Transurban have partnered with a Silicon Valley start-up and the Virginia Department of Transportation to test a new safety pilot.
Phantom Auto has developed the safety system which has the ability to take over operation of a vehicle during situations such as incidents or work zones.
This could enable an operator to be removed from dangerous situations in work sites where a remote driver could handle the scenario better than self driving technology.
The test involved a person sitting inside a room controlling the car as would normally be done by the driver, miles away from the car they were actually operating.
With real time connectivity a trained operator was able to take control of the remote vehicle using a wheel and pedals set up at Transurban’s headquarters in Washington DC.
The operator was sent live feeds from cameras on the car to ensure correct visibility.
The screens also showed speed and fuel just as would be seen inside the car.
The first test was performed on the 95 Express Lanes with no other traffic and was conducted successfully.
Transurban says the test has proved there is a possibility for drivers to operate cars or other vehicles from remote locations.
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