AI Takes the Wheel at CES 2026: Hyundai, Bosch, and Sony Drive the Future of Intelligent Vehicles

AI Takes the Wheel: CES 2026 Ushers in a New Era of Smart Mobility

The curtain has lifted on CES 2026 in Las Vegas — and this year, it’s not just about faster EVs or sleeker designs. The spotlight is firmly on artificial intelligence, with major names like Hyundai, Bosch, and Sony leading a new wave of AI-powered innovation. From holographic windshields to humanoid robots, CES 2026 is proving that the car of the future will be as much about smart software as smart engineering.

AI Cockpits and Holographic Displays Redefine the Driving Experience

Bosch Unveils the AI Extension Platform

At the heart of Bosch’s presentation is its AI Extension Platform, a new computing unit designed in collaboration with Microsoft and NVIDIA. Built on the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX architecture, it delivers up to 200 tera operations per second of additional computing power — enough to transform even existing vehicles into intelligent, adaptive systems.

The platform integrates Microsoft Foundry, enabling drivers to use voice-controlled Teams meetings, adaptive cruise control, and cloud-connected infotainment. For professionals who spend hours on the road, Bosch is turning the car into a seamless mobile office. The company estimates over $2 billion in infotainment system sales by 2030.

Hyundai Mobis Introduces Holographic Windshield Display

Hyundai’s parts and tech division, Mobis, has stunned crowds with its Holographic Windshield Display, developed with optics powerhouse Zeiss. Using advanced holographic film, it transforms the entire windshield into a massive display — showing drivers real-time navigation, safety warnings, and contextual AR overlays.

Passengers can also view independent content invisible to the driver, blending practicality with futuristic entertainment. The technology earned a CES 2026 Innovation Award, with mass production planned for 2029.

Robotics and AI Manufacturing Take Physical Form

At 4:00 PM ET on January 5, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its AI Robotics Strategy, headlined by a debut from Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas humanoid robot. The electric Atlas, already in pilot testing at Hyundai’s Georgia plant, demonstrates precision assembly and autonomous navigation — a major leap toward AI-driven manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Sony Honda Mobility made its mark at 5:00 PM PST with two vehicles: the AFEELA 1 electric sedan and a new concept model. With pricing starting from $89,900 and first deliveries slated for California in 2026, the AFEELA brand showcases Sony’s best sensor technology, gaming-grade interfaces, and immersive multimedia features within a practical EV.

Sony is expected to expand on this concept during its main CES press conference, tying together its automotive, entertainment, and AI initiatives.

Software-Defined Vehicles: The Future is Now

CES 2026 is confirming what many insiders have long predicted — that the future of automotive innovation lies in software, not just horsepower. These “software-defined vehicles” use AI to continuously enhance performance through updates, transform infotainment experiences, and personalize safety systems in real time.

Despite reduced EV subsidies under current U.S. economic policies, automakers are leaning into AI-driven features to create fresh differentiation. From AI-assisted driving to personalized digital dashboards, the race is no longer about who has the biggest battery, but who has the smartest brain behind the wheel.

The Road Ahead

As the automotive sector blends robotics, AI, and immersive technology, CES 2026 paints a clear picture: the next generation of vehicles will think, learn, and evolve — just like their drivers. The shift from electric mobility to intelligent mobility may well be the defining transformation of the decade.