Haptic Feedback for the Transfer of Control in Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

Vehicles offering autonomous features need effective methods for transferring the control from the driver to the vehicle and back. While most research focuses on presenting information the driver might need after retaking control, our study investigates ways to improve the process of transferring control itself. We investigated multimodal feedback with and without haptics and visuals in a simulator study. Results showed that visual and haptic feedback improved driving during handover. Subjective ratings described multimodal feedback without visual as more disruptive than with the visual feedback included. Furthermore, ratings showed a preference for including visual and haptic feedback. These results lead us a step closer to a safe, clear and accepted control transfer process between driver and vehicle.