Turmoil Behind the Automated Wheel: An Embodied Perspective on Current HMI Developments in Partially Automated Vehicles

Abstract

Cars that include combinations of automated functions, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping (LK), are becoming more and more available to consumers, and higher levels of automation are under development. In the use of these systems, the role of the driver is changing. This new interaction between the driver and the vehicle may result in several human factors problems if not sufficiently supported. These issues include driver distraction, loss of situational awareness and high workload during mode transitions. A large conceptual gap exists on how we can create safe, efficient and fluent interactions between the car and driver both during automation and mode transitions. This study looks at different HMIs from a new perspective: Embodied Interaction. The results of this study identify design spaces that are currently underutilized and may contribute to safe and fluent driver support systems in partially automated cars.