Autonomous Robotic Car, Tensor Model, Reaches Level 4 Self-Driving Capability, Now Up for Individual Ownership
The automotive industry is about to witness a groundbreaking development with the introduction of the Tensor Robocar, a Level 4 autonomous luxury SUV designed for private use. This innovative vehicle, planned for release in the second half of 2026, promises to redefine autonomous driving with its vertically integrated AI and sensor stack and comprehensive environmental awareness.
Key technical details of the Tensor Robocar include a sophisticated sensor suite, electrical and electronic architecture, and an advanced AI system. The sensor suite comprises 37 cameras, 5 lidars, 11 radars, 22 microphones, 10 ultrasonic sensors, 16 collision detectors, 3 inertial measurement units (IMUs), GNSS, 8 water-level detectors, 4 tire-pressure sensors, 1 smoke detector, and triple-channel 5G connectivity. This array ensures comprehensive environmental awareness even in adverse conditions such as fog, rain, night, and glare.
The electrical and electronic architecture features full redundancy across sensors, communication links, drive-by-wire systems, power, and thermal management systems to prevent single points of failure and ensure fail-safe, continuous operation.
Powering the Tensor Robocar is the Tensor Foundation Model, a fully data-driven AI based on Transformer architecture. It uses a dual-system AI approach, mimicking human cognition. System 1 provides fast, reflexive responses using imitation learning from expert driver data, while System 2 uses a sophisticated multimodal Visual Language Model trained on proprietary and extensive internet-scale visual datasets to reason through rare, complex edge cases.
The exterior and internal design of the Tensor Robocar prioritise autonomy, using radar-transparent materials, a low hood profile, and unobstructed lidar sightlines to maximise sensor effectiveness and safety. Inside, the vehicle features a minimalist design with two large monitors for the driver, two smaller screens in each front door panel for digital side mirrors, a dual-screen entertainment system for rear seat passengers, and a 128-color ambient lighting system.
Additional features of the Tensor Robocar include autonomous startup checks, sensor-cleaning systems, autonomous parking, over-the-air software updates, self-maintenance scheduling, and protective sensor covers when parked.
The Tensor Robocar will be manufactured in partnership with VinFast at their Vietnamese facility, with planned availability including select markets in the U.S., Europe, and UAE. The steering wheel and pedals retract when autonomous driving is selected, ensuring the driver should never be required to take over driving on the spot once the system is active. The vehicle will also feature four-wheel steering, an air suspension, and PalmRead technology for keyless access.
To ensure the sensors function in inclement weather, the company has installed motorized covers and wipers with washer jets. All data in the Tensor Robocar is processed locally or encrypted end-to-end for access via a smartphone app.
The Tensor Robocar represents a highly integrated and fail-operational capable autonomous vehicle platform designed specifically for private ownership, setting a new benchmark in autonomous luxury SUVs. It is set to revolutionise the way we travel, offering a seamless and safe driving experience for passengers.
[1] Tensor Robocar: Official Press Release, Tensor Inc., 2021. [2] Partnership Announcement: Tensor and VinFast, VinFast Press Release, 2022. [3] Tensor Robocar: Detailed Specifications, Tensor Inc., 2025. [4] Tensor Robocar: Weather Resistance Features, Tensor Inc., 2024. [5] Tensor Robocar: Safety Features, Tensor Inc., 2023.
The Tensor Robocar, with its dual-system AI approach and advanced sensor suite, is poised to blend luxury lifestyle and cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, setting a new standard for electric-vehicles designed for private use. The vehicle's impressive array of 37 cameras, 5 lidars, and more ensures exceptional environmental awareness, even in challenging weather conditions.
