AI-generated 3D worlds aim to improve driving simulations
Electric vehicle maker Rivian has acquired Third Dimension, a UK startup that uses artificial intelligence to generate lifelike 3D environments. Rivian plans to apply the technology to developing its driver-assistance features and autonomous-driving systems.
The startup's 15-person team will join Rivian's autonomy and AI group, led by James Philbin. The move could also help expand Rivian's AI presence in London. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Third Dimension was founded in 2024 by Tolga Kart and Piotr Sokolski. Its technology was initially designed to support video game development, but the team will now focus on automated driving at Rivian.
Simulation lets developers train and evaluate autonomous systems in virtual settings. Rivian says Third Dimension's approach could help create environments that more closely reflect real-world driving, using the company's fleet data. Rivian receives more than 400,000 driving-data sequences per day from customer vehicles that have enabled data sharing; the information is aggregated and anonymized.
More realistic simulations could allow Rivian to test how its systems respond to rare or complex road conditions without waiting for those situations to occur in real life. Over time, advances in this area may help make autonomous-driving development more efficient and adaptable.
