#automotive-ai

#automotive-ai

For most, this stuff feels like some far-off future envisioned by tech bros and Wall Street guys, not something they'll ever really have to deal with day-to-day. But amid the last few months of news, including the headlines at CES 2026 and even some key features of the Volvo EX60's recent debut, it's clear that artificial intelligence is pretty much the name of the game right now.

Beyond Wearables Right now, AI is on your face and arms-smart glasses and smart watches-but this year will see it proliferate further into products like earbuds, headphones, and smart clothing. Health tech will see an influx of AI features too, as companies aim to use AI to monitor biometric data from wearables like rings and wristbands. Heath sensors will also continue to show up in newer places like toilets, bath mats, and brassieres.

GM's integration with Gemini is the next logical step for the automaker. Vehicles produced by GM brands Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC already have "Google built-in," an operating system that gives drivers access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other apps directly from the car's infotainment screen. In 2023, Google began using Google Cloud's Dialogflow chatbot to handle non-emergency OnStar features, including common driver queries like routing and navigation assistance.

But that's part of the story of how Polakof's new AI-for-car-dealerships startup Flai got off the ground last year. Founded by Polakof and his brother Alen (also from HappyRobot) at Y Combinator, along with former Netflix data scientist Juan Alzugary, Flai is one of a number of startups trying to use artificial intelligence to improve the experience of buying, selling, or servicing a car at a dealership.