Texas Technology Task Force

The Texas Technology Task Force advances the development of a high-performance transportation system, which will continue to position Texas as a leader in economic activity and technological innovation.

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Phone conference ID: 862 978 085#

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• Tenant key: txdot-gov@m.webex.com
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Meeting Objectives:

• Explore the complex role and functionality of remote assistance in CAV deployments, including key differences in remote assistance and tele-operations, and outline key methods to promote safety and reliability on Texas roadways.
• Discuss the nuanced role of remote driving in CAV operations and identify necessary physical and digital infrastructure to enable reliable, low-latency operations.
• Consider real-world applications of emerging technologies into traffic management operations and how these solutions can be harnessed to fit the needs of Texas' diverse mobility network.

Agenda:

1:00 PM | Welcome and Introductions - Darran Anderson, TxDOT and Amit Bhasin, UT Austin

1:10 PM | Texas Technology Task Force Updates and Meeting Objectives - UT Austin

TxDOT kicks off the meeting with an update to ongoing innovation within Texas mobility and frames goals for the Texas Technology Task Force meeting. UT Austin provides an overview of the Texas Technology Task Force priority topics and upcoming efforts.

1:15 PM | Primer and Definitions: Remote Assistance and Tele-Operations for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)

This presentation provides a primer on the differences between remote assistance and tele-operations, including use cases, technology maturity, and key considerations for Texas. The lightning overview will set the stage for subsequent panel discussions. Presenter: Gracie Gumm, UT Austin Center for Transportation Research

1:20 PM | The Role of Remote Assistance and Tele-Operations in CAV Deployments

This panel explores the role of both remote assistance and tele-operations, sometimes called remote driving, in the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). Remote assistance provides real-time guidance when CAVs encounter unexpected scenarios, ensuring adaptability and safety in complex environments. Tele-operations, also known as remote driving, represent a more direct human-in-the-loop model, where a remote operator can assume full control of the vehicle when necessary. Panelists will examine current applications, use cases, regulatory considerations, and safety protocols for both approaches, highlighting early lessons from deployments and discussing how these technologies are shaping the future of CAV operations.

Moderator: Avery Ash, SAFE, Task Force Member Jeremiah Kuntz, Senior Manager of Government Relations, Aurora Captain Oscar Luna, Texas Department of Public Safety Anita Kim, Director of Government Affairs and Policy, Torc Mark Worman, Deputy Commissioner of Property and Casualty Division, Texas Department of Insurance Hillary Cain, Senior Vice President of Policy, Alliance for Automotive Innovation

2:50 PM | Break

3:00 PM | Overview of 2025 Annual Task Force White Papers - UT Austin Texas Transportation Users of the Future Innovation and Mobility in Rural Texas Presenter: Morgan Avera, UT Austin Center for Transportation Research

Innovation and Mobility in Rural Texas Presenter: Sadam Hossain, UT Austin Center for Transportation Research

3:10 PM | TMC of the Future As the transportation system grows more complex, the need for smarter and more connected traffic management strategies is greater than ever. This panel explores how data sharing and emerging technologies can revolutionize traffic management capabilities across Texas. From centralized platforms that enable seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions to real-time data tools that enhance situational awareness for first responders and that inform the public, panelists will discuss how the future of traffic management lies in integrated, responsive, and data-driven systems.

Moderator: Cathy Kratz, Traffic Safety Division Deputy Director, TxDOT Ashley Hill, Director of Transportation Operations, TxDOT Bryan District Ally Richy, Traffic Management Center Manager, City of Austin MMC Farhan Khan, Director of Transportation Operations, TxDOT Beaumont District

4:10 PM | Discussion with the Experts and Audience Q&A

4:15 PM | Rapid Reflections from Task Force Members

4:25 PM | Closing Remarks - Darran Anderson, TxDOT and Amit Bhasin, UT Austin

4:30 PM | Adjourn.

The 83rd Texas Legislature (2013) issued a mandate to TxDOT to establish a technology task force to monitor and advise on emerging transportation technologies. The Texas Technology Task Force was formed following this mandate with a deliberate composition of subject matter experts across industry, research institutions, and public agencies with extensive knowledge in vehicle automation, telecommunications, big data, innovative funding and partnerships, transit, freight, long-range and strategic planning, and additional areas of expertise. Task Force membership is dynamic and undergoes periodic review to ensure that the right mix of expertise is included to capture perspectives on new technologies and innovative processes.

Mission and activities

The Task Force has designed its activities to advance the mission of transformational technology discovery, stakeholder engagement, coordination, and planning with other state agencies and developing strategic recommendations for technology advancement. The Task Force activities are planned around its organizing principles of People, Portfolio, Plans, and Process.

The Task Force documents their work by submitting annual white papers on information regarding innovative technologies, policies, or programs. The 2022 Technology Utilization Plan (TUP) identifies opportunities for TxDOT to use advanced technology to reasonably meet existing and anticipated goals in the near and long term. This plan discusses leveraging Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the transportation sector. It also recommends that in the near-term TxDOT should "look for data procurement opportunities to encourage improved collaboration and innovation among public agencies”. The document recommends “leveraging data from connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and prioritizing cybersecurity to mitigate risks associated with the states data resources". The utilization plan acknowledges that AI can have a positive influence on safety, congestion, sustainability, access, and maintenance. More details about this information can be found on the2022 Tech Utilization Plan.