Robotic Automobiles: Just How Autonomous Are They in Reality?
In a significant stride towards the future of mobility, Germany has established a new legal framework for autonomous driving. This framework, which came into effect from 2021/2022, allows level 4 autonomous vehicles to navigate designated areas without a human driver, marking a milestone in the development of self-driving technology.
The heart of this framework revolves around two concepts: teleoperation and teleassistance. In teleoperation, humans take over the steering, throttle, and brake in real-time, much like traditional remote control. On the other hand, teleassistance involves human intervention only when necessary, with operators monitoring vehicles from control centers.
In the German model, the central figure is the technical supervision, who remotely monitors vehicles and steps in when needed. This approach is different from the US, where autonomous cars typically drive themselves but are remotely supported through teleassistance.
One of the key features of this new regulation is the remote control regulation, which allows real teleoperation as a separate operating mode. This regulation puts the model of remote-controlled vehicles without a safety driver on a general legal footing.
Notably, major robo-taxi providers in the US rely on teleassistance, with fleet response centers activated when a vehicle needs assistance. However, teleoperation is less common in the US and plays a minor role for mobility providers.
In Germany, current driver assistance systems supporting autonomous vehicles with teleassistance include Level 3 automation approved for BMW models. These models, such as the 5 Series, 7 Series, iX, XM, X5, X6, and X7, allow hands-free driving on certain roads up to 130 km/h, following official approval by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) since mid-2023.
From December 2025, a five-year test phase for remote vehicle control (teleoperated driving) will begin in Germany. This will enable control of vehicles via control centers to complement autonomous functions, particularly useful for complex scenarios or driverless services like ride-hailing and car-sharing.
The aim of this new legal framework, known as StVFernLV, is to integrate teleassistance as a safe supplement to autonomous driving in everyday traffic. In leading markets like California, transportation and utility commissions define conditions for testing and passenger operations, including the role of remote operators.
Vay, a car-sharing startup, received a special permit in Hamburg in 2022 for remote-controlled vehicles without a safety driver, setting a precedent for the future of autonomous driving in Germany.
It's important to note that autonomous vehicles, particularly in commercial services in the USA, can drive independently in designated areas most of the time. However, they still require stable, low-latency connections for teleoperation, which is technically challenging.
As we move towards a future where autonomous vehicles become a common sight, understanding the role of teleoperation and teleassistance is crucial. These technologies are set to revolutionize the way we travel, making our roads safer and more efficient.
[Image Gallery: Autonomous Driving]
