Rivian is taking a significant step forward in pet-friendly vehicle technology with the introduction of Pet Cam in the 2027 Rivian R2. This feature allows owners to monitor their pets remotely while they are left in the vehicle, providing an added layer of safety and convenience. The Pet Cam will be available in the R2, but not in the larger and more expensive R1, at least not initially.
The Pet Cam system relies on a new RGB camera hidden in the rearview mirror, which also serves as the driver attention monitoring device when driving and using Rivian's Universal Hands Free driver-assist system. According to Rivian's Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, the software to enable Pet Cam will arrive later this year, following the launch of the R2 and the initial software rollout for Pet Mode.
Pet Mode, a feature that enables the climate control system to run while the car is locked, allowing pets to stay warm or cool, will be available in about a month. Pet Cam, on the other hand, will be introduced later, with Bensaid emphasizing that priorities such as getting the R2 out the door took precedence. The R1 models, which are already on sale, use an infrared camera for driver attention monitoring and cannot be easily adapted for Pet Cam.
View Price on AmazonPet Cam will be accessible through the Rivian app on iOS and Android devices, allowing owners to check on their pets remotely. However, the feature comes with strict privacy controls to prevent misuse. Bensaid stressed that the camera will only activate if a pet is detected, and it will not function if a human is present in the vehicle. This is a deliberate design choice to protect individuals from potential domestic abuse situations.
The system uses a combination of sensors, including image recognition, weight sensors, and the camera itself, to determine whether a pet or human is in the vehicle. Owners will also have the option to configure the system to their preferences, including the ability to opt-in or opt-out of using the interior camera. An indicator on the screen will always be present when the camera is recording inside the car, ensuring transparency and user awareness.
This innovation in pet-friendly automotive technology reflects Rivian's commitment to enhancing the driving experience for both owners and their pets. With the introduction of Pet Cam, Rivian R2 owners will have an additional tool to ensure their pets' safety and comfort while on the go.
Source: thedrive.com
