Through the trying glass: Fully autonomous driving and EVs are presently the middle of the dialog on automotive know-how, however BMW is testing a broad vary of improvements. One includes a center floor between self-driving cars and conventional driving that would improve logistical flexibility for patrons.
German automaker BMW allowed CES 2024 attendees to demo a system for remotely driving automobiles. The firm positions the know-how as a tele-operated valet parking system, however different makes use of may emerge.
Customers would first park their cars in a pre-defined space. Pressing a button in a cell app then indicators a remote valet to take control. The proprietor can use the app once more to inform the valet to retrieve the automotive when prepared to depart.
The remote operator sits in a driving rig with a steering wheel surrounded by displays resembling a high-end PC gaming setup. The CES demo managed the automobiles from close by, however BMW claims the system may work at higher distances. Long-distance operations may improve the quantity of accessible valets at any given time.
One benefit of the idea is that it is fully primarily based on current know-how. The remote rig connects to an array of cameras on the automobile and solely requires a stable wi-fi sign. The sensors, exact street infrastructure, and different supplies related to absolutely autonomous cars are pointless.
However, some steps within the remote valet course of contain self-driving performance. For instance, the system can mechanically park a automotive after the motive force approaches a parking house. Furthermore, it mechanically controls the automobile’s high pace primarily based on its environment, dropping to round two miles per hour if an object immediately approaches.
While BMW hasn’t finalized the commercialization of its remote parking service, the know-how may apply to conditions except for valet. When automobiles require transport in locations the place self-driving methods cannot function, remote driving would possibly show simpler than getting a human driver on-site.
If remote driving and valet parking catch on, they may create a new work-from-home job the place an worker or contractor sits in a driving sim rig all day, taking transportation requests from across the globe. Imagine Uber driving changing into a remote job.
Sony additionally demonstrated some remote driving magic at CES by piloting an EV it has been collaborating on utilizing a PlayStation 5 controller. The manufacturing mannequin will not embrace the performance, however the prospect of manipulating automobiles with alternate control strategies raises intriguing potentialities.