Pioneering tele-driving in Europe: Prospects and challenges

Tele-driving, also known as remote driving, typically involves a driver remotely operating a vehicle using real-time video feeds, sensors and augmented reality overlays. This concept is gaining traction, especially in the car-sharing and autonomous vehicle sectors. 

The idea behind tele-driving is to provide a bridge between fully autonomous vehicles and traditional driving. While autonomous technology is advancing rapidly, there are still many situations where human intervention is required. Tele-driving allows for this human oversight without the need for a driver to be physically present in the vehicle. 

One of the primary benefits of this technology is improved operational efficiency in car-sharing services. It can streamline processes like maintenance, delivery and collection of vehicles. For example, customers would no longer need to travel to pick up a shared car; instead, the vehicle can be delivered to their desired location. This capability allows car-sharing companies to regroup their fleets more efficiently, without requiring staff intervention. 

Tele-driving technology can also help to address traffic flow issues and offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional transport methods. Beyond car sharing, tele-driving has potential applications in driver services, car rentals, delivery services and electric vehicle charging operations.

However, with this technology resembling a video game, researchers caution that they must address the risk of reckless driving. While tele-driving may enhance safety in certain situations, it can also introduce new risks around the reliability of the data and video feeds, and the potential for the remote driver to miss critical context in the driving environment. 

Companies are already launching tele-driving in Europe, including Vay and D’leteren. Chief Business Officer, Justin Spratt, at Vay stated: “Tele-driving is the missing piece of the puzzle for car-share business operators". Vay gained attention last year by becoming the first company in Europe to operate driverless vehicles on public roads. They claim that tele-driving technology can boost vehicle redistribution efficiency by up to 200%. 

Author: Jonathan De Vriendt

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.