BlogThe benefits of Teleoperation and its role in the future of ground mobility
The ground mobility ecosystem is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by digitalisation, automation and the need for greater efficiency and sustainability. Against this backdrop of change, teleoperation has emerged as a key technology that could complement or, in some cases, serve as an alternative to autonomous driving.
In Europe particularly, teleoperation could become the standard mode of operation in certain scenarios, as autonomous mobility still faces regulatory barriers and levels of social acceptance that could delay its widespread deployment. A teleoperation-led approach would allow for a more gradual, controlled transformation of transport, without relying solely on full autonomy.
What is teleoperation and how does it work?
Teleoperation allows a vehicle to be controlled remotely by an operator via a high-speed, low-latency communication network. This system, which uses sensors, cameras and advanced connectivity technologies, ensures precise, safe real-time control of the vehicle.
The operator can manage at least three essential aspects: steering, acceleration and braking. However, the system can also be extended to other controls such as lighting, indicators, horn use, door operation and other auxiliary systems, depending on technology developments and application.
Teleoperation can also be complemented by advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which offer functions such as obstacle detection, assisted emergency braking and collision alerts. These solutions serve as additional support for the operator, enhancing safety and reducing the risks associated with potential data transmission delays or human error.
A transforming mobility ecosystem
If teleoperation is effectively integrated into the mobility ecosystem, it could provide multiple benefits across various sectors:
Optimal operations, lower costs
- Enables remote fleet management, maximising resource utilisation.
- Could reduce downtime and the cost of transporting personnel to remote areas.
Enhanced road safety
- In some cases, it would help mitigate human error risk by allowing trained operators to intervene in controlled environments.
- Could minimise driver fatigue and distractions, which are leading causes of road accidents.
- The combination of teleoperation with ADAS systems would add an extra layer of safety, assisting the operator with functions such as pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings and collision mitigation systems. This technological support could help reduce errors and improve response capacity in unforeseen situations.
Driving towards more sustainable mobility
- Contributes to route optimisation and reduced fuel consumption.
- Could encourage fleet electrification by facilitating remote management and supervision of electric vehicles.
Facilitating the adoption of new mobility solutions
- Could accelerate the integration of autonomous vehicles in urban and industrial environments.
- Facilitates more flexible mobility models, such as driverless car-sharing and automation at logistics terminals.
Operation in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments
- Teleoperation would allow vehicles to be operated in high-risk areas such as industrial zones, tunnels, mines or regions affected by natural disasters, without exposing operators to direct danger.
- Could enhance efficiency in inspection and maintenance tasks at critical infrastructure, such as pipelines, power plants and nuclear facilities.
Reducing emergency response times
- Used in ambulances, fire engines and rescue vehicles, teleoperation could enable faster deployment in crisis situations where every second counts.
- In evacuation situations or in the delivery of medical supplies, the ability to operate vehicles without a driver present could speed up assistance and save lives.
Teleoperation has the potential to position itself as a key solution in the ground mobility ecosystem. Although it is still contingent upon on regulatory, technological and social acceptance factors, its ability to optimise operations, enhance road safety and facilitate the adoption of new solutions could make it a fundamental pillar of future mobility.
As technology advances and regulations evolve, teleoperation could play an essential role in the transition towards safer, more efficient, more sustainable transport, providing value to society today in specific use cases.