Human in the loop automation: ride-hailing with remote (tele-) drivers

Abstract

Tele-driving refers to a novel concept where drivers can remotely operate vehicles. Because remote drivers can be operated as a shared resource, it may be possible for such services to deploy fewer drivers than vehicles without significantly reducing service quality. In this paper, we examine the extent to which this is possible. Using a spatial queueing model that captures the dynamics of pick up and trip times, we show that when workload is sufficiently high (relative to the number of vehicles), perhaps surprisingly, reducing the number of drivers relative to the number of vehicles can improve service level. When workload is sufficiently low, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of drivers without significantly reducing service level.

Speaker’s Profile

I am currently a Postdoc fellow in Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. I obtained my PhD from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. My research interests are in the area of operations management with a focus on innovative technologies and new business models. Specifically, I seek to understand their impact within the contexts of on-demand service platforms, smart mobility solutions, the digital economy, and healthcare systems.