The upcoming Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport will witness a global first as U.S.-based mobility company Tensor prepares to unveil the Tensor Robocar, promoted as the world’s first personally owned Level 4 autonomous vehicle. The launch marks a major milestone in the evolution of self-driving technology, combining advanced artificial intelligence, robust safety systems, and futuristic design features.
According to Tensor, Robocar can operate independently in most driving conditions within designated zones, requiring no human supervision. Outside those zones, drivers can seamlessly take control or switch to assisted driving, ensuring a smooth handoff between autonomy and manual oversight. This capability places the Robocar firmly in the Level 4 autonomy category, one step below fully driverless (Level 5) vehicles. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
The Robocar is not marketed as a typical electric vehicle but as what Tensor calls an “agentic robot on wheels.” Equipped with over 100 integrated sensors—including 37 cameras, 5 lidars, and 11 radars—the vehicle is designed to handle extreme conditions such as desert glare, dust, night driving, fog, and heavy rain. The system employs dual-layer artificial intelligence: System 1 for quick reflexive responses and System 2, a multimodal Visual Language Model, for higher-level reasoning in rare or complex situations.
One of its most distinctive features is the world’s first folding steering wheel and retractable pedals. In autonomous mode, these components stow away, transforming the driver’s seat into a lounging area, while the central display slides to the driver’s viewpoint. Tensor says this innovation redefines how personal space inside vehicles can be experienced in the age of autonomy.
Safety and redundancy remain at the core of the Robocar’s design. The vehicle’s architecture duplicates critical systems across sensors, communications, power, and thermal management to maintain performance even in failure scenarios. Details such as lidar and camera washer systems, sensor covers, and radar-transparent materials are tailored to withstand Dubai’s demanding climate.
The Robocar ecosystem brings together leading technology partners. Nvidia provides the onboard supercomputer delivering 8,000 trillion operations per second (TOPS), while Sony supplies 17-megapixel automotive cameras. Manufacturing support comes from VinFast, with semiconductor partners enhancing processing reliability, and Oracle powering cloud infrastructure. Insurance giant Marsh has partnered with Tensor to offer what is being described as the world’s first insurance policy for personally owned autonomous vehicles.
The Tensor Robocar is being introduced as a “category-defining product,” sized like a large SUV with a 124-inch wheelbase and overall length of 217.5 inches. With its debut in Dubai, the company is positioning the vehicle not only as a technological showcase but also as a symbol of how autonomous mobility could soon shift from concept to personal reality.
As the global race toward self-driving transport accelerates, Dubai continues to serve as a high-profile platform for unveiling groundbreaking mobility innovations. The debut of the Tensor Robocar reflects the city’s role as a testbed for advanced transport solutions, while sparking broader discussions about the future of autonomy, safety, and ownership in the automotive industry.
