Three new features that will drive autonomous vehicle adoption, spotted at CES 2026.
1️⃣ Passenger Monitoring Sensors
[Aptiv, Bosch, Gentex, Nvidia, Hyundai WIA, & others]
As we transition from driving to riding, vehicle interiors will increasingly focus on comfort, to assist with relaxation and productivity. At CES, several top brands presented AI-vision systems that detect passenger vitals, mood, drowsiness, distraction, and child presence, with precision.
In these systems, AI adjusts HVAC, lighting, and seating in real-time based on passenger state. For example, I sat on a couch inside a Hyundai WIA demo cabin. As I shifted positions on the couch, heating and cooling functions automatically followed me (photo).
These systems also recognize behaviors. For example, the Gentex system can detect everything from eating to phone use. Then it automatically adjusts the cabin environment, based on user preferences.
Brilliant.
Hyundai WIA demo at CES 2026
2️⃣ Amazon Alexa+ Voice AI
[BMW Neue Klasse iX3]
Voice assistant features have been available for several years, helping drivers and passengers operate features, make calls and send messages.
However, as cars become autonomous, passengers are going to demand the capability to perform more complicated administrative tasks and transactions.
This is why Amazon's Alexa+ Custom Assistant demo was so impressive.
It gives passengers access to all of their Amazon ecosystem data: purchase history, Prime benefits, and spending patterns across the world's largest e-commerce platform.
It remembers Alexa interaction history with devices beyond the vehicle.
It also offers contextual memory: During Amazon's demo, we asked for Italian restaurants and were told one was unavailable. When we asked again, Alexa automatically excluded that option.
Best of all, Alexa+ will offer agentic AI capabilities: For example, it will make proactive suggestions based on your history (e.g., "You're low on windshield fluid—want me to add it to your cart?")
3️⃣ Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio
[Mercedes-Benz, Pioneer SPHERA]
Dolby Atmos creates "rolling theaters" that elevate group entertainment and in-vehicle social experiences. For example, with this spatial audio technology, helicopters can sound like they are overhead, footsteps can sound like they're behind you, and live music sounds like you're there.
The first version of Dolby Atmos debuted in the Lucid Air, in 2021. Today, it has expanded to 35+ automaker brands. Over 150 models now include Spatial Audio in Apple CarPlay, including the Mercedes GLC/CLA/GLB.
The pattern: CES 2026 showed clear momentum toward passenger-centric innovation. These advancements will make Level 4 autonomy a comprehensive improvement to the in-vehicle experience—not just a driving replacement.