Archive — US — techcrunch
Rivian goes big on autonomy, with custom silicon, lidar, and a hint at robotaxis
Rivian outlined ambitious plans for vehicle autonomy at its inaugural 'Autonomy & AI Day,' showcasing custom silicon and lidar technology. CEO RJ Scaringe hinted at entering the robotaxi market, with an expanded driver-assistance feature launching in early 2026. The company aims for advanced autonomous levels with its Gen 2 R1 and upcoming R2 SUVs, aiming to rival competitors like Tesla and Waymo.
Key points
- Rivian held its first 'Autonomy & AI Day' to reveal its plans for increased vehicle autonomy.
- CEO RJ Scaringe presented hardware advancements, including lidar and custom-built silicon.
- An enhanced driver-assistance feature, 'Universal Hands-Free,' will launch early 2026, expanding to roads beyond highways.
- The company aims to achieve 'personal L4' autonomy levels and potentially enter the ride-hail market.
- Rivian is developing a custom 5nm processor for its third-generation autonomy computer, ACM3.
- The combination of lidar and ACM3 is expected to lead to superior real-time driving detection and spatial data processing.
Why it matters
- Rivian's advancements reflect the current industry shift towards greater vehicle autonomy, a key trend in 2025 IT.
- The use of custom silicon and lidar in EVs mirrors trends seen in tech advancements by companies like Tesla.
- Rivian's move into the ride-hail market indicates a growing convergence of personal and shared vehicle technologies.
Rivian's commitment to advancing vehicle autonomy positions it competitively within the EV market by 2026, indicating a significant shift towards smarter, more interconnected transportation systems.