RTO-Testing: Validation of Remote Operating Concepts and Operator Workstations in the Simulation

Unlike field trials alone, our setup enables:

• Reproducible operational and fault scenarios: consistent conditions for repeatable and comparable tests
• Controlled variables: the degree of automation, information load, time pressure and communication requirements are specifically varied
• Safe testing of critical interventions: faults, rollback situations and degraded modes can be tested without disrupting operations
• Early identification of risks: Usability, workload and decision-making risks are identified prior to roll-out
• Parallel testing of concept variants: Multiple design and operational variants can be compared more quickly
• Transferable findings: Laboratory findings are enriched by real-world operational contexts and user feedback

Our test environment

We combine simulated operational control, operator workstations, scenario control and measurement infrastructure to create a human-in-the-loop test environment. This creates realistic conditions for testing human-machine systems:

Simulated operational control

• Representative routes, operational states and fault scenarios
• Modelling of traffic control systems and operational framework conditions
• Control of scenarios, operational phases and system behaviour

Operator workstations

• Realistic human-machine interfaces, control and monitoring functions
• Communication channels between operators, technical systems, transport operators and the control centre
• Variation in display layout, alarm logic, control functions and feedback mechanisms

Scenario control

• Targeted variation in the degree of automation, information load, time pressure and severity of faults
• Comparison of operational processes under reproducible conditions

Measurement infrastructure

• Recording of behaviour, workload, attention and usability
• Recording of psychophysiological and behavioural data
• Comparison of system variants
• Longitudinal measurements

Our services

We develop and test remote working concepts across the entire value chain – from requirements and workplace design through to evidence-based roll-out.

1. Requirements analysis and role design

We identify the tasks, skills and information requirements necessary for RTO and use these to develop viable role profiles.

• Activity and requirements analysis for control centres, remote control and vehicle operations
• Identification of new roles in network-wide operation of automated vehicles
• Definition of responsibilities, competences and scope for intervention
• Result: Clearly defined task profiles that provide a binding framework for both technology and organisation

2. Design and evaluation of operator workstations

We design and test operating concepts that are safe, intuitive and robust.

• Design of displays, alarms, control functions and feedback channels
• Evaluation of information architecture and operating logic
• Development of design variants for different levels of automation and intervention options
• Result: Usable, safety-oriented workstations with transparent design decisions

3. Scenario and operational mode tests

We investigate how people and systems behave in defined operational situations.

• Analysis of decision-making quality, response behaviour and coordination in normal, abnormal and critical situations
• Assessment of interfaces between operators, technology and transport operators
• Derivation of requirements for technology, processes and organisation
• Result: Reliable findings on human behaviour and system performance prior to implementation

4. Organisational and operational process design

We examine how remote operation is integrated into existing operational workflows.

• Analysis of operational, escalation and communication processes
• Development of shift, responsibility and role models
• Optimisation of collaboration between transport operators, network operators and control centres
• Derivation of scaling and design approaches for operational and service structures
• Result: Practical organisational concepts for scalable remote operations

5. Acceptance and usage validation

We assess whether systems are not only functional but are also accepted and used in everyday life.

• Survey of attitudes, experiences and usage behaviour
• Assessment of perceived usefulness, ease of use, workload and usage
• Development of measures to increase the intention to use
• Result: Evidence-based recommendations for action to promote acceptance and long-term use

6. Field studies, training and support during roll-out

We translate laboratory findings into real-world applications and prepare people for new jobs.

• People, technology and organisation: A holistic approach considering technology, users, organisation and the transport system
• Objective evaluation criteria: Standardised procedures for analysing safety, efficiency and user satisfaction
• Simulation and laboratory research: Controlled experiments on remote operation, automation and monitoring
• Human factors methods: Psychological and ergonomics-based methods for assessing workload, attention, decision-making quality, acceptance and compliance
• Quantitative and qualitative methods: Surveys, interviews, observation, psychophysiological measurements, eye tracking and operational data analysis
• Co-creation with users: workshops, co-design and guided pilot studies
• Transfer and scaling: Derivation of design principles for new levels of automation, control centre models and intermodal systems

From idea to validation

We guide you through the entire validation process – from initial conception through test design, implementation and evaluation to robust design and organisational recommendations.