Remote operation of highly automated vehicles - towards large-scale services

Kurzfassung

Remote operation, known also as tele-operation, is critical for the large-scale deployment future of automated mobility services for people and goods, addressing the limitations of current automated driving systems in handling complex traffic scenarios. Remote operation, i.e. controlling and monitoring of vehicles from a distance, includes remote driving, giving assistance and monitoring of vehicles. It relies on reliable communication, advanced monitoring, and AI-driven software to ensure safe and efficient service. By bridging the gap between the envisioned benefits of automated transport and the current technical capabilities of automated driving systems. In other words, remote operations is an enabler and can serve as a booster for the realisation of cooperative, connected and automated vehicles for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and new smart mobility services on public roads. Current European implementations remain small-scale, with limited vehicle deployments and a few operators managing systems still in development. Scaling up these services is essential to achieve the desired societal impact, however, it presents significant challenges, including technical constraints, legal considerations, and human-system interaction complexities. The evolving role of human remote operators in ensuring safety and resilience in future (semi) automated driving systems, especially in the absence of fully autonomous technological solutions, remains a question requiring further exploration. This special interest session will examine the needs, challenges, and opportunities for scaling remote operation of automated mobility services for people and goods in Europe. Through interactive presentations and discussions, the session will highlight recent findings and diverse perspectives on this emerging topic.