Rivian’s New In‑House AI Assistant
Rivian is set to revolutionize the way you interact with your vehicle with the launch of its in‑house AI assistant in early 2026. This new feature will be available across all existing and new models of the R1T and R1S, making your driving experience smoother and more intuitive.
Development History
Rivian has been quietly developing its proprietary AI assistant for the past two years, and the wait is almost over. The assistant is designed to understand natural language, allowing drivers and passengers to control functions such as adjusting the A/C, changing the music, or checking vehicle stats through conversation.
An “Agentic” Framework
Unlike traditional voice‑command systems that rely on keywords, Rivian’s AI assistant uses an “agentic” framework. This means it can perform tasks by connecting to other applications, starting with Google Calendar to help manage your schedule on the go.
Rivian Unified Intelligence (RUI)
The backbone of this technology is Rivian Unified Intelligence (RUI), a platform that integrates various AI tools and allows Rivian to incorporate third‑party technologies while maintaining control over the system. This approach ensures continuous improvement and expansion of the assistant’s capabilities.
Custom 5nm Chip for Future Features
Rivian is also working on a custom 5 nm chip with Arm and TSMC to power future self‑driving features, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and self‑reliance.
Looking Ahead
This move highlights Rivian’s dedication to enhancing the driving experience and keeping its existing vehicles relevant. The AI assistant is just the beginning, with plans to expand its capabilities to include autonomous driving and advanced vehicle diagnostics. For current Rivian owners, this means a significant upgrade—your vehicle will feel more like evolving software than a static machine.
