Summary
- Rivian debuted a new software update featuring hands-off driving assistance for Gen 2 vehicles
- Enhanced Highway Assist allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods
- Rivian’s autonomy program includes 11 cameras and 5 radars for a 360-degree view
- Performance Upgrade offers increased horsepower and torque, along with new drive modes
- Additional features include Rally Mode, wheel type selection, audible chime for moving vehicles, side mirror auto-tilt on reverse, control of chargeport door from the mobile app, and tire puncture detection
Article
Rivian, an electric vehicle (EV) maker, recently announced a new software update that includes the Enhanced Highway Assist for its Gen 2 R1T and R1S models. This hands-off driving assistance system allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods of time, similar to Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving feature. The company also introduced a performance upgrade and other improvements as part of this update, highlighting their commitment to enhancing autonomy features in their vehicles.
The Enhanced Highway Assist feature included in the software update allows for control over steering, acceleration, and braking of the vehicle. Additionally, an infrared cabin camera embedded in the interior rearview mirror monitors driver attention while the system is engaged. This update is being offered to owners for free initially, with the potential for Rivian to introduce charges for the suite in the future.
Rivian’s approach to autonomy is supported by the Rivian Autonomy Platform, which includes a suite of 11 cameras and five radars providing sensor redundancy and a 360-degree view. The company’s high-resolution cameras and radar systems are designed to detect objects over longer distances and in low-visibility conditions. The vehicles also feature an on-board compute module capable of over 200 trillion operations per second, with machine learning models trained on the latest research and transformer architectures.
In addition to the autonomy features, Rivian has introduced a Performance Upgrade for Dual-Motor vehicles, unlocking 665 horsepower and 829 lb.-ft. of torque. This upgrade includes three new drive modes (Sport, Rally, and Soft Sand) to complement the existing All-Purpose, All-Terrain, and Snow modes. The update can be purchased through the Rivian mobile app or account page and downloaded to the vehicle via an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Other features included in the software update are Rally Mode for Performance Dual-Motor vehicles, a wheel type change option for improved range estimates, an audible chime for moving vehicles ahead, side mirror auto-tilt on reverse for easier parking, remote control of the charging port door through the mobile app, and proactive tire puncture detection to alert drivers of potential flat tires. These updates aim to enhance the overall driving experience and safety for Rivian owners.
Furthermore, Rivian recently collaborated with Ben & Jerry’s on an electric ice cream truck, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions in the automotive industry. The introduction of new features through software updates demonstrates Rivian’s dedication to continuous improvement and advancement in technology, aiming to provide an enhanced driving experience for EV owners.
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