On-road vehicles equipped with driving automation features are entering the
mainstream public space. This category of vehicles is now extending to
include those where a human might not be needed for operation on board.
Several pilot programs are underway, and the first permits for commercial
usage of vehicles without an onboard operator are being issued. However,
questions like “How safe is safe enough?” and “What to do if the system
fails?” persist. This is where remote operation comes in, which is an
additional layer to the automated driving system where a human assists the
so-called “driverless” vehicle in certain situations. Such remote-operation
solutions introduce additional challenges and potential risks as the entire
chain of “automated vehicle, communication network, and human operator” now
needs to work together safely, effectively, and practically.
And as much as there are technical questions regarding network latency,
bandwidth, cybersecurity, etc., aspects like human workload, attentiveness,
and situational awareness also need to be clarified. Furthermore, on an even
higher level, experts still debate the relevance of remote operation to
launch automated vehicles—with various expert opinions ranging from they are
“essential requirement” to “not advisable.” At the same time, many experts
assume that virtually any company aiming for vehicles with SAE Level 4
driving automation is considering at least some form of remote
operation.
This chapter aims to highlight those unsettled issues and introduce solutions
that are evolving. Similarly, developing standards and regulations are also
summarized, which are needed to provide frameworks for the deployment of
such driving automation with remote operation.