Hyundai patents voice and gesture control system for vehicles

Hyundai has filed a patent for a new vehicle control system that integrates voice commands with gesture recognition to simplify user interaction. The technology, detailed in U.S. patent application 2026/0260654 A1, aims to allow occupants to control vehicle functions by pointing at specific components while issuing simple verbal instructions.

For example, a passenger could point toward a window and say “open” rather than using complex, specific phrasing. The system utilizes internal cameras and sensors to monitor hand movements, using factors such as size, orientation, and movement to identify the specific gesture.

A key feature of the patent is the system's ability to distinguish between multiple passengers. It can identify which seat a voice originated from and match that specific occupant with their corresponding hand gesture, preventing confusion in crowded cabins. The proposed technology could potentially control various features, including climate systems, seating adjustments, media, and seat heaters.