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Rivian Unveils Custom Autonomy Chip, LiDAR for R2 and Paid Hands-Free Package

Rivian sets a 2026 goal for point-to-point hands-free driving using its new in-house silicon.

Overview

  • The 5nm Rivian Autonomy Processor will power the Gen 3 Autonomy Compute Module, which Rivian says delivers 1,600 sparse INT8 TOPS and processes 5 billion camera pixels per second, with production handled by TSMC.
  • R2 models will add a front-facing LiDAR by the end of 2026 to provide three-dimensional spatial data and redundant sensing, with the ACM3 and LiDAR hardware now in validation.
  • Autonomy+ launches in early 2026 at $2,500 upfront or $49.99 per month and includes Universal Hands-Free coverage on more than 3.5 million miles of roads across the U.S. and Canada.
  • An AI-powered Rivian Assistant arrives in early 2026 on Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 vehicles to control select functions, integrate with apps such as Google Calendar, and assist with diagnostics.
  • Rivian outlined a roadmap targeting hands-free point-to-point capability in 2026, followed by eyes-off features and a longer-term push toward personal Level 4 autonomy, with CEO RJ Scaringe also pointing to future rideshare opportunities.