Autonomy

Rivian Autonomy Day is set for December 11, and for the first time it really feels like Rivian is ready to stop hinting and start showing. We have heard plenty of big-picture talk around software, AI, and long-term autonomy goals over the years. This event feels different. The language has changed, the demos are closer, and Rivian leadership has publicly referenced real-world hands free driving. This is a predictions article, not leaks or confirmations, but based on what Rivian has…

RJ Scaringe just dropped a pretty huge nugget during his Fireside Chat at Actuate 2025, and it could not have come at a better time with Rivian’s first Autonomy Day right around the corner on December 11. He confirmed that he recently spent two full hours driving, or really not driving, a Gen 2 R1 around the Palo Alto area while the vehicle handled everything on its own. He described it as Universal Hands Free, which is basically Rivian’s version…

Over the last few software updates, Rivian quietly introduced a feature that lets Gen 2 vehicle cameras calibrate while you drive. Instead of needing a trip to the service center for minor camera adjustments, your R1 can now align its cameras on the go, continuously learning and refining their position as you drive through different environments. Here’s how it works. When a Rivian rolls off the line, it gets its first camera calibration at the factory. Now, that calibration evolves dynamically.…