Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe is set to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where he will discuss how the company is simultaneously pursuing electric vehicles, autonomous driving and humanoid robotics. The appearance highlights Rivian's position at the crossroads of AI, software, manufacturing and transportation, as Scaringe argues this combination of fields is becoming increasingly competitive and central to the industry's future.

Rivian has begun rolling out the R2, an SUV priced at around $58,000 that Scaringe hopes will broaden the company's appeal beyond its costlier R1T and R1S models amid slowing EV demand and rising competition from Chinese manufacturers. He has also outlined a roadmap towards full Level 4 autonomy by 2028, is expanding Rivian's own charging network, and founded humanoid robotics firm Mind Robotics, which has raised $900 million this year with Rivian as a major shareholder and customer. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs from 13-15 October at San Francisco's Moscone Center.