Rivian acquires Third Dimension AI for autonomous driving simulation
The startup’s technology converts driving footage into adjustable 3D environments for training and testing vehicle software. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Rivian has acquired Third Dimension AI to help develop and evaluate its driver-assistance and autonomous-driving systems using simulations built from real camera footage. The carmaker did not disclose financial terms.
The technology allows engineers to reconstruct driving situations in 3D, then alter camera positions, the movements of other road users, weather and lighting. Rivian says this lets its models train for complicated situations without waiting for unusual events to occur during road driving.
Rivian’s fleet supplies the footage, with owners’ permission. James Philbin, who leads the company’s autonomy and AI group, told TechCrunch that tens of thousands of Rivian pickups, SUVs and delivery vans contribute camera data. He said the company receives more than 400,000 driving sequences daily.
Founded in 2024 by Tolga Kart and Piotr Sokolski, Third Dimension has 15 employees, primarily based in the UK, according to TechCrunch’s Kirsten Korosec. Its staff will join Philbin’s group. He told TechCrunch that the acquisition would help Rivian grow its London AI hub.
Rivian currently offers highway software that permits hands-off driving while requiring drivers to monitor the road. It also plans to introduce supervised point-to-point driving software, while robotaxi versions of its R2 SUV are due to appear on Uber’s app in 2028. Philbin said simulation is especially important when assessing whether software is ready for customers.
