Rivian’s Roadmap to AI Architecture and Autonomy with Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe

Show notes

Autonomous vehicle technology has moved past human-coded rules and into an era of neural networks and custom computer chips. And to solve the most difficult driving scenarios, electric vehicle company Rivian abandoned its original technology platform to build a vertically integrated data stack. Sarah Guo sits down with Rivian Founder and CEO RJ Scaringe to explore the seismic shift in the automotive industry toward AI-driven, software-defined vehicles . RJ discusses the move away from function or domain-based architecture for vehicle electronic systems to software-defined architecture, which allows for dynamic, monthly updates to features in Rivian’s vehicles. RJ also talks about the upcoming launch of Rivian’s R2 model, which aims to be a distinct, affordable, mass-market alternative to the Tesla Model Y. Plus, RJ shares his vision for a future where vehicles don’t just drive us, but inspire personal freedom and exploration. Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @RJScaringe | @Rivian  Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open 00:35 – RJ Scaringe Introduction 0:58 – Rivian’s Autonomy Evolution 05:19 – Why Rivian’s Tech is Vertically Integrated 10:06 – Levels of Autonomous Driving Technologies 14:00 – Importance of a Software-Defined Architecture 19:28 – Differentiating Autonomous Vehicle Models 23:20 – R2: The First Mass Market Autonomous Vehicle 25:02 – Do Americans Want EVs? 29:05 – How Our Relationship to Vehicles is Evolving 30:45 – Conclusion

Guests

RJ Scaringe

Founder and CEO

Rivian