Safetronic 2025: Preview
Without safety, new mobility solutions will fall to the wayside

Safety is a crucial factor and key enabler for the establishment and further development of Remote Driving Systems (RDS) as an independent mobility concept and a practical complement to Automated Driving Systems. The necessity and relevance of remote driving is also increasingly being emphasized by strategic players: leading management consultancies such as McKinsey [1, 2] see remote driving not only as a temporary way of bridging the technical limits of automated systems, but also as an independent mobility concept, for example, in car sharing or ride hailing. Regulatory initiatives such as the German regulation on the operation of remote-controlled vehicles (StFernLV) [3], as well as initial standardizations by the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI), such as the BSI Flex 1887 [4], and research needs from the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) [5] underline the need for further research and development.

Comprehensive focus on safety

Based on more than two years of real-world operation on public streets in urban environments and without a safety driver in the vehicle, we were able to gain extensive knowledge about the technical feasibility and operational safety. The human-in-the-loop, the so-called Remote Driver in particular, has proven to be a key factor in expanding Operational Design Domains (ODDs). While automated systems are inherently restricted to predefined and validated ODDs, remote driving enables vehicles to operate even in complex scenarios by leveraging human judgment. It offers a significant advantage over automated driving in this context. This increases operational availability and accelerates practical deployment compared to purely automated systems [6].

For the qualification of these Remote Drivers, a systematic approach for training and assessment was developed. This is based on a data-based analysis of driver performance and proof of Remote Driver maturity. Research results show significant correlations between driver experience, operational efficiency, and the occurrence of safety-related incidents. These findings provide clear implications for the training, selection, and continuous qualification of Remote Drivers and their maturity [7]. The systematic analysis of remote driving incidents in the field forms the basis for the further development of these technologies. Using a specially developed classification system for remote driving purposes [8], safety-relevant and safety-critical incidents can be evaluated in a standardized and transparent manner, which serves as a practical tool for the controlled use of remote driving in public road traffic.

Through this comprehensive focus on safety, including addressing regulatory requirements, developing a robust safety management system, and the systematic training of Remote Drivers, it is demonstrated that remote driving represents a technically feasible and operationally safe mobility solution. The presentation thus offers a practical, data-based insight into current developments, challenges, and prospects for remote driving as a standalone mobility solution as well as a viable addition to Automated Driving Systems.

Key takeaways for the audience:

1. Remote driving as a standalone mobility concept: Remote driving is not just a transitional solution for automated systems; it is emerging as an independent and practical mobility option, especially for use cases like car sharing and ride hailing.
2. Safe operation without an in-vehicle safety driver is feasible: Two years of real-world operation on public streets without a safety driver in the vehicle demonstrate the technical feasibility and operational safety of Remote Driving Systems.
3. Remote Driver as a key to expanding the ODD: Human judgment allows remote drivers to handle complex scenarios beyond the limits of predefined ODDs, providing a critical advantage over automated systems.
4. Data-driven qualification and performance assessment of Remote Drivers: A systematic training and evaluation approach reveals a strong link between driver experience, operational efficiency, and safety. This is crucial for selection, qualification, and continuous improvement.
5. Standardized incident classification enhances safety oversight: A purpose-built classification system enables consistent, transparent evaluation of safety-relevant and critical incidents, supporting controlled public deployment of remote driving.
6. Safety management as an enabler for new mobility: By meeting regulatory requirements, implementing a robust safety management system, and training qualified Remote Drivers, it is shown that remote driving is a viable, safe, and scalable mobility solution.

References:

[1] A. Kelkar, K. Heineke, M. Kellner, and A.-S. Smith, ”RemoteDriving Services: The Next Disruption in Mobility Innovation?“, McKinsey & Company, Jan. 2025.

[2] K. Heineke, M. Kellner, A.-S. Smith, and M. Rebmann, ”Are consumers ready for remote driving?“, McKinsey & Company, Sep. 2024.

[3] Straßenverkehr‑Fernlenk‑Verordnung (StVFernLV) vom 16. Juli 2025 (BGBl. I Nr. 176 vom 25. Juli 2025

[4] BSI Flex 1887: British Standards Institution, BSI Flex 1887: Human Factors for Remote Operation of Vehicles, London, UK, May 2024.

[5] Arbeitsgruppe Forschungsbedarf Teleoperation, Abschlussbericht der Arbeitsgruppe ”Forschungsbedarf Teleoperation“, Sep. 2023.

[6] Hans, Ole, and Benedikt Walter. "ODD design for automated and remote driving systems: A path to remotely backed autonomy." presented at 9th International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Engineering (ICITE 2024).

[7] Hans, Ole, Benedikt Walter, and Jürgen Adamy. "Evaluation of Remote Driver Performance in Urban Environment Operational Design Domains." IEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems, vol. 6, pp. 722–737, 2025.

[8] Hans, Ole, and Jürgen Adamy. ”Learning from Disengagements: An Analysis of Safety Driver Interventions during Remote Driving.“ presented at IEEE Intelligent Vehicles Symposium (IV 2025).