Rivian’s Hands-Free Driving Update Signals Major Push Into Autonomy

Rivian will launch a major self-driving software update later this month. The “Universal Hands-Free” feature will work on millions of miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. This move signals a major shift in the electric vehicle maker’s autonomy strategy.

The company made the announcement at its recent “Autonomy & AI Day” in Palo Alto. It marks a pivotal step as Rivian transitions from a rules-based driver-assist system to a more advanced AI-powered model, aiming to compete directly with industry leaders.

From AI Pivot to Public Roads

Rivian quietly began this transition back in 2021. According to CEO RJ Scaringe, the company completely restarted its self-driving program. They shifted to an end-to-end AI model inspired by advancements in transformer-based artificial intelligence.

This new “Large Driving Model” was launched last year on its second-generation R1 vehicles. After extensive testing and data collection, Rivian says the system is now ready for a wider release. The upcoming update allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on roads with clear lane markings.

The company’s approach mirrors the development path of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software. However, Rivian’s near-term plan stops at hands-free operation, requiring the driver to remain alert and ready to take control.

The R2 Rollout and the Eyes-Off Future

A more complex challenge involves Rivian’s upcoming, more affordable R2 SUV. The vehicle is crucial for the company’s growth and will go on sale before its most advanced self-driving hardware is ready. Early buyers will get the hands-free software but not the next-generation “eyes-off” capability.

That higher level of autonomy requires a new custom computer and a lidar sensor, due later. Scaringe acknowledged this timeline misalignment in an interview. He stated the company is being direct with customers so they can decide to buy now or wait for the more capable hardware.

The long-term vision remains ambitious. Scaringe has previously described a future where a Rivian could autonomously meet its owner at the end of a hiking trail. The company believes its AI model, trained on vast amounts of fleet data, will eventually handle complex scenarios like dirt roads.

Rivian’s hands-free driving update is a critical test of its new AI-centric approach. The company’s ability to deliver reliable, scalable autonomy will significantly influence its competitive standing in the crowded EV market.

A quick knowledge drop for you

When is Rivian’s hands-free update releasing?

Rivian plans to roll out its “Universal Hands-Free” software update later this month. It will be available to owners of its second-generation R1 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.

What roads will the hands-free feature work on?

The system is designed to operate on approximately 3.5 million miles of road. It requires visible painted lane lines to function, according to the company’s stated operational domain.

How does Rivian’s system compare to Tesla FSD?

Both companies use an end-to-end AI approach. Rivian’s imminent update is a hands-free but driver-supervised system, similar to Tesla’s FSD Supervised. Full autonomy without supervision is a future goal for both.

Will the new R2 SUV have this feature?

Yes, the R2 will launch with the capability for “point-to-point” hands-free driving. However, its more advanced “eyes-off” hardware package will not be available until several months after the vehicle’s launch.

What hardware does Rivian’s current system use?

The current Large Driving Model runs on Nvidia’s Orin processors in new R1 vehicles. Rivian has announced a custom, more powerful autonomy computer that will debut in the R2 for its next-level features.t.