
Karsan at CES 2026: Where Autonomous Intelligence Meets the Future of Public Transport
At CES 2026, Karsan unveiled its Karsan AI vision, reinforcing its position as a global mobility brand shaping the shift from electric vehicles to intelligent, autonomous public transport systems
| Istanbul:At a show best known for unveiling tomorrow’s technology, Karsan chose CES 2026 to make a clear statement about the future of mobility. The world’s technology-driven public transport brand showcased its field-proven autonomous solutions while formally introducing Karsan AI (Autonomous Intelligence)—a vision that goes beyond electrification and places intelligence at the core of next-generation urban transport. Rather than presenting concepts or prototypes, Karsan arrived at CES with real-world experience. Its autonomous vehicles, already operating in live environments, formed the backbone of its presence at the global technology expo. For Karsan, CES 2026 was not just about visibility; it was about demonstrating credibility in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape. Introducing Karsan AI: Intelligence in Motion At the heart of Karsan’s CES narrative was Karsan AI, defined as Karsan Autonomous Intelligence. The concept reflects a shift in how the company views mobility—not merely as a means of transport, but as an intelligent system capable of perception, decision-making, and continuous learning. “Karsan AI is positioned as a mobility intelligence that perceives, makes instant decisions and continuously learns,” said Karsan CEO Okan Baş. According to him, the future of transportation will not be shaped by electric powertrains alone. Intelligence, autonomy, and adaptability will be just as critical. This philosophy underlines Karsan’s ambition to design transportation systems that actively respond to urban challenges, rather than simply reducing emissions. Autonomous, intelligent vehicles are seen as tools to improve safety, efficiency, and quality of life in cities worldwide. From Electric Evolution to Smart Mobility Karsan’s journey began with electrification, but its presence at CES 2026 marked a decisive step forward. Karsan AI represents the next phase of that evolution—one that integrates autonomous intelligence into public transport systems at scale. By positioning itself as a technology brand at CES, Karsan reinforced its identity as more than a vehicle manufacturer. The company used the global stage to communicate a holistic mobility approach that combines zero-emission vehicles, autonomous driving, and data-driven intelligence into an end-to-end solution. CES also served as a strategic platform to align Karsan’s vision with the expectations of a technology-focused global audience. The company tailored its narrative to highlight not only engineering excellence, but also how autonomous mobility can solve real-world urban problems. Autonomous Public Transport Moves to the Present One of the strongest themes emerging from Karsan’s CES participation was urgency. Autonomous public transport, once viewed as a long-term aspiration, is increasingly becoming a present-day necessity. Globally, cities are grappling with driver shortages, rising operational costs, and growing pressure to maintain reliable public transport services. According to Okan Baş, these challenges are accelerating the shift toward autonomous solutions. Karsan is addressing this transition with a strong emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. The company’s goal is to deploy truly driverless public transport systems, where the safety driver is eventually eliminated in line with regulatory progress. Karsan AI is positioned as the technological foundation for that future. Partnerships and End-to-End Solutions Behind Karsan’s autonomous success lies a strategy built on collaboration. Strong partnerships and an end-to-end solution mindset form the backbone of its autonomous deployments. Rather than offering isolated technologies, Karsan integrates vehicles, software, autonomy systems, and operational support into a unified mobility solution. This approach has allowed the company to move faster from pilot projects to real-world operations, giving it a distinct advantage in a competitive and fast-moving sector. A Clear Message from CES 2026 By the close of CES 2026, Karsan’s message was unambiguous. The mobility of the future will be electric—but it will also be intelligent, autonomous, and human-centric. Technology, in this vision, is not an end in itself, but a means to create safer, more efficient, and more livable cities. “As Karsan, we once again delivered a clear message at CES,” said Baş. “The future of mobility will add real value to human life, and we will continue to be one step ahead in that future.” With Karsan AI now formally introduced on a global stage, the company has positioned itself not just as a participant in the mobility transformation, but as one of its architects—shaping how cities move in the intelligent age. |