While much of the auto industry is investing heavily in robotaxi programs, a startup called Tensor is aiming to change the conversation. Instead of a ride-hailing service, the company has revealed what it claims is the world’s first privately owned, fully autonomous Level 4 robocar. That’s a bold declaration, and given the company’s somewhat patchy presentation and lack of a polished press kit, some observers remain cautious. Still, the announcement has generated significant attention, as it suggests a future where autonomous vehicles aren’t just fleet-operated, but also available to individual buyers.
Tensor has shared only limited technical details so far. What we do know is that the robocar is an all-electric luxury crossover SUV powered by a 112 kWh battery pack. Charging capability is impressive on paper—when plugged into a high-speed charger, the vehicle can go from 20 percent to 80 percent capacity in just 10 minutes. The SUV also features four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and air suspension for comfort.
Dimensionally, the model is huge. Measuring 5,525 mm in length, 2,261 mm in width, and 1,989 mm in height, with a 3,150 mm wheelbase, it is considerably larger than a Tesla Model X. Its styling has been described as unusual, with some comparing it to an oversized Toyota Prius. The front end is dominated by sensors and what Tensor calls SignalScreens, which use animated graphics—referred to as CarMoji—to communicate intentions to pedestrians and other drivers. The aerodynamic profile is aided by digital side mirrors and sleek bodywork, giving the vehicle a drag coefficient of 0.253. Other highlights include double-laminated glass and rear-hinged coach doors, which incorporate Tensor’s PalmRead technology that lets owners unlock the vehicle without keys or a phone.
The cabin itself looks understated but is packed with futuristic technology. Tensor describes it as the first “AI agentic car”, capable of going far beyond standard voice-command systems. The onboard AI processes information from cameras, microphones, and other sensors inside the vehicle, allowing it to execute complex instructions. For example, an owner could simply say, “Pick up Mom and bring her here” or “Take me to the airport and then return home.”
To support its autonomous functions, the car features retractable pedals and a retractable steering wheel, which tucks into the dashboard when not in use. Screens dominate the cabin, with a display for the driver, one for the front passenger, and dual entertainment screens for rear passengers. Comfort is also a focus, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, dual wireless chargers, suede and fabric finishes, and a customizable 128-color ambient lighting system.
At the heart of this machine is its Level 4 autonomous driving technology, supported by a staggering suite of sensors: 37 cameras, 5 lidars, 11 radars, 22 microphones, 10 ultrasonic sensors, 3 IMUs, GNSS, 16 collision detectors, 8 water-level detectors, 4 tire-pressure monitors, and even a smoke detector. Data is processed by an onboard supercomputer with 8,000 TOPs and managed by a dual AI system designed to mimic human cognitive processes. “System 1” handles fast, reflex-based driving responses, while “System 2” employs a multimodal Visual Language Model to deal with rare or complex scenarios such as poor weather or unpredictable traffic conditions.
Tensor stresses that despite the extensive monitoring, privacy is a priority. All data is stored locally in the vehicle, though owners can access it via an encrypted smartphone app. For peace of mind, there are physical covers for cameras and manual microphone kill switches.
Production of the robocar will be handled by VinFast at its Hai Phong facility in Vietnam, with deliveries planned for the second half of 2026. Initially, the model will launch in Europe, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. To complement the car, Tensor has teamed with Marsh to create what it calls the world’s first insurance policy for robocars, promising lower premiums thanks to the expected safety benefits of autonomous driving.
If Tensor can deliver on its promises, the automotive industry may be looking at one of the boldest steps yet toward privately owned self-driving cars.