While a lot of car manufacturers today often use software solutions from Google or Apple to flesh-out their vehicles’ infotainment systems, it should be said that there are still some brands out there who would rather go with a first-party approach. Take for example Rivian, which recently announced the roll-out of Riviant Assistant, an AI-powered voice interface.
With that in mind, Rivian Assistant is built directly into the vehicle’s hardware and software via the new Rivian Unified Intelligence framework, and is now available for Gen 1 and Gen 2 owners with an active Connect+ subscription or trial.
Rivian says that its Assistant operates as a central nervous system for the vehicle, and can even control hardware that third-party apps don’t support. Drivers can use natural language commands to adjust ride height, toggle drive modes, or manage temperature settings with specific requests. The system also provides real-time troubleshooting and manual information for tasks like tire changes, for example.
Rivian assistant also comes with agentic integrations—for example, a driver can ask the assistant to check their Google Calendar, reschedule a meeting, find a coffee shop along the route, and text an updated ETA to a contact, all with a single hands-free interaction.
For privacy, the system includes controls that allow owners to disable the “Hey Rivian” wake word, limit location sharing, or turn off the memory feature; additionally, all learned personal context is stored securely within the individual’s driver profile.
