Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is gearing up to introduce a hands-free driver assist system in its R1T and R1S vehicles later this year, with plans to upgrade to an "eyes-off" version in 2026, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. This move marks a significant step forward in autonomous driving technology, enhancing the safety and convenience of Rivian's electric vehicles.

The initial hands-free system, set to debut this year, will operate similarly to Ford's Blue Cruise and GM's Super Cruise software, which are Level 2 assistants that only work on highways fully mapped by each manufacturer. This means that drivers will still need to pay attention to the road, but the system will provide additional support and convenience.

It remains unclear whether current Gen 1 and Gen 2 Rivian vehicles will support the upcoming hands-free assistant software or if it will be exclusive to upgraded models or the upcoming R2 SUV. Rivian's product communications manager, Courtney Richardson, confirmed Scaringe's comments but did not provide further details.

Gen 2 vehicles already boast exclusive features like matrix headlights and an upgraded light bar that can change colors. Scaringe suggested that this light bar could be used as an indicator to let others know a Rivian is operating autonomously. Gen 2 vehicles also come equipped with a newer Rivian Autonomy Platform, which might mean Gen 1 vehicles won't receive some of the upcoming advanced ADAS features.

Rivian's current "Driver Plus" advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) work similarly to Tesla's standard Autopilot software, enabling lane keeping and auto speed up/slow down on highways. However, like other Level 2 systems, drivers still need to remain attentive to the road.

The eventual introduction of "eyes-off" technology in 2026 will mark a significant milestone in autonomous driving, allowing drivers to focus on other tasks while the vehicle operates independently. Currently, only Mercedes-Benz offers a Level 3 autonomous system that works in some US states, allowing drivers to look away from the road.

Rivian's commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology is a testament to the company's focus on innovation and customer experience. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Rivian's investments in ADAS and autonomous driving capabilities are likely to play a key role in shaping the future of transportation.

With the introduction of hands-free and "eyes-off" technologies, Rivian is poised to further differentiate itself in the competitive electric vehicle market. As the company continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving, it will be interesting to see how these advancements impact the broader industry and shape the future of transportation.