Rivian will add hands-free driver help to autos this 12 months, ‘eyes-off’ subsequent 12 months

Rivian is planning to launch a hands-free driving assistant system for its electrical R1T and R1S autos later this 12 months, adopted by an “eyes-off” model in 2026, reveals Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe in a press roundtable interview in keeping with a put up on Rivian Boards and reported by Electrek. The primary a part of the system feels like it’ll work equally to Ford’s Blue Cruise or GM’s Tremendous Cruise software program, that are Stage 2 assistants that solely work on highways absolutely mapped by every producer.

It’s unclear if present Gen 1 and Gen 2 Rivian autos will assist the upcoming hand-free assistant software program or if it’ll come to upgraded fashions or the upcoming R2 SUV.

Gen 2 autos already include unique options like matrix headlights and an upgraded gentle bar that may change colours, which Scaringe says might be used as an indicator to let others know a Rivian is working autonomously, in keeping with a Rivian Discussion board consumer. Gen 2 autos additionally include a more moderen Rivian Autonomy Platform, which could imply Gen 1 autos aren’t going to get a number of the upcoming superior ADAS options.

At present, Rivian vehicles have obtainable “Driver Plus” superior driver assistant methods (ADAS) that work equally to Tesla’s commonplace Autopilot software program in that they allow lane retaining and auto velocity up / decelerate on highways. Nonetheless, like different Stage 2 methods, you continue to want to concentrate to the highway.

In an e-mail to The Verge, Rivian’s product communications supervisor, Courtney Richardson, confirms Scaringe’s feedback in regards to the upcoming ADAS upgrades within the interview yesterday. Richardson says there are not any additional particulars so as to add right now. At present, solely Mercedes-Benz ships a Stage 3 autonomous system that works in some states within the US, which permits drivers to look away from the highway.