Tensor Robocar offers an early look at a self-driving vehicle people can own

At CES, Tensor showed the Robocar, which can switch between full autonomous mode and a manual driving mode and includes four passenger screens and in-cabin cameras; Tensor plans a limited launch later this year in parts of the US, Europe and the UAE.

Tensor displayed the Robocar at CES as a vehicle that combines full self-driving capability with an option for owners to take manual control. The car’s cabin has four individual screens with cameras for video calls and a sparse dashboard supported by voice controls. Tensor says personal data such as location and preferences is processed and stored locally, and the vehicle offers physical camera covers and microphone off switches for privacy. The company announced a partnership with Lyft that would let owners send their Robocars out to carry ride-hailing passengers. Key details: - Shown at CES and described as slated to launch later this year in parts of the US, Europe and the United Arab Emirates. - The Robocar can operate fully autonomously or switch to manual control by revealing a steering wheel and pedals via a touchscreen command. - The interior provides four passenger displays, each with a camera; the cabin supports voice commands and has dozens of built-in microphones. - Sensor suite includes cameras, lidar, radar and ultrasonic sensors, and small external displays can show text to pedestrians. - Tensor says personal information is processed and stored on the vehicle; physical camera covers and microphone-off switches are available for added privacy. - Tensor has a Lyft partnership to let owners deploy vehicles for ride-hailing, and the article mentions Tesla has outlined a similar owner-participation vision with a timeline comment from Elon Musk about “before 2027.” Summary: The Robocar is presented as a luxury vehicle that blends autonomous ride features with the option for owners to drive, and it emphasizes in-cabin media and communication capabilities. Tensor plans a limited launch later this year in parts of the US, Europe and the UAE, and it has not disclosed pricing. Undetermined at this time.