Halo Car, the groundbreaking startup specializing in remote-operated vehicle delivery, has unveiled driverless operations in Las Vegas. However, unlike traditional autonomous vehicle companies such as Cruise or Waymo, Halo’s unique business model operates differently. Instead of relying on autonomous vehicles, Halo uses remote operators to steer their fleet.
The company’s arsenal includes an array of devices like six cameras, modems, antennas, and other intricate components, all of which facilitate real-time data transmission back to a centralized operations center. It’s from these remote control stations that Halo’s pilots masterfully navigate the vehicles using the data streamed to them. After successfully delivering the vehicle to a customer, the remote pilot relinquishes control, allowing the customer to take the wheel.
Up until now, despite using teleoperations, there was always a human driver in the front seat as a safety precaution. This significant shift towards driverless deliveries is a substantial stride towards Halo’s ultimate vision: economically viable on-demand vehicles, according to Anand Nandakumar, the founder and CEO of Halo.
Halo isn’t quite there yet in terms of achieving profitable unit economics. Initially, a remote chase car will follow the remotely controlled vehicle, ready to intervene if necessary. This tail vehicle also serves as a buffer, preventing rear-end collisions if the Halo vehicle abruptly halts, thereby adhering to Nevada’s minimal risk condition that mandates vehicles to stop in case of a system malfunction.
Over the next year, the plan is to phase out the chase car, depending on the efficacy of the current operations, says Nandakumar. This evolution will happen gradually across different zones and at varying times.
Though Halo is currently leading the charge in remote-piloted EVs in Las Vegas, they are not alone in their endeavors. Back in December 2022, Arcimoto, maker of the electric Fun Utility Vehicles, partnered with Faction to create an EV delivery system combining low-level autonomy with tele-assist technology.
Halo’s announcement follows six months of rigorous internal testing and training. The firm had initially aimed for a driverless launch by the end of 2022 but opted for a delay to prioritize safety assurance.
“The path to AVs rollout has shown us that numerous potential issues can arise when there’s no driver in the vehicle,” Nandakumar comments, referencing instances where robotaxis hindered traffic flow. Halo’s focus is to minimize public disruption and guarantee safety.
Connectivity is central to Halo’s business model. The vehicles are controlled over T-Mobile’s 5G network, with AT&T and Verizon as backup, and an algorithm to switch to the strongest connection, ensuring reliable and low-latency streaming.
From Thursday, Halo’s driverless deliveries will operate in downtown Las Vegas from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with plans to broaden their coverage area soon. Halo’s 20-strong fleet consists of Chevy Bolt EVs and Kia Niro EVs and the company aims to grow its fleet to hundreds before extending to new cities in 2024.
Nandakumar sees this move as a major milestone, affirming their remote-piloting technology as not just innovative, but ready for commercial use and expansion. The goal remains the same, he notes: “to provide affordable, accessible, efficient EV transportation.”
