Let’s see Physical AI in motion

Some US cities make hailing a taxi of venture—you would possibly get a automotive with no driver. Duh, robotaxis aren’t new. But what if Physical AI might take over your personal automotive? That’s what CES 2026 confirmed us, and never solely.

What is bodily AI?

To get what Physical AI is, let’s take a enjoyable, a bit nerdy dive. First, let’s rewind to the origin of the phrase “robot.” It comes from the Czech phrase “robota,” that means “forced labor.” When you hear the phrase “robot,” you in all probability consider the long run, however the first industrial robotic, Unimate, confirmed up within the Sixties. Like different robots on the time, Unimate was rule-based—it adopted strict directions to carry out repetitive duties with precision and velocity, nevertheless it lacked flexibility.

Fast ahead to at present, and we’re seeing the rise of Physical AI. It’s all about coaching robots to be taught from real-world or simulated experiences utilizing AI and machine studying. In quick, Physical AI lets robots and units make selections and act in the true world, not simply in digital areas. Below, I’ll stroll you throw how Physical AI can change your driving expertise.

Ford AI assistant

At CES 2026, the Gadget Flow staff got here throughout the Ford AI assistant, which the American automaker calls an “intelligent thread”, a reputation that is sensible when you see the way it works in actual life.

Picture a visit to a lumber yard with stacks of firewood in entrance of you, from full cords to half cords to free bundles, whereas your truck waits for a load. You need a solution, not guesswork or tough math. You pull out your cellphone, snap a photograph of the stack, and ask how a lot will slot in your truck mattress. The assistant reads the picture, figures out the amount, and turns that pile into clear solutions like bundle rely or a portion of a twine. All primarily based in your Ford truck mattress measurement and tie-down setup.

I just like the app-first strategy from Ford as a result of it makes the innovation accessible to extra drivers. You don’t want a brand new truck to see the place Ford AI goes subsequent. The app brings sensible instruments and private assist to the Ford you already personal. By 2027, Ford plans to combine the AI assistant into Ford and Lincoln autos.

Mercedes-Benz MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO

NVIDIA is teaming up with Mercedes-Benz to carry the way forward for driving to life. They’re offering the AI, software program, and the highly effective computing platform for Mercedes’ next-gen driver help programs. At CES 2026, NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, shared a daring imaginative and prescient, saying, “we imagine that someday a billion cars on a road will all be autonomous.”

With MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO, Mercedes-Benz is combining driving help with navigation to make driving safer and smoother. A easy button press lets the automotive navigate by means of metropolis streets with SAE Level 2 assist, from parking to the ultimate vacation spot. Plus, with their cooperative steering, the automotive could make steering modifications at any level with out turning off the system.

The different day, I used to be speaking to a chauffeur who drives for an envoy from a South Asian nation. He was telling me how he does the identical route every single day—forwards and backwards—and the way it’s simply so repetitive and boring. I couldn’t assist however assume that one thing just like the MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO might make a distinction for folks like him. It won’t eradicate the routine, nevertheless it might at the least take among the psychological load off throughout lengthy drives.

MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO will hit the US market later in 2026, although it’s already obtainable in China.

Parting ideas

Physical AI isn’t some distant idea anymore—it’s coming for our automobiles, our on a regular basis routines, and the way in which we work together with machines. From Ford’s sensible assistant serving to you pack a truck to Mercedes’ MB. DRIVE ASSIST PRO easing lengthy drives, the tech feels actual and sensible. I can’t wait to see the way it modifications the highway forward, and I’d prefer to attempt these improvements myself as soon as they hit the market.

Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter overlaying know-how at Gadget Flow. His contributions embrace product evaluations, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.