A Survey Study to Explore Comprehension of Autonomous Vehicle’s Communication Features

Abstract

Autonomous vehicle technology is introducing new capabilities and challenges to the transportation system. Along with its inclusion in the on-road transportation, industries are also adapting this technology for ground vehicles to increase the efficiency and safety of material transport at their facilities. Similar to the issues concerning on-road autonomous vehicle and road-user communication, the implementation of autonomous ground vehicles in industrial settings also requires ways for the vehicles to communicate with operators and people nearby. This study created videos of a simulated autonomous industrial vehicle equipped with different types of communicating features. An online survey collected responses (n = 1008) testing twelve external features for people nearby and ten internal features for operators. The findings reveal that a great deal of training is required for people to understand the features based on colored lights. Redundant features and the inclusion of clear texts and audible messages would facilitate comprehending a vehicle’s intended action.