Autonomous and AI Research Hub Expands in London, Courtesy of Rivian
Rivian Automotive, the electric vehicle manufacturer known for its partnership with Amazon, has announced the opening of a new AI and autonomous driving research hub in London. The London office will complement the company's existing team in Palo Alto, California, and is a significant step in Rivian's efforts to scale up its AI and autonomy efforts.
James Philbin, Vice President of Autonomy and AI at Rivian, expressed excitement about the new office, stating that the company is eager to attract leading AI talent in London. Rivian aims to recruit senior AI and software staff to develop new algorithms for autonomous driving, suggesting an expansion of their AI capabilities.
The London hub will focus on advancing the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which currently supports Level 2 partial automation with hands-free driving on highways. Rivian's longer-term ambition is to develop higher automation levels, including Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to temporarily disengage from driving tasks under certain conditions.
The Rivian Autonomy Platform is equipped with advanced multimodal sensors and high-performance neural computations, enabling the platform to better understand complex driving situations and accelerate safer autonomous functions. The company is collecting vast amounts of data from its growing fleet of second-generation vehicles to accelerate technological advancements.
The London site marks Rivian’s first UK facility dedicated to AI and autonomous vehicle development, tapping into the UK’s recognized engineering talent in these areas. The new office will also play a key role in delivering more advanced autonomous features, although no formal launch date for the anticipated Large Driving Model has been disclosed.
Rivian Automotive is not new to international expansion. Last year, the company opened its first international technology center in Belgrade, Serbia, focusing on IT and software development. However, Rivian's electric passenger vehicles are not yet available in Europe, although the compact R2 model is anticipated for European markets. The availability of the R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck in Europe remains uncertain.
Rivian plans to host an "AI and Autonomy Day" later this year to present further details on its product and technology roadmap. The event will provide insights into the company's plans for the Large Driving Model and its vision for the future of autonomous driving.
With the opening of the London hub, Rivian is positioning itself as a key player in the autonomous driving industry, aiming to attract top talent and accelerate its development of advanced autonomous driving technology and AI capabilities. The company's focus on AI and autonomous driving research in London is a clear sign of its intent to significantly scale up its efforts in these areas.
The London hub, a significant step in Rivian's plans, is focused on advancing the Rivian Autonomy Platform, aiming to recruit senior AI and software staff to develop new algorithms for autonomous driving, suggesting an expansion of their AI capabilities. Rivian, with its ambition to develop higher automation levels, seeks to attract leading AI talent in London to help achieve this goal.
