Understanding the Workload of Remote Truck Operators with Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract

This study employs a discrete event simulation (DES) model to understand the dynamic workload of remote truck operators managing partially-automated trucks. The DES model uses operator queues and event generators simulating automated truck events and leverages data from the California DMV’s disengagement database and driving simulation experiments. Disengagement data were partitioned into three groups by disengagement frequency: low, moderate, and high and separate arrival time distributions were developed for each group. Simulations from the model suggest that for companies with low disengagement rates, operator utilization will likely remain below minimal thresholds to prevent boredom. In contrast, companies with moderate or high disengagement rates both exceed operator utilization capacity and generate prolonged wait times as more trucks are controlled. These findings suggest that calibrating remote truck control to human capabilities will be challenging. A sensitivity analysis suggests that accurately estimating disengagement rates will be crucial for model accuracy and predictive performance.