01:06 16-02-2026

GM's intelligent steering wheel system with integrated touchscreen

General Motors has filed patent application US 2026/0034883 A1, describing an intelligent steering wheel system with an integrated touchscreen. The document was submitted in August 2024 and published on February 5, 2026. The inventors listed are Michigan-based engineers Trevor Kyle and Matthew Bruce.

According to the description, the touchscreen display is positioned in the central hub of the steering wheel and is intended for use in vehicles with electric power steering. The screen shows interactive control elements—buttons, switches, and other touch interfaces for operating vehicle subsystems. Users will be able to customize the layout of these elements to suit their preferences.

A key feature of this development is its adaptive interface. The system receives data from sensors that monitor the steering wheel’s angle of rotation and the driver’s hand positions. Depending on how the front wheels are turned and where the driver’s hands are placed, the control elements can change orientation or shift to remain within a comfortable reach zone. For example, a steering angle indicator would visually mirror the direction of the wheels.

The design also includes pressure sensors in the wheel rim for more precise grip detection, directional light indicators, and the option to disable automatic interface element movement or configure them manually. For now, this remains just a patent, but such solutions could become part of future GM models, including electric vehicles and cars with advanced autonomous driving systems.

A touchscreen steering wheel seems a logical next step in cabin digitization, though questions around ergonomics and safety remain. Tactile feedback and familiar physical buttons are still more intuitive, especially in emergency situations.