Autoliv & Tensor launch foldable steering wheel

Stockholm, Sweden- Autoliv, Inc. an automotive safety system, has partnered with Tensor, a pioneer in personal autonomous vehicles, to introduce what they describe as the world’s first foldable steering wheel designed for a production vehicle. Co-developed for the upcoming Tensor Robocar, the steering wheel is built to operate in two modes traditional manual driving and fully autonomous operation by retracting out of the driver’s space when the vehicle is in self-driving mode. Tensor expects the Robocar to be ready for volume production in the second half of 2026.

The foldable steering wheel is intended to address a growing design challenge as vehicles move toward higher levels of automation: in fully autonomous operation, a conventional steering wheel can become an unused obstruction that limits cabin space, comfort, and interior flexibility. By allowing the steering wheel to retract, the system supports new interior layouts where the front cabin can be used more like a lounge or multipurpose space rather than a fixed driver-focused cockpit.

Integrated with the Tensor Robocar’s autonomous driving stack, the steering wheel folds away in Level 4 mode where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within specific operating conditions without human input clearing the driver’s area entirely. This creates more usable space and enables a more adaptable cabin environment.

To maintain safety in both configurations, the restraint system changes based on the selected driving mode. When the vehicle is operating autonomously and the steering wheel is retracted, an instrument-panel-mounted passenger airbag is activated. When the vehicle is driven manually, the steering-wheel-mounted airbag is used instead. Autoliv and Tensor say both setups are engineered to deliver equally high levels of occupant protection.

Mr. Fabien Dumont, Autoliv’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said, “We focused on making safety intelligent and adaptive so it aligns with the driver’s needs in real time. This collaboration with Tensor delivers a steering solution that improves comfort while adapting safety performance to the vehicle’s operating mode.”

Mr. Tensor CEO Jay Xiao, said, “Self-driving capability unlocks a completely new user experience, but many people still want manual control in certain situations,” he said. “Our dual-mode approach gives customers that choice. Foldable steering wheels have mostly been limited to concept cars now we’re bringing the idea into everyday, volume-production vehicles.”

The companies describe the project as a step forward in rethinking autonomous vehicle interiors, extending the idea of safety beyond crash performance into adaptive, user-centered design. The Tensor Robocar is planned for availability in the United States, the European Union, and Middle East markets.

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