According to Sawyer Merritt, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stated in a new interview that the company is integrating LiDAR with cameras and radar in its self-driving vehicles to address the current limitations of camera-based AI systems. Scaringe explained that while cameras are improving, LiDAR and radar provide critical data for scenarios like fog, heavy rain, and long-distance detection—LiDAR can detect objects up to 900 feet away. By combining these sensor modalities, Rivian can accelerate neural network training and deliver safer, more robust autonomous driving systems. This multi-sensor approach opens business opportunities for AI developers focused on sensor fusion, perception algorithms, and real-time data processing for the automotive industry (Source: Sawyer Merritt, Twitter, Dec 16, 2025).