There are still no vehicles on the road with Level 5 self-driving capabilities that allow vehicles to move from point A to point B without any human intervention. Waymo's self-driving system, for example, can only do this driving on certain roads. There are various efforts underway to develop a Level 5 self-driving system but while waiting for it to exist, a telepilot system may be a temporary solution.
In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, telepilot systems were found to be a solution to the issue of ride-hailing service drivers wasting time looking for customers. This not only harms drivers but also creates air pollution and increases traffic congestion.
Telepilot systems allow taxis to be controlled remotely by human drivers who work from home. This human driver takes over the task of driving a taxi in an area where self-driving taxis cannot operate. After the passenger arrives at the destination, the taxi only needs to be driven back to the operating area before the taxi will return to self-driving operation looking for passengers. A human driver then waits to be called to take over when needed.
Telepilot systems are also useful for situations where there are not enough drivers. As we reported last week, Japan wants to build a 500 km conveyor belt system to deliver cargo and packages due to a shortage of truck drivers.
The telepilot system allows the truck to be taken to the destination but the driver works from home without having to worry about the cost of out-of-town accommodation. Currently two remote taxi services are already operating in Las Vegas.
In fact, in America there are virtual receptionist career workers in hotels and offices. Guests are served by remote workers via computer screens and web cameras. Each of these tele-receptionists works from home in multiple virtual locations simultaneously.