Rivian’s Homegrown AI Assistant to Launch in 2026, Rolling Out to All Existing EVs

Rivian will launch its own proprietary AI assistant in early 2026. The system is the result of a two-year development effort. It will be available to all existing Rivian vehicle owners.

This move underscores the electric vehicle maker’s push for vertical integration. According to TechCrunch, the AI will control core vehicle functions and integrate with third-party apps. Google Calendar will be the first external service supported.

Beyond Voice Commands: A New Software Architecture

The assistant is built on a new platform called Rivian Unified Intelligence (RUI). RUI is a hybrid, model-agnostic software stack. It acts as an orchestration layer for various AI models.

For certain tasks, it will use frontier large language models like Google’s Gemini. The system is designed to handle climate controls and infotainment tasks naturally. It will also connect vehicle systems to third-party apps through an agentic framework.

Vertical Integration as a Core Strategy

This software initiative is part of a broader company strategy. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has long emphasized vertical integration. The company recently overhauled its R1 vehicles with new hardware and a custom 5nm processor.

Developing its own AI assistant continues this trend. The software team, led by Wassym Bensaid, built the platform to be future-proof. RUI will also be used for advanced vehicle diagnostics, aiding technicians.

The launch of Rivian’s bespoke AI assistant marks a significant step in the evolution of the in-car experience, moving beyond simple commands to a truly integrated digital ecosystem.

Info at your fingertips

What can Rivian’s AI assistant do?

It will control vehicle functions like climate settings. The assistant will also integrate with third-party apps, starting with Google Calendar, using an agentic framework.

Will older Rivian models get the AI assistant?

Yes. Rivian confirms the AI assistant will roll out to every existing EV in its lineup. This includes current-generation R1T trucks and R1S SUVs.

What technology powers the Rivian AI?

It runs on the Rivian Unified Intelligence (RUI) platform. This system can utilize external large language models, such as Google Vertex AI, for complex reasoning and natural conversation.

Why is Rivian building its own AI?

The company sees it as key to vertical integration. Developing core software in-house allows for deeper, more seamless integration with vehicle hardware and future services.

What other uses does the RUI platform have?

Beyond the driver-facing assistant, RUI will power advanced diagnostic tools for service technicians. It will analyze vehicle telemetry to help pinpoint complex mechanical issues.