Tables, footrests, smart speakers: Self-driving cars could become the living rooms of the future

The Cruise Origin electric driverless shuttle is displayed during a reveal event in San Francisco, California, US. The shuttle, called Origin, is designed to be more spacious and passenger-friendly than a conventional, human-driven car. The silver, squared-off vehicle lacks traditional controls like pedals and a steering wheel, freeing up room for multiple people to share rides, Cruise chief executive officer Dan Ammann said at the event. — Photos: Bloomberg

When you slide into the car of the future, you may feel like you've already reached your destination.

You'll sit at tables, under ambient lighting, getting help from voice assistants as you stretch out your legs in reclining seats. And that's appealing to many Americans who already know they want to sleep, send emails or play video games as they zip down the road in a car that operates itself.