TNB Tech Minute: Rivian CEO’s Robotics Startup Raises $400 Million - WSJ Tech News Briefing

Summary3 min read

WSJ Tech News Briefing: Tech Minute

Date: May 13, 2026
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal
Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Rivian CEO’s Robotics Startup Raises $400 Million

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise update on the latest in tech, highlighting three major developments: Mindrobotics, a new robotics startup by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, raises $400 million; Meta introduces an incognito chat feature for its AI; and Netflix expands its NFL partnership to offer more live football. The episode reflects the growing intersection of technology, manufacturing, AI privacy, and streaming media’s pursuit of live sports content.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mindrobotics Secures Major Funding

[00:18–00:57]

Founding & Leadership:
Mindrobotics, established late last year by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, is focused on developing industrial robots for vehicle production and beyond.
Funding Milestone:
The company raised $400 million, bringing total funding to over $1 billion and valuing the startup at $3.4 billion.
Partnerships & Deployment:
Mindrobotics is already partnering with Rivian, deploying hundreds of smart robots at Rivian’s factory in Normal, Illinois.
Strategic Ambitions:
The startup aims to expand and become a supplier across broader manufacturing sectors.
Industry Trend:
A source familiar with the deal stated the investment demonstrates a "broader industry trend toward intelligent manufacturing machines."
Memorable Quote:

"It's currently partnering with Rivian to deploy hundreds of smart robots in the carmaker's factory in Normal, Illinois. It aims to eventually become a supplier to broader manufacturing sectors." — Julie Chang [00:30]

2. Meta Adds Incognito Chat for AI

[00:58–01:26]

Incognito Feature:
Meta is rolling out a new incognito chat mode for its AI model. Messages in this mode are temporary and processed in a secure environment that Meta cannot access.
Platform Expansion:
Incognito chat will launch on WhatsApp and the Meta AI app in the coming months.
Privacy Considerations:
The move addresses growing concerns about AI chatbots and user privacy—particularly around the visibility of user data to platform developers.
Memorable Quote:

"One of the main concerns around the rise of AI chatbots has been privacy, or how much an AI bot's knowledge about its user is visible to its corporate developer." — Julie Chang [01:18]

3. Netflix Brings More Live NFL Games

[01:27–01:57]

Expanded NFL Deal:
Netflix secured a four-year agreement with the NFL, granting rights to new international, Thanksgiving Eve, and end-of-season games, in addition to its existing Christmas Day game.
Live Sports Expansion:
This marks a significant expansion from previous years, when Netflix only aired games on Christmas.
Strategic Motivation:
Netflix aims to strengthen its live sports offering to attract advertisers and retain subscribers.
Memorable Quote:

"The streaming giant has been eager to add more live sports to its platform as a way to attract major advertisers and keep subscribers on board." — Julie Chang [01:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | 00:30 | "It's currently partnering with Rivian to deploy hundreds of smart robots in the carmaker's factory in Normal, Illinois. It aims to eventually become a supplier to broader manufacturing sectors." | Julie Chang | | 01:18 | "One of the main concerns around the rise of AI chatbots has been privacy, or how much an AI bot's knowledge about its user is visible to its corporate developer." | Julie Chang | | 01:49 | "The streaming giant has been eager to add more live sports to its platform as a way to attract major advertisers and keep subscribers on board." | Julie Chang |

Timestamps for Important Segments

Mindrobotics Funding & Vision – 00:18–00:57
Meta AI Incognito Chat Feature – 00:58–01:26
Netflix’s New NFL Agreement – 01:27–01:57

This episode spotlights pivotal developments at the crossroads of robotics, artificial intelligence, and streaming entertainment, illustrating key trends shaping the tech industry in 2026.

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Transcript3 lines

[00:01]
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Marketers used to have to choose build a brand or drive sales on YouTube. You do both. Trusted creators and powerful AI deliver results at scale, driving higher ROI than TV, social or streaming. Learn more at G Co Business YouTube.
[00:18]
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Here's your afternoon TNB Tech Minute for Wednesday, May 13th. I'm Julie Chang for the Wall Street Journal. Mindrobotics, a startup founded late last year by Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, raised $400 million from today. That brings its total funding to over $1 billion. The startup is developing industrial robots for vehicle production and more. It's currently partnering with Rivian to deploy hundreds of smart robots in the carmaker's factory in Normal, Illinois. It aims to eventually become a supplier to broader manufacturing sectors. The investment marks a broader industry trend toward intelligent manufacturing machines, a person familiar with the deal structure says. The latest round of funding values mine Robotics at $3.4 billion. Meta has introduced a new incognito chat option for its AI model. The company says messages exchanged in this mode are temporary and are processed in a secure environment that Meta cannot access. Meta says this incognito mode is coming to WhatsApp and the Meta AI app over the coming months. One of the main concerns around the rise of AI chatbots has been privacy, or how much an AI bot's knowledge about its user is visible to its corporate developer. And Netflix has secured a deal with the National Football League. The new four year agreement will give the streamer rights to carry an opening week international game, a new Thanksgiving Eve game, and a game at the end of the season. They also extended their current deal for at least one Christmas Day game. Previously, Netflix carried games only on Christmas. The streaming giant has been eager to add more live sports to its platform as a way to attract major advertisers and keep subscribers on board. And that's your TMB tech minutes. Check back in the morning for another quick tech update.
[02:06]
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Marketers used to have to choose build a brand or Drive sales on YouTube. You do both. Trusted creators and powerful AI deliver results at scale, driving higher ROI than TV, social or streaming. Learn more at G Co Business YouTube.