Rivian has unveiled Rivian OS 2.0, a completely redesigned software platform that will power the upcoming R2 electric SUV, placing artificial intelligence and edge computing at the core of the vehicle’s in-cabin experience.
The company said OS 2.0 has been built from the ground up on a new vehicle architecture and is supported by 200 sparse tera operations per second (TOPS) of onboard AI computing. By processing data locally rather than relying on cloud connectivity, the platform allows key vehicle functions to continue operating even when internet access is unavailable.
AI Processing Runs Directly Inside the Vehicle
According to Rivian, the new operating system is designed to make the R2 its first AI-defined vehicle, integrating software and hardware to deliver faster performance and support future feature updates.
OS 2.0 uses Unreal Engine 5 to render the vehicle’s user interface, enabling smoother graphics and a redesigned layout that places frequently used controls within easier reach.
Because Rivian develops both the vehicle’s hardware and software, the company said new features can be delivered through over-the-air updates without requiring owners to visit a service center.
Offline Rivian Assistant Debuts With OS 2.0
One of the platform’s flagship features is Rivian Assistant, a voice assistant that operates using the vehicle’s onboard AI processor.
Scheduled to launch on the R2 later this summer, the assistant is designed to understand information about the driver, the vehicle and its surroundings while continuing to function even when the SUV is offline.
Rivian said local processing improves responsiveness and reduces dependence on cloud-based services for everyday vehicle interactions.
New Interface and Driver Controls
OS 2.0 powers two digital displays in the R2, including an 11.5-inch driver instrument display and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen used for navigation, media and vehicle settings.
The software also works with Rivian’s newly developed Haptic Halo Wheels, steering wheel controls that allow drivers to scroll, press, pull and tilt to adjust climate controls, media playback and drive modes.
The controls provide tactile feedback synchronized with on-screen animations, allowing drivers to operate vehicle functions while keeping their attention focused on the road.
Foundation for Future Features
Beyond infotainment, OS 2.0 serves as the foundation for Rivian’s driver assistance technologies. Every R2 will come equipped with the company’s Autonomy Platform hardware, supporting Universal Hands-Free assisted driving and future software-enabled capabilities.
Rivian plans to introduce its Point-to-Point automated driving feature to the R2 and second-generation R1 vehicles in a limited rollout during 2026 before expanding availability in 2027.
With OS 2.0, Rivian is shifting its focus from traditional in-vehicle software to an AI-centered platform designed to support continuous feature updates, intelligent voice interaction and increasingly automated driving functions throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.