The EV maker is exploring integration with external AI assistants, including those developed by companies such as Anthropic, while keeping vehicle safety controls separate.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is planning to introduce third-party artificial intelligence agents into its vehicles, allowing drivers to interact with AI assistants developed by external technology companies through the car's software.
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe outlined the company's plans during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, indicating that future integrations could include AI products from companies such as Anthropic.
The announcement follows Rivian's recent introduction of an in-car AI assistant that allows drivers and passengers to control certain vehicle functions through voice commands. The existing system can respond to requests involving cabin temperature, seat warmers and information services.
Rivian has developed an internal agentic AI framework that identifies a user's request and directs it to the appropriate software function. According to Scaringe, the system can process simpler commands using AI models running locally inside the vehicle, while more complex requests can be handled through cloud-based models.
The company has also enabled connections with external applications, including Google Calendar, expanding the assistant's functionality beyond basic vehicle operations.
The proposed next phase would allow users to access AI assistants they already use on other devices, potentially bringing previous conversations and personal context into the driving experience.
For example, a driver could adjust the vehicle's ventilated seats and then continue an earlier conversation with an AI assistant about planning a meal or organising an upcoming event.
Such functionality would require Rivian to coordinate with external AI developers to connect their services with its vehicle software.
Scaringe acknowledged that the integration would involve technical challenges, particularly because AI systems would operate alongside software responsible for important vehicle functions.
He clarified that third-party AI agents would not receive control over safety-critical operations such as steering or braking. These functions would remain separate from the proposed assistant integrations.
Rivian's software architecture provides the company with flexibility to develop these capabilities. Unlike manufacturers that rely heavily on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, Rivian has built much of its vehicle software internally, including navigation and other applications.
The company has also incorporated selected third-party services, including Apple Music, into its vehicles.
The development reflects growing interest among automakers in using conversational AI to expand in-car digital experiences beyond traditional voice assistants.
Tesla has also introduced AI-based conversational features in its vehicles, demonstrating how automotive companies are experimenting with new interfaces for drivers and passengers.
For Rivian, integrating external AI agents could extend the role of its in-car assistant from handling individual commands to supporting ongoing conversations and personalised tasks.
However, the company has not announced a launch date, confirmed specific integration partners or disclosed which vehicles would receive the functionality.
Rivian is expected to provide further information about its AI and software plans during its AI & Autonomy Day event scheduled for December 2026.
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