Rivian’s R2 runs on Rivian OS 2.0, a rebuilt software platform paired with 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the SUV’s in-cabin experience. The company positions the R2 as its first AI-defined vehicle, embedding AI into the design from the system-on-chip up. Rivian says that compute runs locally on the edge, so in-vehicle features keep working even when the vehicle has no connection.
Highlights
- 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute dedicated to the R2’s in-cabin experience
- Rivian OS 2.0 rebuilt on a new vehicle architecture and Unreal Engine 5
- Two displays: an 11.5-inch driver display and a 15.6-inch center display
- Rivian Assistant, an offline-capable voice assistant, launching on the R2 later this summer
Rivian OS 2.0 and the Move to AI-Defined Vehicles
Rivian built OS 2.0 from scratch through its software and design teams, running it on a streamlined vehicle architecture and Unreal Engine 5. The company reports the center display uses that foundation to render the interface and vehicle settings as graphics, and that OS 2.0 reorganizes the layout so frequently used functions are easier to reach. Because Rivian develops its hardware and software together, it says the R2 can receive feature updates over the air without a service visit. Rivian describes the result as the most powerful infotainment compute in a consumer vehicle in North America, supported by a streamlined electrical architecture it says leaves headroom for future features.
How Does Rivian Assistant Work Offline?
The R2’s 200 sparse TOPS of edge AI compute is dedicated to the cabin, and Rivian says it lets the vehicle run complex tasks locally rather than in the cloud. That compute supports Rivian Assistant, an in-vehicle voice assistant the company plans to launch on the R2 later this summer. According to Rivian, the assistant draws on the driver, the vehicle, and the surrounding context, and continues to operate even when the vehicle is offline.
Haptic Halo Wheels
The R2’s steering wheel carries in-house-designed controls Rivian calls Haptic Halo Wheels, which scroll, push, pull, and tilt to manage climate, media, and drive modes. Built for OS 2.0, the controls deliver a physical “notch” as the driver scrolls that Rivian says is synced to the animations on screen. The company positions the tactile feedback as a way to keep the driver’s attention on the road while adjusting settings.
Displays and Onboard Power
The R2 carries two screens: an 11.5-inch driver display positioned ahead of the steering wheel, and a 15.6-inch center display for navigation, infotainment, and drive modes. Rivian also fits the R2 with multiple high-output USB-C ports and a 120-volt household outlet in the rear cargo area for powering equipment.
Autonomy Platform Stays Standard Across the Lineup
Every R2 ships with Rivian’s autonomy hardware suite as standard equipment across every trim. The platform supports L2+ hands-free assisted driving through Universal Hands-Free, which Rivian has extended across 3.5 million miles of roads in the U.S. and Canada. A limited rollout of Point-to-Point driving is set to reach the R2 and the second-generation R1 fleet later in 2026, with a wider rollout in 2027. The Rivian Autonomy Platform hardware comes with a 60-day Autonomy+ trial on every R2 delivery, and Launch Package owners get access at no additional cost.
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