Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is incorporating Epic Games’ Unreal Engine into its latest R1 electric vehicles to power the display user interface. The company is expanding its use of Unreal Engine from the driver’s display to the full infotainment center across its existing fleet. This move aims to personalize the driving experience for Rivian owners and create a sense of adventure.
The user interface features nine different drive modes that transport drivers to various environments, including mountains, deserts, and even a camp mode complete with a Rivian tent and campfire. The use of Unreal Engine allows for real-time renders that reflect the exact specifications of the vehicle being driven, creating a bespoke experience for each Rivian owner.
Rivian’s chief design officer, Jeff Hammoud, explains that Unreal Engine has enabled the company to push artistic boundaries and achieve a high level of craftsmanship in the user interface’s look and feel. Every physical part of the vehicle is represented accurately, and custom shaders are used to bring the interface to life. The collaboration with Unreal Engine has allowed Rivian to achieve rapid iteration and create a visually stunning interface.
This is not the first time Rivian has utilized Unreal Engine in its vehicles. Since the release of its first vehicle, the R1T, in October 2021, Rivian has embraced Unreal Engine for its human-machine interface (HMI) display. The latest update takes the HMI experience to a new level, with interactive scenes that drivers can engage with through a touchscreen interface. The scenes are dynamic, featuring moving clouds, grass, flowers, and trees. Drivers can even touch the vehicle and pivot it around, with the environment moving in three dimensions.
The collaboration between Rivian’s design and engineering teams in Unreal Engine has resulted in a reimagined UI experience brought to life in just six months. The teams have paid attention to detail, incorporating micro-animations into each scene. The use of Unreal Engine has allowed for agile and iterative development, enabling smooth transitions between drive modes and dynamic construction of the worlds around the vehicle.
Unreal Engine plays a crucial role in Rivian’s digital transformation journey, allowing for designs that make optimal use of available space and deliver excellent features. The new UI design in Unreal Engine opens up opportunities for Rivian to easily refresh the in-cabin experience and introduce new features over time through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Rivian is committed to constantly raising the bar and exploring what is possible for the future of driving.
In conclusion, Rivian’s partnership with Unreal Engine has revolutionized the user interface experience in its electric vehicles, offering a personalized and dynamic driving experience for owners. The collaboration has allowed Rivian to push artistic boundaries, achieve a high level of craftsmanship, and create visually stunning scenes that drivers can interact with. With the use of Unreal Engine, Rivian is at the forefront of digital transformation in the automotive industry, setting new standards for in-cabin experiences and paving the way for the future of driving.