Autoliv and Tensor Introduce World’s First Foldable Steering Wheel for Autonomous Driving Vehicles

McLean, Va., January 7, 2026 – As autonomous vehicles inch closer to widespread adoption, the very definition of a car interior is being reimagined.

Automotive safety leader Autoliv and AI company Tensor announced a groundbreaking innovation: the world’s first foldable steering wheel, specifically designed for autonomous driving.

This ain’t just a design tweak, it’s a whole new vibe for drivers 🚗💨! The retractable steering wheel is redefining visual clarity and safety for the next-gen ride 🚀. But is it a game-changer or just a fancy g gadget? 🤔

The core motivation behind this innovation is clear: as vehicles achieve higher levels of automation, the traditional, static steering wheel can become an obstacle. It limits both passenger comfort and interior space, particularly when the driver is no longer actively engaged in driving.

This co-developed foldable steering wheel is specifically designed to support changes in interior layouts, offering more personal space and flexibility for those inside the vehicle.

Seamlessly integrated with Tensor Robocar’s autonomous driving system, the steering wheel retracts entirely in Level 4 autonomous mode. This is where the vehicle handles all driving tasks within defined conditions without human intervention, effectively clearing the driver’s area.

This transformation not only improves comfort but also reimagines the cabin as a truly multifunctional space, allowing occupants to relax, work, or engage in other activities without a large wheel in the way.

Crucially, the safety aspect hasn’t been overlooked. The airbag system intelligently adapts to the chosen driving mode. In autonomous mode, with the steering wheel retracted, a dedicated passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel is enabled.

During manual driving, the traditional airbag within the steering wheel is utilized. Both configurations are engineered to provide an equally high level of protection, ensuring safety regardless of how the vehicle is being operated.

Fabien Dumont, Executive Vice President & CTO of Autoliv, highlighted this adaptive safety philosophy: “Automotive safety can no longer follow a one-size-fits-all philosophy… Our collaboration with Tensor delivers precisely that: a steering solution that enhances both safety and comfort by adapting to the vehicle’s mode.”

Jay Xiao, CEO of Tensor, added that “foldable steering wheels previously existed only in concept cars—now we are bringing this innovation to volume-production vehicles for everyday use.”

This move by Tensor, founded in 2016 and based in Silicon Valley, to create the “world’s first personal Robocar” with native L0-L4 autonomy, positions them at the forefront of this new vehicle class.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in autonomous vehicle interior development. It reflects a broader vision where leadership in automotive safety extends beyond mere crash performance to intelligent, user-centric design. By introducing a solution that physically adapts to the driving scenario, Autoliv and Tensor are setting a new benchmark for how safety systems can harmonize with and elevate the overall user experience.

The Tensor Robocar, featuring this innovative wheel, will be offered in the US, EU, and Middle East markets. Will other manufacturers follow suit, or is this a niche innovation for a niche market? The answer lies in the future of autonomous adoption.