Texas A&M University will add Designated Driver’s teleoperation technology to its autonomous shuttles.

A developer of teleoperation technologies for autonomous vehicles, Designated Driver says that this is the first time that a teleoperation system is being deployed commercially on public roads. The company says that its system will provide remote guidance and way points to the shuttles operating in downtown Bryan, Texas.

“We are enabling Texas A&M to get the safety driver out of the driver’s seat by deploying a reliable teleoperation solution,” says Manuela Papadopol, CEO, Designated Driver.

“This model lowers the barrier to entry for any company to provide safe autonomous solutions. We’re excited to help Texas A&M continue to expand its autonomous shuttle program in other vehicles and cities and look forward to using this opportunity to further study the behavior of teleoperators and provide the best user experience for all riders.”

During the first phase of the deployment, the Texas A&M shuttle autonomy system will be equipped with Designated Driver’s Remote Assistance. This system will authorize the shuttle to proceed at four-way intersections and stops.

More Designated Driver functionality will be added over time, including the ability to provide the shuttle’s autonomy system with alternative routes, when needed, to enable safe navigation around unanticipated obstacles.

Designated Driver says that it enables remote control of vehicles in the event of obstructions, challenging road conditions and sensor malfunction or where operation is difficult or hazardous. The company adds that it offers both remote-driving and remote-assistance models for teleoperation.

During remote driving, the teleoperator takes full control of the vehicle, and maneuvers it using the cameras and sensors in the vehicle. Designated Driver notes that in most real-world scenarios, the autonomy system is fully functional, but it is unable to determine the safest path forward, so in these cases, Designated Driver provides remote-assistance technology.

The shuttles will continue to have a safety navigator onboard to provide support and educate the passengers on the technology. A dedicated teleoperations center at Texas A&M will control and monitor the shuttles.