Rivian’s two-year project to create its own AI assistant is scheduled to launch in early 2026. When it arrives, the assistant will be available to every existing Rivian electric vehicle, not just the next-generation R1T truck and R1S SUV models. Drivers and passengers will be able to command the AI to operate climate controls and manage other functions within the vehicle’s infotainment system.
The assistant will also connect the vehicle’s systems with third-party applications using an agentic framework developed by Rivian’s engineers. The first such integration will be with Google Calendar, the company announced.
This approach allows for the integration of third-party agents, which Rivian believes will redefine how apps function in vehicles. The AI Assistant will be enhanced by Google Vertex AI and Gemini to provide accurate data, natural conversation, and advanced reasoning.
The development of this AI Assistant is part of Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe’s broader strategy to increase the company’s vertical integration. This commitment was highlighted at the company’s AI and Autonomy event in Palo Alto, California. Beyond the assistant, Rivian detailed new custom hardware and software, including a custom 5nm processor developed with Arm and TSMC, designed to expand its hands-free driving assistance system.
This move toward vertical integration has been ongoing. In 2024, Rivian comprehensively updated its R1T and R1S vehicles, revising the battery pack, suspension, electrical architecture, sensors, and software interface. The software team, led by Wassym Bensaid, has continued to build out the software stack, with a dedicated group focusing on the platform-agnostic AI assistant.
To power the assistant, Rivian built what it calls Rivian Unified Intelligence, or RUI. This is a model-agnostic architecture that uses custom large language models and acts as an orchestration layer to ensure various AI models work together seamlessly. The company has also incorporated specialized agentic AI functions from other firms.
Rivian Unified Intelligence is described as the core connective tissue of Rivian’s digital ecosystem, enabling targeted AI solutions across its operations and the entire vehicle lifecycle. Beyond the in-car assistant, RUI will also be deployed to enhance vehicle diagnostics, serving as an expert tool for technicians to analyze vehicle data and identify complex issues.