Interaction between users and driverless vehicles in future transport systems will be studied in new SAFER associated project
The project “In the Hub”, now in SAFER’s portfolio will explore and demonstrate how people should interact with driverless vehicles in connected transport systems. The goal is to design new models for interaction that contribute to efficient and safe transportation within, and between, hubs.
As automation, artificial intelligence and connectivity develop, people’s role in interaction with vehicles is changing. In heavy transportation, environments are developed where humans will control a number of connected vehicles with a high level of automation within a hub, for example in a mine, and in traffic between hubs. Research is needed to develop strategies that help the interaction between human and driverless vehicles to work as good as possible.
New models for interaction design
The project will generate new knowledge and new models for interaction design, as well as concrete design concepts for a set of use cases. One of the concepts will also be developed into a more production-ready prototype. The knowledge, design concepts, models and prototype developed in the project will be linked to ongoing development and provide guidance for the other Swedish automotive industries. The result can be used for implementations for in controlled connected transport systems in various forms of hubs, and in the long term in other traffic environments.
Prototype will be tested
The work will focus on a set of use cases where humans will interact with trucks from different locations in a hub. Initially, a user needs analysis, as well as a survey of possible technology for interaction, will be conducted. Based on identified needs, design concepts are created for each use case. One of the concepts will then be further developed into a prototype that will be tested with potential users in a real or simulated user environment.
The project, which is associated, will be placed in SAFER’s research area Road user behaviour. FFI/Vinnova is the financier and the budget is 12 MSEK. SAFER partners in the project are RISE and Scania. The project started in April and aims to end in October 2022.
