You may soon notice Rivian pushing further into the world of artificial intelligence (AI), especially with the recent news that Aidan Gomez, the CEO and co-founder of Cohere, has joined its board. This move signals that Rivian, the electric vehicle (EV) maker, focuses more on using AI in its plans.
A recent regulatory filing confirmed Gomez’s appointment and revealed that Rivian has expanded its board to accommodate him. His term will run until 2026.
This new direction suggests Rivian is focused on building EVs and hopes to stand out in the tech and software space. Bringing in someone with deep knowledge of AI is a clear sign that the company wants to grow its capabilities far beyond vehicles alone.
A strong background in AI and machine learning
If you aren’t familiar with Aidan Gomez, he’s no stranger to AI. He co-founded Cohere in 2019 alongside Nick Frosst and Ivan Zhang. The company focuses on generative AI and works with large businesses to create AI tools and services. Some of its clients include well-known names like Oracle and Notion.
Before founding Cohere, Gomez was part of Google Brain, one of Google’s top AI research divisions. There, he worked closely with Geoffrey Hinton, a Nobel Prize winner and respected figure in the AI community.
Perhaps most notably, Gomez co-wrote a 2017 research paper titled “Attention Is All You Need.” This paper helped lay the groundwork for many of today’s powerful AI tools, including language models and assistants. His deep understanding of AI is likely what caught Rivian’s attention.
Rivian prepares for AI-powered future
This isn’t just a one-off decision. Rivian has been gradually weaving AI into its strategy. In 2023, the company started building an AI assistant designed specifically for its vehicles. According to Rivian’s Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid, the project focuses on developing an ‘orchestration layer’ framework for the assistant. While this project is separate from Rivian’s work with other partners, it shows how serious the company is about using AI to improve the driver experience.
There’s also a major collaboration underway. Rivian recently entered a US$5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen Group. Through this partnership, Rivian will share its electric architecture and software expertise, including licensing its existing tech to Volkswagen’s many brands.
The joint venture may eventually sell its technology to other companies, potentially generating future revenue and influencing the industry.
A strategic move with eyes on the future
RJ Scaringe, Rivian’s founder and CEO, welcomed Gomez, saying his experience and thinking will help Rivian bring “cutting-edge technologies” into its products, services, and manufacturing.
This partnership will shape how Rivian develops new features and software and manufactures its cars. Bringing Gomez on board is more than a simple hire—it’s a step toward transforming Rivian into a leader in EVs and the growing field of automotive AI.
