The Self-Driving Car of the Future Comes With ... a Bookshelf
In the "Σtos" concept, Harman and Rinspeed explore what the inside of a car looks like when the human's no longer needed.

Harman
One of the most exciting things about the coming age of autonomous driving is all the ways it will free designers from constraints like forward-facing seats, a steering wheel, and the need to pay attention. Connected car company Harman and automotive design firm Rinspeed explore this new freedom in the questionably named "Σtos" concept, envisioning what cars might look like when a human driver becomes a thing of the past.
Harman01Let the human drive, sometimes.
OK, a human will be in charge at least some of the time. No matter [what Google says](http://slim-weight.info/2015/05/google-wants-eliminate-human-driving-5-years/), the day when robots take over driving altogether remains a great many years away. That's why Harman's connected car concept still includes a steering wheel, gear shifter, and pedals.
Harman02Organize your life.
As you clamber inside, the car will detect a signal from your cellphone to figure out who you are, and coordinate your calendar, contacts, email, and other things to optimize your time on the road.
Harman03Let the robot take over.
When the robot is in charge, the suddenly vestigial steering wheel collapses into the dashboard (recent concepts from Volvo and Audi [do the same](http://slim-weight.info/2015/01/rode-500-miles-self-driving-car-saw-future-boring/)). That leaves the human in the driver's seat, as well as her passenger, free to play with the 21.5-inch 4K displays in front of their eyeballs.
Harman04Separate screens, together.
Those screens are all about making the riding experience comfortable and convenient, Harman says. Each features three "tiles," or chunks of content, that can be arranged based on personal preference, or even sent to the neighboring screen with a swipe.
Harman05Robot in charge.
The car of the future is like the London of today—there are cameras everywhere. They'll be outside the vehicle, helping with the driving and parking. They'll be inside, for when you want to use those big ol' screens to Skype someone. Harman's even exploring using cameras to watch drivers' pupils for signs of distraction. Even in mostly autonomous vehicles, it's good to know when the human's paying attention, in case the robot needs an assist at the wheel.
Harman06Get your reading done.
Where the driver gets a steering wheel, the passenger gets ... a bookshelf. It's not exactly the first thing you'd expect to find in a car made for the future, but Harman believes paper books will hold sway—and that there's a place for humor in concepts cars like this one.
Alex Davies is a senior editor at Insider and the former editor of WIRED’s transportation section, where he specialized in covering autonomous and electric vehicles. He is also the author of Driven, a book chronicling the origin of and race to create the self-driving car. ... Read More
The EV Battery Tech That’s Worth the Hype, According to Experts
Major battery breakthroughs seemingly happen every day, but only some of that tech ever leaves the lab. WIRED breaks down what’s actually going to change EVs and what’s just a dream.
Chinese Beverage Chains Spread Across the US, Challenging Starbucks' Dominance
Luckin Coffee, Chagee, and other Chinese brands are targeting US consumers with Instagram-worthy drinks sold through sleek mobile apps.
When Will the US Finally Get $15K EVs?
Super-cheap EVs exist in other parts of the world, as advances in battery tech and manufacturing are making new cars significantly cheaper. But the US market presents unique challenges for automakers.
AI Will Kill the Smartphone—and Maybe the Screen Entirely
Screens might feel necessary. They’re not. If done right, the AI revolution will free us from their merciless tyranny.
ICE Wants to Build a Shadow Deportation Network in Texas
A new ICE proposal outlines a 24/7 transport operation run by armed contractors—turning Texas into the logistical backbone of an industrialized deportation machine.
Hate Meta? Even Realities Is Making the Smart Glasses You Want
The company announced the Even G2 smart glasses, sporting a bigger display in a lighter frame, alongside the R1 smart ring, which can control the display on the lenses.
Battle of the Branches: Best Artificial Christmas Trees 2025
WIRED brought 10 of the most popular artificial Christmas trees into a studio, had volunteers assemble them, then got three interior designers to pick the best through blind judging.
NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Jet Takes Flight
The X-59 successfully completed its inaugural flight—a step toward developing quieter supersonic jets that could one day fly customers more than twice as fast as commercial airliners.
IKEA’s Smart Home Reset Goes Back to Basics
Ikea’s new 21-product series of bulbs, sensors, and remotes is dirt cheap, idiot-proof, Matter-ready, and designed to work with everything. But it’s still years from the promised house of the future.
33 Best Gifts for Cat Lovers
Want to surprise your feline friend or find the perfect gift for a cat lover? WIRED has you covered.
The Best Dyson Vacuums That Are Worth the Money
Feeling the pull of a new clean machine? We’ll help you make sense of Dyson’s whirlwind vacuum lineup.
How Data Centers Actually Work
In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we discuss the economics and environmental impacts of energy-hungry data centers and whether these facilities are sustainable in the age of AI.