, Jan. 8 -- At CES in Las Vegas, automakers and tech companies showcased a vision of cars as more than machines-vehicles that can act as proactive companions, adapting to drivers and passengers in real time.

One example presented by Nvidia's Sri Subramanian illustrated a car recognizing a child entering the back seat, knowing it's her birthday, and playing her favorite song automatically. "Think of the car as having a soul and being an extension of your family," Subramanian said. His demonstration highlighted the increasing sophistication of AI systems inside cars and the expanding use of personal data to enhance the driving experience.

Exhibits across the show emphasized cars' ability to monitor occupants' emotions, heart rates, and sa...