TL;DR
Mind Robotics, a spinoff from Rivian, has raised $400 million in a new funding round led by Kleiner Perkins. This brings its total funding to over $1 billion, supporting its goal to develop human-like industrial robots. The funding highlights growing investor interest in automation technology.
Rivian’s spinoff company Mind Robotics has secured another $400 million in funding, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to develop advanced industrial robotics.
The new funding round was led by venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, with contributions from the venture arms of Volkswagen and Salesforce, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This investment follows a previous $500 million raise in March 2026, bringing the total funding to over $1 billion and valuing the company at more than $3 billion. Mind Robotics was founded by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe in 2025, who stated that the company aims to build robotics with human-like skills to automate factory operations more effectively. The company was initially known as ‘Project Synapse’ and had previously raised $115 million from Eclipse. The latest round underscores continued investor confidence in the company’s vision for industrial automation.
Why It Matters
This funding is significant because it demonstrates strong investor confidence in the potential of advanced robotics to transform manufacturing and industrial processes. As automation becomes increasingly critical for competitiveness, companies like Mind Robotics could play a key role in reshaping factory operations worldwide. The sizable investment also signals a broader industry trend toward integrating human-like robotics into industrial settings, which could impact labor markets and supply chain efficiencies.
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Background
Rivian, primarily known for electric trucks and SUVs, spun out Mind Robotics in 2025 to focus on developing sophisticated industrial robots. The company’s goal is to create robots capable of performing complex tasks with human-like dexterity, addressing a gap in current automation technology. The recent funding boost follows a pattern of rapid growth and heightened interest in robotics startups, with Mind Robotics positioning itself as a leader in this emerging field. The company’s founder, RJ Scaringe, previously established a micromobility company called Also, which has raised over $300 million.
“We are committed to building robotics with human-like skills to revolutionize industrial automation.”
— RJ Scaringe, CEO of Rivian and founder of Mind Robotics
“We believe Mind Robotics has the potential to significantly impact manufacturing and automation industries.”
— A Kleiner Perkins spokesperson
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how quickly Mind Robotics will bring its robotics to market or what specific industrial applications it will prioritize. Details about the company’s product development timeline and commercial deployment are still emerging, and the full impact of the new funding on its operational plans has not yet been disclosed.
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What’s Next
Next steps include continued product development, testing, and potential pilot programs with industrial partners. The company may also seek additional funding or strategic partnerships as it moves toward commercialization. Monitoring updates from Mind Robotics and its investors will clarify its progress in the coming months.
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Key Questions
What exactly does Mind Robotics develop?
Mind Robotics focuses on creating industrial robots with human-like skills to automate factory operations more effectively.
Who are the main investors in this funding round?
The round was led by Kleiner Perkins, with contributions from the venture arms of Volkswagen and Salesforce.
How much total funding has Mind Robotics raised?
More than $1 billion, including previous investments and the latest $400 million round.
What is the valuation of Mind Robotics?
The company is valued at more than $3 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal.
When will Mind Robotics’ products be available commercially?
Details about product launch timelines have not been publicly disclosed yet.
