The roads can be a dangerous place. Due to an overwhelming number of external factors, such as the weather, unforeseen roadblocks, and human error, steps are needed to increase road safety. One of the greatest contributions to this shift for safer roads is the advancement of autonomous vehicle teleportation.

What is Autonomous Vehicle Teleoperation?

Teleoperations is a technical term that describes the operation of machines, systems, and robots from a distance. In terms of vehicle transportation, an autonomous vehicle (AV) gives humans or computers the ability to take control of a vehicle remotely. Therefore, a third party can safely navigate the vehicle’s steering, breaks, and acceleration should the driver lose control or simply get the vehicle from point A to point B. The teleoperation in AVs relies on sensors, high-quality cameras, audio, cellular connectivity, and advanced command/ control centers to operate from a distance.

Teleoperation and Self-Driving Vehicles

Teleoperation is needed as an added safety measure for driverless vehicles. As advances are being made to take cars from manual to fully self-driven, regulations are being put in place as a backup for AV’s. While software for AV’s improves with time, research, and experience, teleoperation is needed to solve unknown issues and propel advancements.

There are currently 6 levels of self-driving vehicles or AV’s, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers, ranging from level 0 (fully manual) to level 5 (fully autonomous).

Level 0

Most vehicles on the road are currently level 0 as they are controlled manually with minimal systems in place to help the driver. An example would be the emergency braking system, however, as this does nothing to “drive” the vehicle, it does not qualify for automation.

Level 1

This provides minor driver assistance in the form of steering or accelerating through cruise control, which controls the distance of the vehicle from the one in front. As the driver still needs to monitor other aspects of driving, such as steering and braking, this is the lowest level of automation.

Level 2

The vehicle utilizes partial driving automation, which means both steering and accelerating/ decelerating can be controlled. This doesn’t qualify for self-driving since it requires someone in the driver’s seat who can take control of the car at any time. Tesla Autopilot qualifies as level 2, as well as the Cadillac Super Cruise.

Level 3

With conditional driving automation, there are substantial differences between level 2 and 3 vehicles. Level 3 vehicles have “environmental detection” and can make informed decisions, such as when to safely accelerate or slow down, based on the surroundings. Not fully self-driving, they do still require human override as the driver must remain alert to take control if needed.

Level 4

The jump between levels 3 and 4 is the ability for level 4 vehicles to self-intervene if there is a system failure. This form of high driving automation does not require human intervention in most circumstances; however, driver override is still an option. These vehicles use geofencing, which limits the areas and speeds at to which these vehicles can be driven.

Level 5

Top of the tier! These vehicles have full driving automation and do not require human attention. This level of the vehicle won’t have an option for a human override as they’ll be without steering wheels or acceleration/ breaking pedals, and the rules of geofencing will not be applied. They’re in the making but are not yet available to the public.

What’s Next?

Automated vehicles are a bold and seemingly impossible development. It’s hard to imagine a world of transportation where drivers just sit back and relax as the vehicle does all of the work. Ideally, self-driving vehicles will limit collision rates and create a safer experience for everyone on the road. If all drivers have access to AV’s, the cases of driving under the influence will practically disappear and road safety will be regulated at a whole new level. Until then, there are designated drivers in Vancouver to safely transport people who need assistance. Companies such as Safe Designated Drivers can help with all vehicle needs to transport people safely and efficiently. This includes running everyday errands, business needs to optimize time saved on parking, and deliver customers and their vehicles home safely after a night of drinking. Until self-driving vehicles are fully developed, Safe Designated Drivers are here to help.