TechCrunch Mobility: Rivian’s next act

Rivian's EV technology and software may soon be available for licensing to other automakers.

Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe aims to transform the company into more than just an electric vehicle manufacturer, positioning it as a broader technology supplier. The company is enhancing its vertical integration by developing proprietary AI models for its in-vehicle assistant and building an end-to-end automated driving system for future robotaxis, in partnership with Uber. Rivian is also collaborating with Arm and TSMC on custom silicon and has established a significant joint venture with VW Group focused on electric vehicle architecture and software. Beyond its core business, Rivian has spun out a micromobility startup called Also and founded an industrial robotics startup, Mind Robotics, in which it holds a substantial stake and plans to use as a prospective customer. Scaringe envisions licensing Rivian's technology, including its electric architecture, software, AI, and autonomy stack, to other brands, and sees potential for industrial robots developed by Mind Robotics to be sold externally. The company is also exploring new vehicle form factors enabled by autonomy for personally owned vehicles.

Rivian's strategic pivot suggests a market trend where established EV makers are leveraging their technological advancements to become platform providers, extending their influence beyond direct vehicle sales. This move allows them to capitalize on their investments in AI, autonomous driving, and custom silicon by seeking revenue streams from licensing to a wider range of brands, potentially accelerating the adoption of advanced automotive technologies across the industry. The company's expansion into industrial robotics also signals a diversification strategy that capitalizes on automation expertise gained from manufacturing its own vehicles.

The ambition to license its technology positions Rivian as a potential competitor to established automotive software and component suppliers, while also opening up new avenues for growth and market penetration. This strategy could significantly alter the competitive landscape, as automakers may choose to adopt Rivian's integrated solutions rather than developing them in-house or sourcing from multiple vendors. Success in this endeavor would depend on Rivian's ability to demonstrate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of its offerings, as well as secure favorable partnership agreements with other manufacturers.