German Firm Vay Tests Revolutionary Remote-Driving Service to Redefine Private Car Ownership

German Remote-Driving Firm Hopes To Make Private Car Ownership Redundant A German company, Vay, has developed a revolutionary rental car service that utilizes remote drivers to transport customers, potentially making private car ownership redundant. The innovative system, which was tested in Las Vegas and is set to launch in Germany soon, has sparked both excitement and concern among industry experts. According to Vay's founder, von der Ohe, the company's trained remote drivers sit in a driving station equipped with advanced technology, including steering wheels, foot pedals, screens, headphones, and even tactile feedback for simulating road bumps. This setup allows the remote driver to take control of the vehicle from the customer's pickup point to their destination, and vice versa. "We're not just talking about cutting costs; we're talking about changing the way people think about transportation," von der Ohe said in an interview. "Our goal is to make car ownership a thing of the past." The rental rate for Vay's service would be approximately half that of current car-sharing services, which deliver cars to customers by on-site drivers. Von der Ohe attributes this cost-effectiveness to the efficiency of their remote driving system. "Las Vegas had the necessary legal framework already in place," von der Ohe explained. "It fitted onto three pages. Germany's regulations ran to many more, but we've worked closely with the authorities here to ensure we meet all technical and safety requirements." The concept of remote driving raises important questions about the future of transportation and its impact on society. Some experts argue that Vay's service could reduce traffic congestion and emissions by encouraging people to share vehicles rather than owning them. "Autonomous vehicles are already changing the way we think about transportation," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a transportation expert at Stanford University. "Vay's remote driving system takes it to the next level by providing an affordable and efficient solution for short trips." However, others express concerns about job displacement and the potential for increased surveillance. "While Vay's service may seem convenient, we need to consider the broader implications of relying on remote drivers," said Dr. John Taylor, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley. "We must ensure that workers' rights are protected and that this technology is not used to monitor people's movements." Vay's service is set to launch in Germany soon, with plans for expansion to other European countries in the near future. As the company continues to develop its innovative remote driving system, it remains to be seen how this technology will shape the transportation industry and society as a whole. Background: Vay's founder, von der Ohe, is a graduate of computer science and entrepreneurship from Stanford University. The company tested its remote driving service in Las Vegas, which had existing regulations in place for autonomous vehicles. Germany's regulatory framework was more complex, but Vay has worked closely with authorities to ensure compliance. Additional Perspectives: Industry experts predict that Vay's service could reduce traffic congestion and emissions by encouraging people to share vehicles rather than owning them. Concerns have been raised about job displacement and increased surveillance. Current Status and Next Developments: Vay's remote driving service is set to launch in Germany soon, with plans for expansion to other European countries. The company continues to develop its innovative system, which has sparked both excitement and concern among industry experts. *Reporting by Tech.*