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Rivian Appoints AI Expert Aidan Gomez to Board as Software Focus Intensifies
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has added Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of generative AI startup Cohere, to its board of directors. This strategic appointment highlights Rivian’s growing emphasis on artificial intelligence applications within its operations and its ambition to become a leader in automotive software solutions, potentially extending its reach as a software provider in the industry.
Gomez Joins Rivian Board Amid Software Expansion
According to a regulatory filing, Rivian broadened its board size to accommodate Gomez. His term as a board member is set to continue until 2026.
AI Expertise of Aidan Gomez
Gomez possesses extensive experience in data science and artificial intelligence. In 2019, he, along with Nick Frosst and Ivan Zhang, co-founded Cohere. The generative AI company specializes in developing AI foundation models for business use, offering services to major corporations including Oracle and Notion.
Before establishing Cohere, Gomez was a researcher at Google Brain, Google’s deep learning research division headed by Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton. Gomez is also widely recognized for his contribution to the groundbreaking 2017 research paper, “Attention Is All You Need,” which provided a crucial framework for many of today’s advanced generative AI models.
Strategic Implications for Rivian’s Software Initiatives
Gomez’s proficiency in AI is anticipated to be particularly valuable as Rivian advances its new $5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen Group focused on software development. This collaborative project will see Rivian contributing its expertise in electrical architecture to Volkswagen Group and its diverse portfolio of brands. Rivian is also expected to license existing intellectual property rights to this joint venture.
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There is speculation that the technology developed through this joint venture may be offered to other companies in the future.
Rivian’s Internal AI Development
Separately, Rivian has been actively developing an AI assistant for its electric vehicles since 2023. In a March interview with TechCrunch, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, explained that this AI initiative, specifically focused on the orchestration layer for an AI assistant, is distinct from the Volkswagen joint venture.
CEO’s Perspective on Gomez’s Appointment
Rivian CEO and founder RJ Scaringe emphasized the significance of Gomez’s AI and data science capabilities to the company. In a public statement, Scaringe remarked that Gomez’s “thinking and expertise will support Rivian as we integrate new, cutting-edge technologies into our products, services and manufacturing.”