Researchers at Coventry University have contributed their expertise acting as technical authors for a new guide for operating autonomous vehicles.

The guide, titled BSI Flex 1887 – Human Factors for Remote Operation of Vehicles – Guide v1.0, and developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and supported by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), aims to establish good practices for the remote monitoring, assistance and operation of self-driving vehicles.

It comes as the UK government recently launched the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. Professors Stewart Birrell and Kevin Vincent and Dr Adam Bogg from the university’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities (FTC) have gathered extensive feedback from industry leaders and applied their extensive human factors research expertise to create this essential guide.

BSI Flex 1887 provides practical information to help businesses address challenges in operating autonomous vehicles. It emphasises the selection and training of remote operating staff, the organisation’s end-to-end responsibilities and fundamental workstation design principles.

Key considerations include ensuring qualified personnel are chosen and adequately trained for remote operation; implementing effective strategies for assessing and maintaining operator performance; following specific guidelines to enhance efficiency and comfort in the operators’ working environments; and optimising the performance and co-ordination of remote operators through effective management.

While the BSI Flex primarily focuses on road applications, it also serves as guidance for controlled environments lacking specific standards. It is designed to support organisations in implementing remote operation capabilities and services, offering vital insights and best practices.

Said Kevin Vincent, Director at the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Automotive Research and National Transport Design Centre: “This work builds on the research, learning and expertise of our Human Factors Group currently utilised in the CCAV-funded project SCALE (bringing self-driving shuttle services to the West Midlands), along with input from industry leaders, including BSI, CCAV, Department for Transport, Zenzic and other research and technology organisations. It will provide essential guidance to the forthcoming early-stage CAV deployment projects.”