Rivian buys world model startup to accelerate self-driving ambitions

Rivian has acquired Third Dimension, a U.K. startup that uses AI to create 3D worlds from images and videos. The acquisition allows Rivian to develop its self-driving system and advanced driver-assistance features. Third Dimension’s technology can simulate real-world driving conditions, which could help Rivian validate its autonomous driving systems. The 15-person team at Third Dimension will be absorbed into Rivian’s autonomy and AI team. The deal was not disclosed in terms. Third Dimension was founded in 2024 by Tolga Kart and Piotr Sokólski and raised $7 million in seed funding from venture capital firms. The company’s technology was initially built for video game development but has potential applications in defense and autonomous vehicles. Rivian plans to use Third Dimension’s technology to create a simulator that can replicate real-world driving scenarios without relying on rare edge cases. Rivian collects driving data from tens of thousands of vehicles and uses it to build training models for its autonomous driving systems. The company gets over 400,000 sequences uploaded daily from its customer fleets. The acquisition gives Rivian an opportunity to expand its AI hub in London. The team is excited to focus on one problem, as it can make a true difference in automated driving. Simulation is critical for autonomous vehicle development, and Third Dimension’s technology allows Rivian to create complex driving conditions without waiting for rare real-world edge cases. The technology is a powerful tool for simulating real-world driving scenarios.

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