Teleoperation as a Key Enabler for Connected and Automated Driving (CAD)

Abstract

Paving the way for future mobility, the teleoperation of con- nected and automated vehicles (CAV, SAE 4) represents an approach that effectively leverages the benefits of automated driving while full autonomy is not yet a reality. Safety and reliability are ensured by having a teleoperator as a remote assistant who can support the vehicle remotely and provide guidance in the event of challenges to the driving task that exceed the capabilities of the vehicle automation system. The technology comes with technical, legal and human factors challenges. From a technical perspective, the most pressing issues are latency in data transmission and other issues of connectivity. The legal framework in many EU coun- tries, including Germany, clears the way for remote operation as remote assistance while heavily restricting remote driving. From a Human Factors perspective, situation awareness, telepresence, vigilance, task balance, and workload are crucial concepts that need to be considered when designing for tele- operation. To meet these challenges, a novel human-machine interface (HMI) for the teleoperation of CAVs was developed supported by user-centered methods in iterative steps and evaluated. Results showed that even under elevated induced workload, participants were able to construct sufficient situa- tion awareness and resolve the CAVs’ requests for assistance successfully in typical scenarios. The workplace HMI was rated positively overall, especially with regard to usability and acceptance. The study provided valuable information for the iterative further development of the HMI design. Teleopera- tion may be a viable approach to defragmenting Operational Design Domains (ODD) by using human information process- ing skills.