Rivian has introduced a new AI assistant in its electric vehicles that allows drivers and passengers to interact using natural language. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Rivian’s CEO RJ Scaringe revealed the company's plans to enable integration with AI agents from third-party developers, such as those created by Anthropic. While no specific timeline was shared, Rivian will provide more information at their upcoming “AI & Autonomy Day” event in December. The company’s in-car software infrastructure is built entirely in-house, allowing direct control over navigation and other vehicle functionalities without relying on platforms like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Rivian’s system incorporates a proprietary agentic framework that interprets user commands and directs them to the appropriate vehicle function. This could include basic operations like adjusting temperature or seat settings, or more complex queries requiring cloud-based AI models. The system can leverage local AI models running directly on the vehicle or escalate to the cloud for more demanding tasks. Currently, it supports integration with external applications like Google Calendar, and plans are underway to expand its capabilities by incorporating advanced AI products from leading developers.

One of the significant challenges Rivian faces is ensuring that AI agents operate safely and do not interfere with critical vehicle control functions. Scaringe emphasized that AI agents will not be granted control over mechanical aspects such as braking or steering to maintain safety standards. Instead, the AI is envisioned to act as an extension of personal digital assistants, able to use context from ongoing conversations across devices. For example, the car’s AI assistant could remember a recent chat about meal planning and offer relevant assistance while the driver prepares for guests.

Rivian follows Tesla, which earlier this year added AI chatbots like SpaceX’s Grok to its vehicles. As Rivian develops its AI ecosystem, it aims to create a seamless and personalized driving experience by integrating various AI agents that enhance interaction without compromising safety. The company’s forthcoming AI & Autonomy Day in December is expected to reveal additional details on how these capabilities will be rolled out in their vehicles.