Rivian rolls out new ‘Universal Hands-Free’ driving feature

Rivian has announced a significant update for its second-generation R1 electric vehicles, unveiling the innovative "Universal Hands-Free" driving software during its inaugural "Autonomy & AI Day". This new feature enables drivers to relinquish their grip on the steering wheel across over 3.5 million miles of roads throughout the United States and Canada, encompassing both highways and local streets, provided that lane markings are visible. However, drivers must remain vigilant, as the system is designed to require supervision. Notably, the software does not automatically stop or slow for traffic signals or stop signs, nor does it handle turns or navigation autonomously. Instead, Rivian has incorporated a mechanism whereby the system re-engages if drivers activate their turn signals and manually navigate turns. This development marks a crucial advancement for Rivian, which is working towards achieving full vehicle autonomy within the next few years. Yet, this transition is not without its challenges; other automotive companies like Tesla and Ford have faced scrutiny following accidents linked to driver inattention while using similar systems. These incidents have prompted investigations and legal actions. The update significantly enhances the driver assistance features previously available to Rivian users. Prior to this rollout, the hands-free system was limited to just 135,000 miles of highway. At the recent event, Rivian also shared its vision for the future, outlining plans to enable its vehicles to operate autonomously from "point-to-point" by 2026. To support this goal, the company is developing a cutting-edge autonomy computer with specialized silicon for the upcoming R2 SUV, which will be equipped with a roof-mounted lidar sensor designed for full autonomy, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. Additionally, the software update introduces other enhancements unrelated to the driver assistance capabilities. New digital key functionality allows owners of second-generation R1 vehicles to integrate their keys into digital wallets on devices such as iPhones, Apple Watches, Google Pixels, and Samsung smartphones. Moreover, those with quad-motor versions of the Gen 2 R1 EVs will gain access to the eagerly anticipated "Kick Turn" feature and customizable "RAD Tuner" drive modes.