Photo: @hoon_k, @klwtts, @AliAlamzadeh via X
Rivian is preparing a mid-life refresh for its R1 models, which are expected to start deliveries this summer. One of the key highlights of the update is a new driver assistance package. Several R1T prototypes were spotted calibrating the new equipment using a Lidar array.
Once considered essential for autonomous driving, LiDAR sensors are being abandoned by carmakers as they see that Tesla's vision-only approach is working. However, LiDAR remains crucial in calibrating sensors for new vehicle models or upgraded hardware. They offer more precision than video cameras, which is useful in setting up vision sensors and ensuring they "see" what they should. This is called "ground truth testing," and it's a crucial step before deploying new ADAS equipment or systems to production vehicles.
This is why we have seen special Tesla test vehicles with unwieldy sensor arrays strapped to their roofs, including LiDAR sensors. Although Tesla doesn't use LiDAR sensors in production vehicles, they are still useful during the calibration phase of every new vehicle model. We've seen such tests performed with early Tesla Semi prototypes and, later, with the Cybertruck. Occasionally, we also see such vehicles testing for other Tesla models.
Lately, people noticed several R1T vehicles testing with weird equipment on their roofs. These appear to be sensor arrays, including LiDAR sensors, similar to those installed on Tesla test vehicles. What's interesting about these Rivian prototypes is that they are not camouflaged like we've seen previously. The video cameras integrated into the side mirrors reveal that these are, indeed, refreshed R1Ts.
The fact that Rivian R1T prototypes were seen testing with LiDAR sensors is hardly surprising. Although not as advanced in the ADAS department as Tesla, Rivian is working hard to improve its Driver+ assistance software. This is the equivalent of Tesla Autopilot, offering basic driver assistance features and more advanced functions like Highway Assist, including automated steering, braking, and accelerating on highways.
The refreshed R1T and R1S will feature new driver assistance hardware, including a new processing unit and sensors. It makes sense that Rivian wants to test and calibrate them before the vehicles are delivered. In a recent interview, Rivian's software chief, Wassym Bensaid, confirmed that the refreshed R1 vehicles would get new automated driving features, including a Summon function.
This supports rumors that Rivian may have partnered with Tesla to license the Full Self-Driving software and hardware. The rumors were further fueled by Elon Musk's announcement that Tesla is in advanced discussions to license FSD to a "major carmaker." Although Rivian is still far from becoming a major carmaker, licensing Tesla's software makes sense.
However, more recently, it was also rumored that Rivian would partner with Apple for the same purpose. So far, there's no confirmation, and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe declined to comment. Apple scrapped its car project, which burned over $10 billion over the past ten years. However, the team may have gotten far enough with developing an autonomous driving system. Apple will undoubtedly want to license this system to other carmakers, and Rivian could be a good start.
This is why we have seen special Tesla test vehicles with unwieldy sensor arrays strapped to their roofs, including LiDAR sensors. Although Tesla doesn't use LiDAR sensors in production vehicles, they are still useful during the calibration phase of every new vehicle model. We've seen such tests performed with early Tesla Semi prototypes and, later, with the Cybertruck. Occasionally, we also see such vehicles testing for other Tesla models.
Lately, people noticed several R1T vehicles testing with weird equipment on their roofs. These appear to be sensor arrays, including LiDAR sensors, similar to those installed on Tesla test vehicles. What's interesting about these Rivian prototypes is that they are not camouflaged like we've seen previously. The video cameras integrated into the side mirrors reveal that these are, indeed, refreshed R1Ts.
The fact that Rivian R1T prototypes were seen testing with LiDAR sensors is hardly surprising. Although not as advanced in the ADAS department as Tesla, Rivian is working hard to improve its Driver+ assistance software. This is the equivalent of Tesla Autopilot, offering basic driver assistance features and more advanced functions like Highway Assist, including automated steering, braking, and accelerating on highways.
The refreshed R1T and R1S will feature new driver assistance hardware, including a new processing unit and sensors. It makes sense that Rivian wants to test and calibrate them before the vehicles are delivered. In a recent interview, Rivian's software chief, Wassym Bensaid, confirmed that the refreshed R1 vehicles would get new automated driving features, including a Summon function.
This supports rumors that Rivian may have partnered with Tesla to license the Full Self-Driving software and hardware. The rumors were further fueled by Elon Musk's announcement that Tesla is in advanced discussions to license FSD to a "major carmaker." Although Rivian is still far from becoming a major carmaker, licensing Tesla's software makes sense.
However, more recently, it was also rumored that Rivian would partner with Apple for the same purpose. So far, there's no confirmation, and Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe declined to comment. Apple scrapped its car project, which burned over $10 billion over the past ten years. However, the team may have gotten far enough with developing an autonomous driving system. Apple will undoubtedly want to license this system to other carmakers, and Rivian could be a good start.
Saw this R1T testing something out there in Mountain View today. @Hilbe @RivianTrackr @RivianUpdates pic.twitter.com/VBZdiqQoaU
— Ali Alamzadeh (@AliAlamzadeh) May 13, 2024
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