Inside Rivian’s Big Bet On AI-Powered Self-Driving
Rivian's bold move into AI-powered self-driving cars takes shape with new demos, highlighting both the potential and challenges of autonomous driving.
Matilda
Inside Rivian’s Big Bet On AI-Powered Self-Driving
Rivian’s Big AI Push: The Future of Autonomous Vehicles Rivian, the electric vehicle startup that made waves with its rugged R1T pickup and R1S SUV, is shifting gears with an ambitious new focus: AI-powered self-driving cars. On December 12, 2025, the company unveiled its latest advancements at the "Autonomy & AI Day," offering a glimpse into the future of self-driving technology. While Rivian’s vision for autonomous driving is clear, the journey ahead is filled with challenges. Despite the excitement surrounding the demo, the reality of AI driving is more complicated than it appears. Credit: Rivian Rivian's Robot Mishap: A Glimpse into the Future's Growing Pains The demonstration began with a moment of unintended humor. A robot, meant to showcase Rivian’s AI capabilities, struggled to navigate the company's Palo Alto cafeteria. With the words "I’m stuck" flashing on its screen, the robot’s malfunction was a stark reminder of the hurdles even the most a…