Meta and Garmin Unveil Gesture-Controlled Car Tech at CES 2026
Garmin and Meta have showcased a new automotive concept at CES 2026. The system combines Meta’s Neural Band with Garmin’s Unified Cabin, allowing drivers and passengers to control in-car features using subtle hand gestures. This marks a step toward wearable-based vehicle interactions without traditional buttons or touchscreens.
The proof of concept integrates Meta’s Neural Band, a wrist-worn device that reads neural signals from muscle movements. By detecting small gestures, it translates them into digital commands like clicks, scrolls, or dial adjustments. In the car, these gestures let users manage infotainment options without lifting a finger.
Garmin’s Unified Cabin serves as the digital cockpit, built around a single control module. It includes features such as a digital vehicle key, an AI assistant, personalised seat settings, and even cabin-wide chat functions. The Neural Band adds another layer, enabling gesture-based control of lighting, audio, and other cabin systems. The collaboration focuses on developing next-generation wearable command systems for vehicles. While still a prototype, the setup demonstrates how EMG technology could replace physical controls. Industry figures like Rocco Basilico, Chief Wearables Officer at EssilorLuxottica, have previously worked with Meta on similar wearable tech, including smart glasses.
The CES 2026 demonstration highlights a potential shift in how drivers and passengers interact with cars. By merging Meta’s neural input tech with Garmin’s digital cockpit, the concept suggests a future where wearables handle in-vehicle commands. Further development could lead to wider adoption of gesture-based controls in automotive design.
