Investigating Temporal Changes of Behavioral Adaptation and User Experience During Highly Automated Driving

Abstract

Sleepiness and micro-sleep as a consequence of the monotony of moving in queues as well as a very stressful daily routine of truck drivers put a serious risk on traffic safety (National Transportation Safety Board 1995). The automation of heavy traffic provides an opportunity to enhance traffic safety and drivers’ convenience and allows the safe use of integrated infotainment and communication systems. The research project TANGO (German abbreviation for “Technologie für automatisiertes Fahren nutzergerecht optimiert”, English equivalent “Technology for autonomous driving, optimized to user needs”) is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. It takes place in cooperation with Robert Bosch GmbH, Volkswagen Aktien-gesellschaft, MAN Truck & Bus, University of Stuttgart and Stuttgart Media University. The project aims at improving user experience and acceptance of (highly) automated driving functions for trucks. The project focuses the user-centered development of an Attention and Activity Assistance system (AAA) which provides the truck driver with a variance of non-driving-related activities based on current traffic situation, automation level up to SAE level 3 (SAE international 2018), and the driver’s current attentional state. While behavioral adaptation of drivers to the first use of highly automated systems has already been considered in a number of studies, little is known about the development of these behavioral changes over time, when familiarity with the system increases. In order to address these issues, a long term static driving simulator study will be conducted in spring 2019. The central research subject is the adaptation of drivers’ behavior in take-over scenarios with low time budgets, which require an immediate reaction by the driver. The study will run from March to June, 2019. First research results will be presented at the HCI International Conference in July.