Rheinmetall and Rheinbahn Launch Pilot Operation for Teleoperated Driving

Technology group Rheinmetall and the Düsseldorf public transport operator Rheinbahn AG are launching a pilot operation for teleoperated shuttles at Düsseldorf Airport in May 2026. The initiative aims to test remote-controlled vehicles as a key technology for flexible and economical on-demand shuttle services in urban areas.

The pilot will see shuttle buses operate between the airport train station, the EUREF campus, and the airport terminal on public roads. The vehicles will be precisely controlled and continuously monitored from a remote control center without a driver on board. During the test phase, a safety driver will accompany the operation to ensure additional security.

The project focuses on further developing the technology under real traffic conditions and evaluating its operational safety, system stability, integration into existing traffic structures, passenger acceptance, and economic viability. The findings are intended to lay the groundwork for potential future deployment in public transport, logistics, and agriculture.

Rheinbahn board member Annette Grabbe stated, "We must consistently examine technological options if we want to ensure reliability." She added that decisions on whether teleoperation will become a permanent part of their operational structure will be based on solid data, emphasizing the goal of making operations more stable and offering passengers real added value.

Win Neidlinger, Managing Director of MIRA GmbH, sees the teleoperation solution as a significant contribution to shaping sustainable public transport and addressing staff shortages. Düsseldorf's Mayor Stephan Keller highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in testing new technologies for everyday use and positioning Düsseldorf as an innovation hub for future mobility.