New teleoperation technology enables the control of Texas A&M's autonomous shuttle in the event of of obstructions, challenging road conditions, sensor malfunction, and difficult or hazardous driving.
Texas A&M
2 min to read
New teleoperation technology enables the control of Texas A&M's autonomous shuttle in the event of of obstructions, challenging road conditions, sensor malfunction, and difficult or hazardous driving.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M University is adding technology, which allows remote-controlled guidance of its autonomous shuttles in the event there is a problem. This is the first commercial deployment on public roads for the teleoperation system developed by Portland, Ore.-based company, Designated Driver.
In the first phase of the deployment, Designated Driver's Remote Assistance will be integrated into the Texas A&M shuttle autonomy system to authorize the shuttle to proceed at four-way intersections and stops. Over time, additional functionality will be added, including the ability to provide the shuttle's autonomy system with alternative routes, when needed, enabling it to safely navigate around unanticipated obstacles.
"Among our most important observations over the past six months, we found that four-way intersections and stops were the most common scenarios where our safety driver had to intervene. Designated Driver's technology provides both remote driving and remote assistance — ideal for easily and safely guiding a vehicle through an intersection," said Dr. Srikanth Saripalli, an associate professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M, who has overseen the shuttle project since its inception in October 2018.
Enabling remote control of vehicles in the event of obstructions, challenging road conditions and sensor malfunction or where operation is difficult or hazardous, Designated Driver offers both remote-driving and remote-assistance models for teleoperation. With remote driving, the teleoperator fully takes charge of the car, using the cameras and sensors in the vehicle to maneuver it. However, in most real-world scenarios, the autonomy system is fully functional but simply unable to determine the safest path forward. In these situations — such as at the stops and intersections encountered by the Texas A&M autonomy system — Designated Driver provides remote-assistance technology.
While Designated Driver technology will eventually replace the safety driver, the shuttles will continue to include a safety navigator who will provide support and educate the passengers on the technology. The shuttles will be controlled and monitored by a dedicated teleoperations center at Texas A&M.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.
The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.
MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.
In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
In this latest episode of METROspectives, we explore the evolving role of transit standards, including how they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability.
USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.
