Remote Interface Design for Fault Handling of Driverless Trucks

Abstract: There are many potential benefits to reap from driverless trucks in the industry of freight transport. However, there are concerns about the uptime of these vehicles, and the concept of a control tower — that monitors and supports the decision-making of driverless trucks — has been suggested to address those concerns. This thesis aims to explore the interface between a human control tower operator and fleets of driverless trucks through the design and development of such an interface. It is suggested what information and features ought to be included in the interface but more importantly, three aspects of a conceptual framework for further development of the interface are proposed: 1) The main tasks for the control tower. 2) The two key operator roles. 3) A broadened view of the control tower concept.