German Startup Vay Introduces Remote Driving as an Alternative to Autonomous Vehicles
German startup Vay is revolutionizing road transportation with its remote driving technology, offering a distinct alternative to autonomous vehicles. Unlike robotaxis or fully autonomous cars, Vay’s approach relies on human drivers operating vehicles remotely from a centralized office using monitors, cameras, and a simulator setup.
Over the past year, Vay has provided test rides in Las Vegas and showcased its technology ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s premier tech event. Thomas von der Ohe, Vay’s CEO and co-founder, emphasizes that their method is cost-effective and doesn’t require the extensive simulations essential for autonomous systems.
“Our core safety principle is that the human driver can make the decision,” von der Ohe explained, distinguishing Vay from companies like Tesla and Waymo. The system employs affordable camera technology instead of expensive Lidar systems used by leading autonomous driving companies.
In Las Vegas, Vay’s fleet has expanded from two to 30 vehicles in just 12 months, completing 6,000 rides. The company currently offers rides at half the cost of Uber or Lyft. Von der Ohe predicts profitability within one to two years, depending on scaling efforts.
While ride-hailing is a significant focus, Vay also sees potential in delivering vehicles directly to consumers for self-driving, likening the model to car rental services. This dual-purpose approach positions Vay as a unique player in the evolving transportation landscape.
