During the 2025 World Congress for Self-Driving Transport held in Dubai, Tensor captured international attention by unveiling what it claims to be the first ‘personal’ Level 4 autonomous vehicle, known as the Tensor Robocar.
Following this introduction, Tensor is set to appear at GITEX Global 2025 to promote discussions that transition from industry concepts to concrete applications, according to a company press release.
Unlike vehicles operated by fleets or those available through ride-hailing services, Tensor’s innovation allows individual owners to possess fully autonomous vehicles, representing a pivotal advancement in personal transportation.
Amy Luca, CMO of Tensor, elaborates on the company’s foundational approach to autonomy, prioritizing safety and privacy, while ensuring compatibility with the challenging driving conditions of the Gulf region—positioning it as a trailblazer in the race towards self-driving consumer vehicles.
When envisioning self-driving vehicles, most people think of fleets of robotic taxis or shuttles that are summoned as needed. This is the typical model pursued by many companies. However, we questioned why autonomy should be limited to rentals instead of ownership.
With Tensor, individuals can now own a Level 4 autonomous vehicle. It’s parked in your driveway, prepared to take you to work or safely transport your children from school. This independence transforms autonomy into an integral part of daily life, making it as commonplace as existing smartphone usage.
Why did Tensor select Dubai and the World Congress for Self-Driving Transport as the launch platform for the Robocar
We aimed for our UAE launch to be significant, not merely another vehicle unveiling. Dubai has set a clear objective: by 2030, 25% of all transportation should be autonomous. This ambition aligns perfectly with our vision. The World Congress gathers regulators, innovators, and thought leaders from around the globe to actualize such aspirations.
By launching in Dubai, we assert that the Middle East is not only prepared for autonomous technology but is also poised to lead in this arena.
Tensor was engineered specifically for autonomy. How does this native design set it apart from current electric vehicles that are retrofitted with autonomous functions
Consider it akin to constructing a house. You can continually add to an existing structure, but it won’t feel as robust as a home built from the ground up. Retrofitting autonomous features onto conventional electric vehicles often leads to compromises. Tensor instead began with a clean slate.
Every component—including the steering system, chassis, and sensor placements—was designed to collaborate as one cohesive unit of reliability and accountability. This is why the robocar has a distinct feel: it wasn’t a vehicle designed for manual driving that was later modified for autonomy, but rather one conceived with autonomy at its core, enhancing safety, weight efficiency, and overall performance.
With an extensive array of over 100 sensors and a dual AI system, safety is a priority. How confident are you in Tensor’s ability to navigate Dubai’s distinct challenges like dust, glare, and heat
Driving in Dubai offers valuable insights about environmental challenges—from intense sunlight to heavy dust and extreme heat. These conditions were integral to our global design strategy, ensuring that Tensor operates safely and dependably no matter the circumstances. Our robocar is specifically crafted to tackle these extremes and is prepared for the toughest driving environments.
With over 100 sensors, we have multiple methods for perceiving the roadway, ensuring that if camera glare obstructs visibility, lidar and radar capabilities continue to function. Internally, two distinct AI systems consistently verify each other in real-time, similar to two pilots managing the same aircraft. Additionally, our thermal systems are engineered for excellence in hot climates.
Our assurance stems not from conjecture, but from developing a vehicle that is suited to thrive in the very environment it is launched.
Tensor places a strong emphasis on privacy as a core principle rather than just a feature. How does your approach to data management differ from traditional automakers’ practices regarding user information
A major unspoken reality in the automotive industry is that connected vehicles primarily function as data-gathering tools. Many car manufacturers transmit continuous data back to their headquarters and monetize it in ways that drivers may not fully comprehend. We sought to change this paradigm.
With Tensor, data remains with the owner—in an encrypted and local format. We believe your vehicle should serve as a protector, not a source of profit. This mirrors how people initially assumed email communications would always remain private, a notion that was ultimately proven incorrect. We strive to ensure that the foundation of autonomy is built on trust, as technology can only thrive when it is reliable.
Tensor has formed ground-breaking partnerships with Nvidia, VinFast, Oracle, and Marsh. How essential are these collaborations in delivering the technology and ecosystem needed for the robocar
The industry has made remarkable advancements in autonomy—from innovative AI computations to improvements in manufacturing and safety standards. However, transitioning autonomy from concept to personal reality necessitates a network of world-class partners.
Nvidia supplies the computational power required for real-time decision-making. Oracle offers secure digital infrastructure. VinFast ensures production capacity and scalability. Marsh is reimagining insurance approaches for autonomous vehicles.
These partnerships are vital in making Tensor’s aspirations a reality, with the robocar as the focal point. Through this collaborative network, the concept of autonomy evolves from a pivotal industry milestone into a personal, trusted experience.
Insurance for autonomous vehicles remains an ambiguous topic globally. How does your alliance with Marsh aim to establish standards for insuring personal robocars
Historically, every significant advancement in mobility required a corresponding evolution in insurance. The widespread adoption of cars only occurred after insurers developed appropriate underwriting strategies. A similar situation exists in the aviation sector. Today, autonomy faces a comparable hurdle.
Our partnership with Marsh seeks to create innovative risk models that do not mirror traditional frameworks applied to human drivers, but rather reflect the behavior and performance of autonomous systems. This initiative is not about merely establishing new guidelines; by treating robocars as personal properties, we pave the way for a framework that regulators, vehicle owners, and insurers worldwide can adopt.
The robocar is planned for customer deliveries in the second half of 2026. What does the rollout strategy entail regarding markets, production volumes, and regulatory preparedness
We intend for the UAE to be among the initial markets for deliveries given its readiness in terms of ecosystem and clear regulatory framework. Following that, we will consider expansion into other cities with a similar innovative spirit as Dubai. Initial delivery volumes will be modest; we aim to ensure each customer receives exceptional support and an unmatched experience.
As regulations evolve and consumer confidence in the technology increases, we plan to scale production gradually. Our goal extends beyond simply delivering vehicles—we aspire to set a global standard for responsibly integrating autonomy into everyday life.
Considering the UAE and broader Middle East, how do you foresee consumer acceptance of personal autonomous vehicles progressing, particularly in light of Dubai’s commitment to smart mobility
This region is uniquely positioned for rapid adoption. The UAE features a forward-thinking government, consumers who embrace innovation, and a clear policy framework focused on smart mobility—an advantage not present in many other parts of the world. We anticipate that adoption will mimic the trajectory observed with electric vehicles: early enthusiasts will take the lead, and once individuals experience the safety and convenience offered, widespread adoption will quickly follow.