Autonomous driving technology to be further developed with Rivian's establishment of AI research center in London
Rivian Opens AI and Autonomous Driving Research Hub in London
American electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has expanded its global footprint with the opening of a new AI and autonomous driving research hub in London. This is the company's first UK office, joining existing locations in Palo Alto, Vancouver, Amsterdam, and Belgrade.
The London office will focus on enhancing Rivian's autonomous driving efforts, particularly in the areas of perception systems, data infrastructure, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The aim is to fine-tune Rivian's Autonomy Platform for handling trickier driving scenarios and to push the boundaries of its technology to Level 3 autonomy.
Currently, Rivian's Autonomy Platform offers Level 2 partial automation, enabling hands-free highway driving. At Level 3 autonomy, drivers will be able to temporarily disengage from driving tasks under certain conditions, allowing them to focus on other tasks while remaining alert and ready to step in when required.
James Philbin, Rivian's Vice President of Autonomy and AI, expressed his excitement about the new London hub, stating that it will play a crucial role in accelerating Rivian's AI plans and maintaining the technological edge of its electric vehicles.
The exact location of the London office is not publicly disclosed at this stage. The focus of the announcements is on the strategic direction and role of the London AI hub rather than the precise office location.
The London office will complement Rivian's existing team based in Palo Alto, California. In addition, Rivian is currently constructing a service center in Quebec, Canada. The company has also announced plans to host an AI and Autonomy day later in the year to share more information about its autonomous driving efforts.
The London AI hub aims to attract leading AI engineering talent from the UK, further strengthening Rivian's commitment to developing smarter, more autonomous vehicles beyond Level 2 automation.
The London AI and autonomous driving research hub will serve as an extension of Rivian's existing locations in developing advanced technology, specifically focusing on artificial intelligence and perception systems to push the boundaries of autonomous driving towards Level 3. James Philbin, Rivian's Vice President of Autonomy and AI, believes that the new London office will play a pivotal role in accelerating Rivian's AI plans and maintaining its technological edge in artificial intelligence.
