Garmin and Meta redefine car controls with wearable tech at CES 2026

Garmin and Meta have showcased a new way to control cars using wearable tech. The partnership combines Meta's Neural Band with Garmin's Unified Cabin, a digital cockpit system. The concept was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. The system links Meta's wrist-worn Neural Band with Garmin's in-vehicle controls. The Neural Band uses EMG technology to read neural signals, turning them into digital commands. Simple hand gestures let users click, scroll, or adjust settings without touching a screen.

In the demonstration, passengers managed infotainment features through subtle movements. The set-up also included seat-specific audio, lighting effects, and a personal audio sphere. Garmin's Unified Cabin adds a digital vehicle key and an AI assistant for extra convenience.

Both companies aim to push wearable-based vehicle controls further. The proof of concept suggests future cars could rely more on gesture-driven interactions. Meta's vice president, Alex Himel, called the Neural Band the best way to control any device. The collaboration highlights a shift toward wearable tech in automotive design. Garmin and Meta's system could influence how drivers and passengers interact with vehicles. For now, the concept remains a prototype, with no confirmed release date or wider adoption.