This Is The World's First Folding Steering Wheel – It Retracts When The Car Is In Autonomous Mode

This Is The World’s First Folding Steering Wheel – It Retracts When The Car Is In Autonomous Mode

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 07/01/2026 at 23:31

Updated on 07/01/2026 at 23:36

Volante dobrável retrátil estreia em veículo autônomo Nível 4, integra segurança adaptativa e chega à produção em 2026.

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Developed by Autoliv in partnership with Tensor, the first foldable steering wheel in the world was designed for Level 4 autonomous vehicles, retracts completely in automatic mode, frees up internal cabin space, and will be launched on the Tensor Robocar, with mass production expected in the second semester of 2026

Autoliv and Tensor have jointly developed the first foldable steering wheel in the world, integrated into a Level 4 personal autonomous vehicle, with a launch expected in the second semester of 2026, promising to free up internal space without compromising safety systems.

The system will be launched on the Tensor Robocar, an autonomous vehicle ready for mass production, capable of operating from Level 0 to Level 4. The project responds to structural changes in vehicle interiors as automation reduces the need for constant human controls.

Retractable Steering Wheel with Two Modes of Operation

The foldable steering wheel was designed to operate in two distinct modes depending on the vehicle’s driving state. During manual driving, it functions like a conventional steering wheel, allowing full control by the driver.

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Transformation of the Internal Cabin Space

With the steering wheel fully retracted, the driver’s area is freed up, allowing the front cabin to transform into a more open space. Tensor claims this enables new seating positions and better legroom.

The user experience, according to the company, becomes closer to a lounge when manual control is not necessary. The internal layout is reorganized to prioritize comfort and freedom of movement during autonomous driving.

This redesign reflects a broader shift in automotive interiors as vehicles advance to higher levels of automation and physical components become less central at all moments of travel.

Adaptive Safety Systems by Driving Mode

The vehicle’s safety systems automatically adapt according to the active mode. When the steering wheel is retracted, a passenger airbag integrated directly into the dashboard is activated.

Upon returning to manual driving, the airbag housed in the steering wheel is used again. Autoliv states that both configurations provide the same level of protection to occupants despite structural differences.

For the company, automotive safety needs to move away from a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Systems must dynamically respond to changes in vehicle states and user behavior, ensuring equivalent protection across all scenarios.

Integration with the Autonomous System of the Tensor Robocar

The foldable steering wheel is directly integrated into the autonomous driving system of the Tensor Robocar. The transition between manual and autonomous modes occurs in a coordinated manner with the other vehicle systems.

Fabien Dumont, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Autoliv, stated that the solution seeks to align safety and comfort with the real needs of the driver, making the system intelligent and adaptive.

According to him, the collaboration with Tensor resulted in a driving solution that adjusts to the vehicle’s mode, enhancing protection without limiting user experience, even with the physical absence of the steering wheel.

Project Focused on Mass Production

Tensor emphasizes that the foldable steering wheel is not limited to a concept car. The company plans to implement the system in a production vehicle intended for private ownership, not just in pilot fleets or experimental programs.

Jay Xiao, CEO of Tensor, stated that fully autonomous driving offers a new experience, but manual driving is still desired in certain scenarios, requiring a dual-mode solution.

According to him, foldable driving systems existed only in concepts, but are now being brought to mass production vehicles for daily use, combining advanced autonomy and human control when necessary.

Autonomy from L0 to L4 and Expected Markets

The Tensor Robocar will support autonomy levels from L0 to L4, allowing switching between full manual control and autonomous operation depending on the situation. The vehicle will be offered in the markets of the United States, European Union, and the Middle East.

Autoliv claims that the collaboration illustrates the expanding role of safety suppliers, who now directly influence the design of interiors for an autonomous future, where hardware needs to adapt with the same fluidity as the software that controls the vehicle.

This Is The World’s First Folding Steering Wheel – It Retracts When The Car Is In Autonomous Mode

Retractable Steering Wheel with Two Modes of Operation

Transformation of the Internal Cabin Space

Adaptive Safety Systems by Driving Mode

Integration with the Autonomous System of the Tensor Robocar

Project Focused on Mass Production

Autonomy from L0 to L4 and Expected Markets

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This Is The World’s First Folding Steering Wheel – It Retracts When The Car Is In Autonomous Mode

Retractable Steering Wheel with Two Modes of Operation

Transformation of the Internal Cabin Space

Adaptive Safety Systems by Driving Mode

Integration with the Autonomous System of the Tensor Robocar

Project Focused on Mass Production

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