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Rivian CEO Takes on Elon Musk in Humanoid Robot Race

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has launched Mind Robotics, a humanoid robot startup that raised over $1 billion in less than six months. The company aims to deploy robots on factory floors, directly competing with Tesla's Optimus project.

June 19, 2026
2 min read
Source: Benzinga
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Key Numbers

total raised
1B
seed round
115M
series a
500M
follow on
400M

Rivian Automotive Inc. CEO RJ Scaringe has unveiled plans to enter the humanoid robotics space with a new venture called Mind Robotics. The company was spun out from the EV maker in late 2025, growing from an internal initiative known as "Project Synapse."

Project Details

Mind Robotics raised over $1 billion in less than six months across three funding rounds:

  • A $115 million seed round led by Eclipse.
  • A $500 million Series A co-led by Accel and Andreessen Horowitz.
  • A $400 million follow-on round led by Kleiner Perkins.

Context

This move puts Rivian in direct competition with Tesla Inc. and its Optimus humanoid robot, led by Elon Musk. Mind Robotics aims to develop robots capable of working on factory floors, potentially transforming manufacturing operations.

What It Means for Investors

This strategic expansion takes Rivian beyond electric vehicles into the fast-growing robotics sector. However, competing with Tesla, which has deep expertise in automation and AI, presents a significant challenge. Mind Robotics' success will depend on its ability to commercialize the technology and achieve operational advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mind Robotics is a humanoid robot startup spun out from Rivian in late 2025, aiming to develop robots for factory floors.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.