AI-Native Cars Are Here: Why CES 2026 Marks The End Of Traditional Vehicle Architecture

CES 2026 will be a battleground for cutting-edge automotive and mobility technologies. From established automakers and tech giants to innovative startups, the event will spotlight the future of mobility as the industry evolves into a new AI-driven ecosystem.

The mobility sector at CES 2026 will center on three key themes: AI-native vehicles, autonomous driving, and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) 2.0.

Global automakers and tech behemoths will fill more than 200 booths in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Meanwhile, automotive suppliers will occupy the outdoor Central Hall, ready to engage directly with their automaker clients.

One of the biggest shifts in today’s mobility landscape is the rise of AI-native vehicles. Unlike traditional models that simply layered software onto hardware, these next-generation vehicles embed AI at their core, fundamentally reshaping vehicle architecture.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to unveil a suite of technologies aimed at leading the future mobility ecosystem, including advances in AI, robotics, electrification, and autonomous driving. Key affiliates such as Hyundai Mobis and Hyundai WIA will join the showcase, highlighting the group’s integrated capabilities and cross-company synergies.

The convergence of robotics and mobility will be another major highlight. Visitors can expect to see autonomous delivery robots, vehicle-integrated humanoids, and automated valet parking systems, bringing the idea of “mobile robots” closer to reality.

Hyundai Motor Group will open the event with a media day presentation outlining its AI robotics ecosystem expansion strategy. This will include a demonstration of Boston Dynamics’ next-generation humanoid robot, Atlas, as well as the unveiling of Hyundai’s Software-Defined Factory (SDF) strategy, which aims to transform manufacturing through software-centric processes.

Autonomous driving remains a central focus. U.S.-based mobility tech pioneers such as Waymo, Zoox, Amazon, and John Deere will gather to showcase driverless technologies, including robotaxis already operating on public roads without human intervention.

Enhanced in-vehicle experiences are also emerging as a key frontier. CES 2026 will feature a wide range of interactive AI cockpits and personalized AI agents. These systems go beyond basic voice commands, aiming to understand a driver’s schedule, emotions, and travel intent to offer more context-aware suggestions.

LG Electronics will introduce its AI Cabin Platform, designed to elevate the in-car experience. By integrating open-source generative AI models such as Vision Language Models (VLMs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) into vehicle infotainment systems, LG aims to redefine the in-vehicle experience.

The shift to SDV 2.0 is also becoming more tangible. In this new paradigm, most vehicle functions are controlled by software, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates enable continuous performance improvements and new feature rollouts. Industry leaders such as AUMOVIO will present broad mobility technology portfolios spanning SDVs, autonomous driving platforms, advanced safety solutions, and next-generation user experiences (UX).

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) describes CES 2026 as “a showcase for the complete mobility ecosystem,” adding that visitors will see how innovative AI technologies across land, air, and sea are redefining global transportation.