Rivian goes all out with 'universal hands-free' operation featured at its inaugural Autonomy and AI showcase

Enhanced capability with LiDAR for the new R2 model plus an innovative self-driving subscription plan.

The electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian recently convened its first Autonomy and AI event with a special emphasis on hands-free driving technology. The forthcoming software enhancement promises to unveil what is being touted as "universal hands-free" operation. According to Rivian, its vehicles will soon be capable of autonomous navigation across more than 3.5 million miles of roadways in North America, effectively spanning most of the marked roads in the United States.

This new feature set is slated for the R2 electric vehicles, as well as the second-generation R1 models like the newly launched Rivian R1S. Access to this advanced autonomy suite, known as Autonomy+, will be provided via a subscription package. This bundle not only includes self-driving capabilities but also grants access to new and yet-to-be-disclosed autonomous features. Rivian's customers have the option to purchase lifetime access for $2,500 or opt for a subscription at $50 a month.

To aid the implementation of these autonomous upgrades, the R2 models are set to be equipped with LiDAR sensors. Alongside this, a new piece of hardware, the Rivian Autonomy Processor, will be introduced. This processor is engineered for versatile application purposes and powers Rivian's specialized neural network engine. These technological advancements are slated for integration into the R2 models by late 2026.

AI Integration and Future Vehicle Models

While the day's discussions centered around hands-free technology, Rivian's vehicles will also soon benefit from the AI-driven Rivian Assistant. Harnessing the power of large language models, this assistant can connect to applications such as Google Calendar. Its model-agnostic framework allows it to coordinate various models and select the most effective tool for the required task.

Looking beyond the R2, Rivian is also preparing to release the R3 and R3X models. Additionally, a branch of Rivian has rolled out a high-cost but customizable electric bike known as the TM-B.