The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been actively exploring the potential of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) to make roadways safer, produce economic and social benefits, and improve efficiency, convenience, and mobility. One initiative was the research project titled "Developing and Operationalizing a Testbed of Connected Self-driving Shuttles to Test and Develop CAV Applications in North Carolina" (NCDOT RP 2022-16). This project successfully developed a fleet of automated shuttles and deployed them on a closed track at NCA&T Gateway Research Park. A follow-up project, RP 2023-35, led to the pilot deployment of NCA&T’s automated shuttles in downtown Greensboro, offering valuable insights into the real-world operation of these vehicles. However, for enhancing and verifying higher levels of driving automation, a critical step remains: removing the need for in-vehicle safety drivers through remote monitoring, assistance, and driving.
Building upon the success of NCDOT RP 2022-16 and RP 2023-35, this research proposal seeks to leverage the existing testbed infrastructure through a Technology Transfer Program project by demonstrating the driverless operation of automated shuttles through the development and implementation of a remote monitoring, assistance, and driving platform. By developing the necessary control, communication, and computational tools, NCA&T will equip the Aggie Auto Shuttles with Remote-Controlled Operation (RCO) capabilities. This will be achieved through:
1. Developing a remote emergency stop process to ensure the safety of the vehicles, incorporating the concept of minimal risk condition.
2. Developing the hardware and software support for the remote monitoring and operation of automated shuttles.
3. Demonstrating the deployment of automated shuttles with no onboard safety driver at NCA&T’s test track.
4. Analyzing and reporting the collected data and the deployment process.
This project therefore demonstrates a proof of concept whereby the research team will develop and test a system that enables the reliable and safe teleoperation of the Aggie Auto Shuttles. This approach will maintain the safety and reliability of the shuttles while removing the physical presence of an in-vehicle safety driver. Having remote access to monitor and control the vehicles will provide a safety fallback option to remotely control the vehicles if needed. This project exemplifies the collaborative efforts required to push the boundaries of innovation in transportation and paves the way for broader adoption of autonomous vehicle technologies.
