Navigating the challenges of remote operations of automated road vehicles: A socio-technical perspective

Abstract

The advent of automated driving systems introduces a paradigm shift with the possibility to revolutionize transportation systems on our roads. Benefits of improved safety, and operational efficiency is foreseen by actors in the business and the hopes of fully automated vehicles without the need for human intervention is high. However, for a foreseeable future the human still has an important role to play in monitoring and control of vehicles where the technology still is not sufficiently capable to handle all situations – the role of remote operator. This paper explores the human factors of remote operations of road vehicles from a socio-technical systems perspective. The paper points out six socio-technical dimensions of remote operation and discusses the challenges that needs to be considered in human-automation systems design to achieve safety and efficiency in the remote vehicle operations of tomorrow. The paper explores the multidimensional challenge of socio-technical systems design in the remote operation context. To do so, the six key human factors dimensions of remote operation are explained and elaborated. The interrelations between the dimensions are also explored to underline the need to establish a systems thinking approach for remote operation challenges. The goal of the paper is to contribute to, and foster an integrated approach to human-systems interaction in remote operation of road vehicles, acknowledging the complexity and interdependence of elements in this new era of transportation.

Keywords: Remote operation, Automated vehicles, Socio-technical systems

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004466