Rivian is designing its own 5 nm range chip in collaboration with Arm and TSMC, and aims to sell its software stack to other brands

In-house AI models, end-to-end autonomous driving, future robotaxis with Uber and a 31 per cent stake in Mind Robotics: RJ Scaringe is shaping Rivian into a company that also aspires to be a technology provider.

Rivian no longer wants to sell electric vehicles. With Arm and TSMC, the manufacturer develops a 5-nm-engraved range processor, has developed its own AI models for the on-board assistant of its cars, and is building an end-to-end automated driving battery for both private vehicles and future robotaxis as part of its partnership with Uber.

From manufacturer to supplier

Its CEO, RJ Scaringe, says he wants to offer this technology under license to "many brands". Rivian plans to extend its $5.8 billion technology joint venture with the Volkswagen group, which is now focused on electrical architecture and software, to include AI and self-sufficiency. For Scaringe, autonomy also opens the door to radically different forms of vehicles.

The group also owns 31% of Mind Robotics, a start-up in industrial robotics, of which it is also a potential customer, and which recently recruited Doug Field as President, passed through Ford, Apple and Tesla.