Abstract

The acceptance of automated vehicles is a necessary condition for realizing the benefits of road vehicle automation. The objective of the thesis was to examine the acceptance of automated vehicles feeding public transport. The thesis investigated the factors contributing to user acceptance, as well as the interrelations of those factors. It was also investigated how acceptance differs across socio-demographic groups and countries. Online questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, a systematic literature review, and accompanied test rides were performed. Participants were asked to imagine the use of automated vehicles (Chapter 2) or physically experienced them in mixed traffic environments in Berlin (Germany) and Trikala (Greece) (Chapters 3–5, 7–8)....

Abstract

The main aim of this research is to look at the attitude of the Austrian public and different stakeholders towards Autonomous mobility, especially self-driving cars and design some possible measures for further research and policy makers on the topic public acceptance, engagement and information. Our research has so far shown that measures concerning traffic safety are key for the successful introduction of autonomous driving in Austria. This approach has to include measures concerning target-oriented information, research about the interaction mode between vulnerable road users and autonomous cars as well as measures regarding future training and licensing.

Abstract

It is hoped that Automated Driving (AD) will make alternatives to the private car more attractive and facilitate the transition to sustainable transport. However, this expectation may underestimate both the resistance of private automobility and the unintended consequences of automated driving. Whether AD will contribute to sustainable mobility depends largely on its implementation and how its risks are prevented. This paper provides empirical insights into the design of acceptable forms of AD by investigating specific use cases with respect to the requirements of different mobility configurations. We pay special attention to people who travel with children. Our use cases comprise three probable types, covering the spectrum from demand-responsive transport (DRT) to private vehicles. Our results include the identification of mobility configurations and an analysis of AD use cases considering several empirically derived criteria: improved accessibility, ease of daily life and well-being, and improvement of the traffic situation and the transport system. Our analysis is based on a qualitative study in the Berlin area, Germany. The discussion focuses on the usefulness of AD against the background of different user perspectives, sustainability, and societal requirements, as well as an evaluation of AD in terms of its acceptability. We conclude that automated mobility use cases should meet the requirements of different mobility configurations to promote the transformation from private to shared automobility and, eventually, less automobility overall. Document type: Article

Abstract

Although the comic has been with us much longer than other arts considered as such without prejudice, there are currently no appropriate search tools that allow us to study this publication genre, so there is a considerable information vacuum in this respect. We briefly discuss the reasons that led to this neglect, and how to end this vicious circle that increasingly isolates the comic from the other arts.

Abstract

The foreseeable advent of conditionally automated cars (CAC) at SAE Level 3 opens up a multitude of questions that have to be addressed for a safe adoption of the new vehicle technology. To explore the opinions of other road users affected and especially of the vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – on CACs, a population survey of road users was conducted in the EU member states France, Germany, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden as well as in Australia and in the USA within the EU-funded project BRAVE. On the basis of 6,608 survey data sets, the study provides reliable findings on acceptance and trust in CACs from a road user’ perspective, on the use of external human-machine interfaces (HMI) as well as on ethical and legal considerations. The road users’ acceptance of CACs appears to be rather positive in principle but varies between the road user groups. At the same time, doubts in trust in CACs from the perspective of the studied groups of road users are identified. Different opinions on ethical and legal issues arise which vary also according to the respondents’ country of residence.

Abstract

LIKE many complex and time-critical domains, air traffic control (ATC) is facing a fundamental modernization that builds on the use of more advanced automation (represented by SESAR in Europe and NextGen in the United States). The current function allocation-based relationship between controller and machine is envisioned to evolve to a more fluid, continuous and mutually coordinated team relationship. Consequently, the controller is expected to assume a supervisory and monitoring role, while relinquishing much of the tactical “hands-on” tasks to automation. ATC automation, in turn, is expected to grow in intelligence and its cognitive abilities to become more of a team member providing decision support and acting more autonomously. In association to these changes, one of the most pressing human factors challenges is how we can design automation that is embraced, accepted and trusted by the controller...

Abstract

LIKE many complex and time-critical domains, air traffic control (ATC) is facing a fundamental modernization that builds on the use of more advanced automation (represented by SESAR in Europe and NextGen in the United States). The current function allocation-based relationship between controller and machine is envisioned to evolve to a more fluid, continuous and mutually coordinated team relationship. Consequently, the controller is expected to assume a supervisory and monitoring role, while relinquishing much of the tactical “hands-on” tasks to automation. ATC automation, in turn, is expected to grow in intelligence and its cognitive abilities to become more of a team member providing decision support and acting more autonomously. In association to these changes, one of the most pressing human factors challenges is how we can design automation that is embraced, accepted and trusted by the controller...

Abstract

Current statistics show that distraction is a central cause of traffic accidents. Safety systems with distance control currently available on the market have great potential for preventing accidents and significantly reducing their severity. However, depending on the driver’s level of attention, the systems warn too early or too late, which impairs use acceptance. Adaptive systems allow for personalization according to driver’s attention level. Studies were carried out in a driving simulator in order to compare the system adaptations with regard to acceptance for attentive and distracted driving phases. Seventy-two participants took part in the study, with a between-subjects test design. Acceptance ratings shows highest acceptability for the adaptive systems in distractive situations. We conclude that personalization of attention-adaptive systems shall be implemented in case safety benefits are proven. Document type: Article

Abstract

Conventional road transport has negative impact on the environment. Stimulating eco-driving through feedback to the driver about his/her energy conservation performance has the potential to reduce CO"inf"2"/inf" emissions and promote fuel cost savings. Not all drivers respond well to the same type of feedback. Research has shown that different drivers are attracted to different types of information and feedback. The goal of this paper is to explore which different driver segments with specific psychographic characteristics can be distinguished, how these characteristics can be used in the development of an ecodriving support system and whether tailoring eco-driving feedback technology to these different driver segments will lead to increased acceptance and thus effectiveness of the eco feedback technology. The driver segments are based on the value orientation theory and learning orientation theory. Different possibilities for feedback were tested in an exploratory study in a driving simulator. An explorative study was selected since the choice of the display (how and when the information is presented) may have a strong impact on the results. This makes testing of the selected driver segments very difficult. The results of the study nevertheless suggest that adapting the display to a driver segment showed an increase in acceptance in certain cases. The results showed small differences for ratings on acceptation, ease of use, favouritism and a lower general rating between matched (e.g., learning display with learning oriented drivers) and mismatched displays (e.g., learning display with performance oriented drivers). Using a display that gives historical feedback and incorporates learning elements suggested a non-verifiable increase in acceptance for learning oriented drivers. However historical feedback and learning elements may be less effective for performance oriented drivers, who may need comparative feedback and game elements to improve energy conserving driving behaviour. © 2015.

Abstract

New driver support systems are developed and introduced to the market at increasing speed. In conditions of traffic congestion drivers may be supported by a "Congestion Assistant", a system that combines the features of a Congestion Warning System (acoustic warning and gas pedal counterforce) and a Stop & Go system (automatic gas and brake pedal during congestion). To gain understanding of the effects of driving with a Congestion Assistant on drivers, mental workload of drivers was registered under different conditions as well as acceptance of the system. Mental workload was measured by means of physiological registrations, i.e. heart rate, a secondary task and with the aid of subjective scaling techniques. Acceptance was measured with an acceptance scale. The study was carried out in an advanced driving simulator. Driving with the Congestion Assistant while in congestion potentially leads to decreased driver mental workload, whereas just before congestion starts, i.e. developing just noticeable, the system may add to the workload of the driver. Acceptance is generally high after experiencing the system, though not in all respects. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.