Marking a significant advancement in autonomous transportation, Finland has reached a noteworthy milestone by inaugurating its inaugural remote monitoring center for self-driving shuttles in Tampere. Operated by REMOTED, the center aims to support safety drivers and facilitate the transition from vehicle-based control to remote supervision. With the pilot program already underway in Hervanta, where passengers have shown great satisfaction with the robotic buses, the ultimate goal is to achieve full autonomy and eliminate the need for onboard safety attendants. This endeavor stands as a momentous stride towards reshaping public transportation in Finland.
Transforming the commute experience for specific passenger groups
The introduction of driverless shuttles in Tampere has brought about a transformative commuting experience for specific passenger groups. Since January, these autonomous vehicles have been ferrying passengers from the tram terminus to Lintuhytti and operating in the Ahvenisjärvi area of Hervanta. Among the regular customers are pensioners who have found the service particularly beneficial, enjoying the convenience and reliability provided by the robotic buses.
Elevating both safety and efficiency via remote surveillance
To ensure a smooth transition to fully autonomous operation, each of the three autonomous buses currently operating in Hervanta is accompanied by a safety driver. The safety drivers play a vital role in guiding passengers and taking control of the vehicle in case of emergencies or malfunctions. However, REMOTED‘s remote monitoring center aims to gradually reduce reliance on safety drivers by enabling remote control capabilities. By remotely supervising the buses, one supervisor can monitor multiple vehicles, leading to cost savings and increased operational efficiency.
Evaluating the potential of remote control functionalities and seamless information integration
The ongoing testing phase also focuses on exploring the possibilities of remote control functions. Commands such as starting the vehicle, stopping it, and opening the doors can be issued remotely, further enhancing the autonomous capabilities of the robotic buses. Additionally, REMOTED plans to integrate open data, including weather and traffic information, into the monitoring process. Equipped with cameras, the buses provide real-time visual feedback to the remote supervisors, allowing them to detect and address potential issues swiftly.
Positive passenger feedback and future prospects
Despite the challenges, the driverless shuttles have garnered praise from passengers. Over 4,000 passengers in Hervanta and over 1000 in Lintuhytti have already experienced the convenience and reliability of this innovative mode of transportation. Pensioners rely on the service, and families with strollers have appreciated the buses’ accessibility. Integration with existing transportation systems has further increased passenger numbers, with the route guide now indicating seamless transfers between the autonomous buses and other modes of transport. As the day to day of the shuttle service determines the duration of testing before removing safety drivers, the expansion of autonomous shuttle projects and fleet size becomes crucial for a sustainable and driverless future.
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Photo by REMOTED