Rivian Launches Universal Hands-Free Driving Feature
▼ Summary
– Rivian has released a “Universal Hands-Free” software update for its new R1 EVs, expanding hands-off driving to over 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada.
– The system requires driver supervision and will not stop for traffic lights, make turns, or follow navigation, only re-engaging after a manual turn signal.
– This update significantly increases the capability from the previous system, which was limited to 135,000 miles of highways.
– The launch carries risk, as similar systems from rivals like Tesla and Ford have been linked to crashes, investigations, and lawsuits due to driver inattention.
– Rivian plans to achieve full autonomy in the future, with a new computer and lidar for its 2026 R2 SUV, and the update also includes new digital key and vehicle performance features.
Rivian has introduced a significant software enhancement for its latest electric vehicles, expanding automated driving capabilities. The new Universal Hands-Free feature is now available to owners of the second-generation R1 models, following its preview at the company’s recent Autonomy & AI Day. This system permits drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel on an extensive network of roads. It is designed to operate on over 3.5 million miles of highways and surface streets across the United States and Canada, provided clear lane markings are present.
It is crucial for drivers to understand the system’s current limitations. The technology requires constant driver supervision and will not recognize or respond to traffic signals or stop signs. It also cannot execute turns or follow navigation routes autonomously. If a driver initiates a turn manually using the vehicle’s signal, the hands-free function will resume once the maneuver is complete. This update represents a substantial increase in capability, as Rivian’s previous hands-free system was restricted to approximately 135,000 miles of highway driving.
This advancement marks a pivotal step in Rivian’s long-term strategy to develop fully self-driving vehicles. However, it arrives amid heightened scrutiny of similar driver-assistance technologies offered by competitors. Other automakers have faced serious incidents, including fatal crashes, often linked to drivers not paying adequate attention while these systems were active. These events have resulted in numerous safety investigations and legal challenges.
Looking ahead, Rivian has outlined an ambitious roadmap. The company aims to introduce a more advanced “point-to-point” autonomous driving feature by 2026. To support this goal, Rivian is developing a proprietary autonomy computer with custom silicon for its upcoming R2 SUV, which is slated for a 2026 launch. CEO RJ Scaringe indicated that this new hardware, combined with a roof-mounted lidar sensor, is intended to provide the foundation for future full autonomy.
Beyond the hands-free driving software, this week’s update includes several other new features. Owners of the new R1 vehicles gain access to an updated digital key, which can be stored in the digital wallets of compatible iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixel, and Samsung devices. Additionally, customers with the quad-motor versions of the Gen 2 R1 will finally receive the previously announced “Kick Turn” functionality for enhanced maneuverability, along with the “RAD Tuner” for creating personalized drive modes.
(Source: TechCrunch)
