Mind Robotics has secured $500 million in Series A financing to advance the development and deployment of artificial intelligence-powered robotic systems designed for industrial-scale operations. The funding round was co-led by Accel and Andreessen Horowitz, marking one of the largest early-stage investments in industrial robotics focused on AI-driven automation.
The financing, expected to close later this month, follows a $115 million seed round led by Eclipse Capital in late 2025. As part of the new investment, Sameer Gandhi will join the company’s board of directors.
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Mind Robotics was founded in 2025 by RJ Scaringe with the aim of addressing limitations in traditional industrial automation. While existing robotics systems are highly effective at repetitive and precisely defined manufacturing tasks, a significant portion of factory work still requires human-like dexterity, adaptability, and physical reasoning—capabilities that conventional robots often struggle to replicate.
Mind Robotics is developing a full-stack platform combining AI foundation models, specialized robotic hardware, and deployment infrastructure to enable machines capable of handling complex and variable tasks in industrial environments. The company’s approach focuses on bridging the gap between classical industrial robotics and emerging AI-driven physical systems capable of reasoning and adapting to real-world manufacturing conditions.
A key component of the company’s development strategy is its close collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, which serves as both a partner and major shareholder. The relationship provides Mind Robotics with access to real-world manufacturing environments and extensive production data used to train and refine its AI models.
According to Scaringe, the next major frontier for artificial intelligence lies in its application to the physical world, particularly in industrial settings. He noted that advanced robotics could play a critical role in improving manufacturing productivity while addressing persistent labor shortages across global industrial sectors.
By developing robots capable of performing complex tasks directly within operating factories, the company aims to demonstrate that AI-driven automation can move beyond controlled laboratory settings and deliver practical, large-scale industrial applications.
Investors in the round highlighted the leadership experience behind the company as a key factor in their decision. Gandhi said the founding team brings extensive expertise in building complex manufacturing systems, referencing Scaringe’s role in establishing Rivian’s vertically integrated electric vehicle production operations.
Similarly, Sarah Wang emphasized Scaringe’s background in building integrated hardware and software platforms. At Rivian, he oversaw the development of vehicle architecture, battery systems, embedded software, and supply chain operations, integrating multiple technological layers into a unified manufacturing ecosystem.
Such experience, Wang noted, is particularly relevant for robotics development, where success depends on coordinating AI models, mechanical systems, and large-scale production infrastructure.
With fresh funding and strategic industry partnerships, Mind Robotics aims to accelerate the deployment of AI-enabled robots capable of performing dexterous and reasoning-intensive tasks across manufacturing and industrial facilities.
The company’s long-term objective is to establish a scalable robotics platform that can automate a broader range of industrial processes, helping factories increase productivity while adapting to the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.
