CES 2025: Gaps, Innovations, and Emerging Trends in Transportation Tech
As CES 2025 began, a few transportation trends started to take shape—alongside some noticeable absences.
Several major U.S. and European automakers, typically key contributors to CES’s reputation as an auto showcase, skipped the event this year. In their place, Chinese automakers like Zeekr (Geely Holdings’ EV brand), Wey (a premium brand under Great Wall Motor), and Xpeng stepped up with prominent booths. The West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, which traditionally hosts vehicle and transportation tech, felt emptier than in previous years.
Not all major announcements involved EVs or physical displays. For instance, Toyota announced the completion of the first phase of Woven City, a prototype city on 175 acres at the foot of Mount Fuji, now inviting startups and inventors to participate. Toyota also revealed it is “exploring rockets,” something not easily exhibited at CES.
Despite the gaps, CES 2025 still showcased a range of transportation innovations. Autonomous vehicle (AV) technology stood out, with a record presence across various applications. Here are some of the top themes from the show
A Bigger Stage for Autonomous Vehicles
Robotaxi developers like May Mobility, Tier IV (Japan), Waymo, and Zoox made their mark. Zoox even offered media rides in its robotaxis during the event.
Autonomous tech also appeared in unexpected places, such as agricultural companies John Deere and Kubota, and startups like Polymath Robotics, which focuses on off-road automation.
A significant number of exhibitors showcased tools supporting automated driving and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as simulation software, machine learning, sensors, and data integration. Honda joined the fray with “Asimo,” a new operating system for its next-gen 0 Series EVs, designed to support ADAS features.
Comma.ai, founded by George Hotz, displayed its open-source driver-assistance system, which can be installed in many vehicles to deliver capabilities akin to Tesla Autopilot or GM’s Super Cruise.
Vay, a startup offering a driverless twist on car-sharing, also announced a major service expansion, although it didn’t exhibit on the show floor.
Nvidia Dominates the Self-Driving Tech Stack
As usual, Nvidia unveiled numerous collaborations with automakers, suppliers, and transportation companies. This year’s standout announcements included:
- Toyota: Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin SoC and DriveOS safety-focused operating system will power Toyota’s future automated vehicles.
- Aurora Innovation and Continental: Nvidia’s Drive Thor SoC and DriveOS will be integrated into Aurora’s AV system, planned for mass production in 2027.
- Uber: Uber will leverage Nvidia’s Cosmos simulation tool and DGX Cloud platform to advance autonomous vehicle technology through partnerships with AV companies.
Screen Innovation Expands
Suppliers introduced creative new uses for in-car screens. Valeo’s Panovision system, set to debut in BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles, integrates a full-screen display along the windshield base with in-cabin driver monitoring. Hyundai Mobis showcased a holographic windshield that acts as a transparent screen for navigation and entertainment.
Generative AI Enters the Driver’s Seat
Generative AI (GenAI) featured prominently across the transportation section. BMW partnered with Amazon to integrate Alexa’s custom assistant technology into its Neue Klasse sedan and other vehicles. This system uses large language models to enable more natural voice commands.
Qualcomm brought generative AI enhancements to its Snapdragon Digital Chassis, adding capabilities such as:
- Real-time distracted driving detection.
- Biometric identification for personalized settings.
- Navigation tailored to driver conditions, like directing tired drivers to coffee shops.
The company also highlighted potential multimodal AI applications, such as identifying landmarks and delivering custom in-car entertainment.
Micromobility Still Thrives
Despite the challenges facing shared micromobility services, ebike and scooter brands had a strong presence in the North Hall. Chinese brands like Vmax, Aima Technology Group, and Heybikes unveiled new models, while Segway introduced two new ebikes with its Intelligent Ride System. Verge Motorcycles’ Donut Lab subsidiary also revealed an innovative electric motor that integrates directly into tires.
From autonomous vehicles to generative AI and micromobility innovations, CES 2025 painted a dynamic picture of the future of transportation, even amid notable absences and a shifting landscape.
