Rivian Rolls Out New AI Assistant to R1 Vehicles

Rivian Automotive Inc. on Tuesday launched its new voice-activated AI assistant in the latest software update to its electric vehicles.  

“Unlike basic voice command tools found in phone-mirroring systems, Rivian Assistant is built directly into your vehicle’s hardware and software, providing the unique power to talk to every aspect of the vehicle and get things done for you,” the company said in a blog post.  

The Rivian Assistant is available to R1 truck and SUV owners using the company’s Connect+ subscription, which includes an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot, streaming apps and enhanced navigation. 

Rivian first announced the voice assistant on its Autonomy & AI Day in December. The new software, activated by saying “Hey Rivian,” can adjust the vehicle’s utility settings, send texts, help with navigation, answer general questions and provide information from the vehicle’s manual.  

The AI assistant can also connect with third-party apps such as Google Calendar.  

Shares of Rivian were down 1.3% to $13.90 apiece, with an $18.6 billion market cap, during midday trading (Nasdaq: RIVN).