Lucid, Nuro, and Uber unveil a robotaxi during Nvidia Live at CES 2026 ahead of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 5, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
What makes CES such a big deal each year is that it highlights fantasies and concepts as much as it shows us what’s coming next. And put simply, what is coming soon is the convergence of cars, autonomous driving, robots, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Keeping an eye on Agentic AI is crucial
Now, AI is not only the most talked about development at CES given that it is advancing with such great speed, but a certain type of AI, namely Agentic AI, is extremely controversial. In fact, as a special topic of concern in the auto industry due to potential liability, risk, and safety and cybersecurity concerns, Agentic AI refers to autonomous AI systems that can independently set goals, plan, and execute multi-step tasks with minimal human oversight.
AI isn’t just the latest buzzword. It has some very necessary and powerful vehicle applications, especially for advanced and autonomous driving. Here are some of the highlights from CES 2026.
Geely Auto
Agentic AI is engaging in cars because voice control makes driving more enjoyable than it has ever been. Chinese carmaker Geely Auto, announced that it had chosen Cerence AI’s xUI agentic AI platform for automobiles. A demonstration of the voice-controlled agent in action showed how easily the Cerence system connected navigation, climate, auto controls, media, and even productivity capabilities through a Microsoft 365 integration. Drivers can easily set up “voice shortcuts” to do multiple tasks, like using a single phrase to open all windows. The system maintained its integrity when things went off script, and the driver was able to converse informally and colloquially without any issues, despite the fact that it was only a demo.
The new Waymo robotaxi
Photo by Zeekr
Waymo Meets Geely’s Ojai
The Jaguar I-Pace EVs that Waymo employs in cities around the nation have become synonymous with the company’s autonomous robotaxi fleet. And this year at CES, we saw Waymo debut its new Ojai model—a Geely Auto’s Zeekr electric minivan. These will have many of the same features as the I-Pace, including six radar, four LiDAR sensors, and thirteen cameras, making it impossible to mistake this for anything other than an autonomous car. Waymo uses advanced agentic AI as part of its core self-driving system, incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision-Language Models (VLMs) to enhance perception, prediction, and planning.
The AFEELA 1 appeared at CES in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ian Maule / AFP) (Photo by IAN MAULE/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty Images
Sony-Honda Mobility Afeela 1
The enormous front screen on the Sony-Honda EV collaboration is arguably the biggest dashboard on display. Through this 2 screens, the Afeela 1 uses what is described as a “Personal Agent” conversational AI (which is a form of Agentic AI) that leverages AI for both in-car entertainment and autonomous driving functions. As you’d expect, the large sweeping screen is designed for gaming and media consumption, with themes based on well-known Sony titles like Astro Bot, given that Sony is the company behind linked car technology. When the Afeela 1 can be driven, Honda will have its moment. Expected to cost a little over $100,000, this EV should reach California by the end of the year.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon
As I mentioned above, some concepts at CES showcase future tech but they are just pure fantasy and will never see the light of day. The Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis automobile is one of them. The car was created to illustrate the infotainment, AI assistant, and automated driving and safety features that simultaneously run a car. Equipped with 13 cameras and 20 speakers, the car was able to deliver driver assistance to a passed-out driver while calling safety operators when the driver failed to respond. The tech automatically sends a photo of the cabin to a call center operator and checked the driver’s vitals on their smartwatch. In addition to these potentially life-saving abilities, the AI agent is also able to navigate to a pre-arranged meeting and select a suitable restaurant for dinner.
Uber has joined forces with Lucid
Photo by Lucid
Uber’s Lucid Robotaxi
Uber has returned to robotaxis and relies heavily on Agentic AI, namely Nuro and Nvidia computational power to propel a fleet of Lucid Gravity EVs equipped with Level 4 self-driving capability. Prototypes of the autonomous taxis were presented at CES 2026 and, pending certification, will be implemented in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year.
The Lucid Gravity’s three-row SUV, roomy cargo hold, and integrated backseat screens that regulate features like air conditioning and heated seats—critical for a driverless taxi ride—are all utilised by the taxis. The modified version resembles an autonomous vehicle with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and radar mounted on the roof and throughout the vehicle without detracting from the elegant appearance of the electric SUV.
Yes, AI has multiple benefits for users and is taking the industry in new ways not thought possible only a few years ago. But there is always that unpredictable factor with AI. Given how fast AI is developing, it is difficult to predict what we will be talking about this time next year. But unless strict controls and governance are implemented to properly manage the AI, and especially agentic AI, then my 2027 story might be more somber.
link