# Rivian Acquires 3D Simulation Startup for Autonomous Driving Work By John Kim Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/business/39063 Published: 2026-10-23T14:47:34.000Z Updated: 2026-10-23T14:47:34.000Z Section: Business > Third Dimension’s software turns real-world data into controllable 3D simulations. Its leaders and technical personnel are expected to join Rivian’s autonomy organization. Rivian announced on Oct. 22 that it had acquired Third Dimension AI, Inc., adding software that lets its engineers test driver-assistance and autonomous-driving systems in changeable virtual driving environments. The platform turns real-world data into controllable 3D simulations. Engineers can recreate a driving scenario and alter its conditions to see how systems respond, including in challenging situations that may be rare on public roads. The simulations are intended to support system development and validation. Third Dimension’s leaders and technical personnel are expected to join Rivian’s research and engineering groups focused on autonomy. Rivian did not disclose the purchase price or give a date for the acquisition’s completion. “Simulation is central to how we train and validate our autonomous driving systems,” said James Philbin, Rivian’s senior vice president of autonomy and AI. The purchase adds to [Rivian’s autonomy work](), which also includes a robotaxi partnership with Uber. The companies’ initial phase covers 10,000 fully autonomous R2 robotaxis. Their roadmap called for deployments to start in San Francisco and Miami in 2028, then extend to 25 cities through 2031. ## Links in this article - [Rivian’s autonomy work](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/35162)