics, and even everyday operations—function. To break it down for beginners, industrial AI refers to smart computer systems designed for heavy-duty tasks like predicting equipment failures or optimizing production lines, much like how a smartphone learns your habits but on a massive, factory-scale level. Rivian plans to build on its own operational data as the starting point for a 'robotics data flywheel,' a term that might sound like jargon but simply means a self-reinforcing cycle where data from robots improves AI, which in turn makes robots smarter, creating endless innovation.
According to Rivian's third-quarter shareholder letter released on Tuesday, this is how they're positioning it: using AI-powered robotics to support a broad array of industrial uses. For instance, imagine robots in a warehouse that not only lift boxes but also analyze data to predict when shelves need restocking, reducing waste and boosting efficiency. Or picture autonomous machines in agriculture that adapt to weather patterns in real-time, thanks to AI learning from past seasons. Rivian has already raised approximately $110 million in external seed funding to kick things off, but details beyond that remain scarce. The company didn't provide more specifics right away, leaving us all eager for updates. (And yes, that 'data flywheel' concept can be a bit overwhelming at first— we've reached out to Rivian for clearer explanations and will update this piece if they clarify.)
This launch isn't Rivian's first rodeo with spinoffs. Back in March, they separated their secretive micromobility division—think electric bikes and scooters for urban commuting—into a standalone startup called Also Inc. That venture secured funding from Eclipse and Greenoaks Capital, with a follow-up round of $200 million in July to expand into e-bikes and beyond. Now, with Mind Robotics, Rivian is doubling down on branching out while keeping its core EV mission sharp.
A trademark filing for Mind Robotics hit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Monday, listing Eclipse partner Jiten Behl as a key signatory and Eclipse's Palo Alto office as the company's address. Behl hasn't commented yet on our inquiries, so we're still piecing together the full picture. It's unknown if Rivian team members are transitioning to Mind Robotics, as was the case with Also, though a company spokesperson wouldn't confirm. However, Rivian's letter hints at the potential, noting that their 'strong bench of technology talent and innovation-driven culture' allows them to spot and pursue new opportunities without losing focus on the main brand. RJ Scaringe, Rivian's CEO, emphasized this in the letter.
And this is the part most people miss—robotics and industrial AI aren't just buzzwords; they're explosive growth areas right now. We're seeing a wave of humanoid robot companies raising funds and pushing products to market, with Tesla leading the charge in its own robotic endeavors. Even General Motors is building out its robotics and AI division, aiming to integrate conversational AI and autonomous driving tech into a unified platform. Amid this buzz, Rivian's Mind Robotics announcement stands out, but with so little public info—barely a digital footprint beyond the trademark—the real question is, what will they actually build? The trademark is refreshingly broad, covering everything from machinery and vehicles to even 'incubators for eggs,' which could hint at anything from automated farming tools to unexpected innovations.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Rivian smartly diversifying to capture the robotics boom, or is this just another way for a company struggling with EV production scaling to chase shiny new trends and dilute its resources? Critics might argue that spinning off divisions could distract from core challenges like market competition and profitability, while supporters see it as a savvy way to innovate across sectors. Think about it—some might view Rivian as a pioneer blurring lines between cars and AI, while others could worry it's spreading itself too thin, like a startup trying to be everything at once.
TechCrunch is proud to host events like our upcoming San Francisco gathering from October 13-15, 2026, where we'll explore these very themes in robotics and beyond. If you're passionate about the intersection of tech and transportation, mark your calendar!
As for Mind Robotics, the jury's still out on what it'll achieve, but one thing's clear: Rivian is betting big on AI and robotics to reshape industries. It's a move that could redefine business operations—or flop spectacularly. What do you think? Is Rivian's strategy of creating spinoffs a brilliant expansion into the future, or a risky overreach that could backfire? Do you see industrial AI as the next big thing, or just overhyped? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take and spark a lively debate!
Topics
Sean O’Kane has been reporting on the fast-changing landscape of transportation business and technology for over a decade, with a focus on giants like Tesla and the swarm of startups emulating Elon Musk's vision. His recent stint at Bloomberg News included breaking news on some of the EV industry's most infamous SPAC debacles. Before that, at The Verge, he covered consumer tech, produced videos, shot editorial photos, and even had a thrilling (and almost fainting-inducing) experience in a Red Bull Air Race plane.
Reach out or verify messages from Sean at sean.okane@techcrunch.com or via Signal at okane.01.
View Bio
