Rivian’s next act could make it a technology supplier

Rivian is expanding beyond electric vehicles while staying connected to its core business, according to TechCrunch reporter Kirsten Korosec, who interviewed CEO and founder RJ Scaringe at TechCrunch Disrupt.

The company has developed its own artificial intelligence models for an in-vehicle assistant and is building an automated driving system for passenger vehicles and future robotaxis with Uber. Rivian is also developing a custom 5 nm processor with Arm and TSMC. A $5.8 billion joint technology venture with VW Group focuses on electric vehicle architecture and software.

Scaringe’s other ventures include Also, a micromobility startup spun out of a Rivian skunkworks program, and Mind Robotics, an industrial robotics startup that Rivian owns 31% of. Mind Robotics is developing robots for Rivian factories and potential sales to other companies. Former Ford, Apple, and Tesla executive Doug Field has been hired as its president.

Scaringe said he wants to expand the VW venture into artificial intelligence and autonomy, and license Rivian technology to “many different brands.” He described autonomous vehicle designs beyond R2 and R3 as an opportunity for new forms and experiences. Rivian’s potential role as a technology supplier is Korosec’s assessment; the source does not report that the company has announced such a plan.