Silicon Valley startup Tensor is developing the world’s first personal Tensor robocar, a luxury EV with Level 4 autonomy designed for consumer ownership that it aims to release by 2026.
A Shift from Robotaxis to Personal Cars
Tensor is focusing on a personal consumer autonomous vehicle vs robotaxi fleets, a different approach than most industry startups. The company’s previous brand, AutoX, developed robotaxis, which are considered easier to control as they operate within a defined urban area.
This new strategy presents a greater challenge, as personally owned cars must adapt to a wide variety of road conditions. This is unlike robotaxis, which benefit from the safety net of a controlled environment and nightly returns to a central depot.
Inside the Tensor Robocar Design
The vehicle’s interior is designed to transform into a lounge or mobile office. It features an autonomous car with folding steering wheel and retractable pedals to create an open, living space feel for occupants.
A wide screen complements the design, turning the driver’s seat into a productive or recreational area. This innovation allows the former driver to become a passenger when the car is in autonomous mode.
Advanced Autonomy and Safety Systems
Tensor’s vehicle is a Level 4 autonomous car for consumers, enabling the driver’s eyes to be off the road in supported conditions. The system is built on the company’s proprietary Tensor Foundation Model AI, a transformer-based technology.
This AI mimics human driving patterns and operates without requiring constant cloud connectivity, which enhances user privacy. The vehicle is equipped with full redundancy in its steering, braking, and computing systems for increased safety.
It uses 37 cameras, five custom lidars, and 11 radars, and each sensor includes its own cleaning system.
Manufacturing and Market Launch Plans
Tensor has partnered with Vietnamese automaker VinFast for manufacturing. The company is racing to sell the first consumer-ready robocars by its 2026 target.
The vehicle’s price is expected to exceed that of other luxury electric vehicles like the Lucid Air. While highly autonomous, owners will be able to take manual control of the vehicle when necessary, as it will not support every road at its initial release.
