Quick Takeaways
- Two companies are redefining autonomous vehicle interiors by combining flexible controls with uncompromised safety.
- The concept targets real-world deployment, balancing regulatory compliance, comfort, and dual-mode operation.
Autoliv Inc. and Tensor announced a major advancement in vehicle interior technology with the joint development of a foldable steering wheel designed specifically for the Tensor Robocar. The Autoliv Tensor foldable steering wheel is set to be showcased at CES 2026, highlighting a new approach to safety and usability in vehicles designed for both manual and autonomous driving.
The Tensor Robocar is planned to enter volume production in the second half of 2026. Once production begins, the vehicle will be introduced across key global regions, including the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East, reflecting Tensor’s intent to address multiple regulatory and market requirements from the outset.
Autoliv Tensor Foldable Steering Wheel Supports Dual Driving Modes
The Autoliv Tensor foldable steering wheel is engineered to function seamlessly in conventional driving as well as fully autonomous operation. In manual mode, the steering wheel remains deployed, allowing drivers to maintain familiar control and ergonomics. When autonomous mode is selected, the steering wheel folds away, creating additional cabin space and enhancing passenger comfort.
This dual-mode capability aligns with the evolving expectations of next-generation autonomous vehicles, where interiors are increasingly designed to balance control, comfort, and flexibility.
Adaptive Airbag System Enhances Occupant Protection
A key feature of the Autoliv Tensor foldable steering wheel is its adaptive airbag system, which adjusts automatically based on the selected driving mode. Safety performance remains consistent regardless of how the vehicle is being operated.
Key safety configurations include:
Both airbag layouts are designed to deliver equivalent levels of occupant safety, ensuring that transitions between driving modes do not compromise protection.
Implications for Future Autonomous Vehicle Design
By combining a foldable steering wheel with an adaptive airbag strategy, Autoliv and Tensor are addressing one of the core challenges of autonomous vehicle interiors: maintaining high safety standards while rethinking traditional layouts. The solution supports regulatory compliance, improves cabin versatility, and reinforces confidence in autonomous driving technologies as they move closer to large-scale deployment.
The Tensor Robocar is planned to enter volume production in the second half of 2026. Once production begins, the vehicle will be introduced across key global regions, including the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East, reflecting Tensor’s intent to address multiple regulatory and market requirements from the outset.
Autoliv Tensor Foldable Steering Wheel Supports Dual Driving Modes
The Autoliv Tensor foldable steering wheel is engineered to function seamlessly in conventional driving as well as fully autonomous operation. In manual mode, the steering wheel remains deployed, allowing drivers to maintain familiar control and ergonomics. When autonomous mode is selected, the steering wheel folds away, creating additional cabin space and enhancing passenger comfort.
This dual-mode capability aligns with the evolving expectations of next-generation autonomous vehicles, where interiors are increasingly designed to balance control, comfort, and flexibility.
Adaptive Airbag System Enhances Occupant Protection
A key feature of the Autoliv Tensor foldable steering wheel is its adaptive airbag system, which adjusts automatically based on the selected driving mode. Safety performance remains consistent regardless of how the vehicle is being operated.
Key safety configurations include:
- • Autonomous mode: With the steering wheel retracted, a passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel is activated.
- • Manual mode: When the steering wheel is in use, the airbag housed within the steering wheel provides protection.
Both airbag layouts are designed to deliver equivalent levels of occupant safety, ensuring that transitions between driving modes do not compromise protection.
Implications for Future Autonomous Vehicle Design
By combining a foldable steering wheel with an adaptive airbag strategy, Autoliv and Tensor are addressing one of the core challenges of autonomous vehicle interiors: maintaining high safety standards while rethinking traditional layouts. The solution supports regulatory compliance, improves cabin versatility, and reinforces confidence in autonomous driving technologies as they move closer to large-scale deployment.
Company Press Release
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