German startup Vay has announced the launch of its new commercial service in Las Vegas, offering a unique remote-driving experience. Unlike autonomous vehicles, Vay’s service relies on a “teledriver” who remotely operates the vehicle for customers. The service is currently available in specific areas of Las Vegas, including the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the city’s arts district, where customers can rent electric short-term rental cars by the minute.
Vay CEO Thomas von der Ohe revealed plans to expand the company’s vehicle fleet during the first quarter of the year to meet growing demand. Despite the use of remote drivers, Vay aims to gradually introduce autonomous features as it continues to advance its technology. Unlike other autonomous vehicle developers that rely on expensive lidar and radar technology, Vay utilizes cameras that are more cost-effective.
In addition to short-term car rentals, Vay is also exploring partnerships with automakers to incorporate remote driving functions for services such as remote valet. Von der Ohe envisions a future where every vehicle comes equipped with teledriving capabilities, allowing customers to enjoy on-demand tele-valet services. This would include parking their car remotely and even having a teledriver take them home if they are unable to drive themselves.
The launch of Vay’s service comes at a challenging time for the autonomous vehicle industry, especially with regards to regulatory scrutiny. General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle unit faced setbacks due to a highly publicized accident involving a pedestrian. However, Vay believes there is a significant use case for remote driving functions and remains optimistic about the future of autonomous technology.
Overall, Vay’s innovative approach to remote-driving offers customers a unique and convenient way to access electric short-term rental cars in Las Vegas. As the company continues to expand its fleet and integrate autonomous features, it aims to revolutionize the way people interact with vehicles, providing a safe and efficient solution for transportation needs.
The source of the article is from the blog papodemusica.com