Faurecia, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, and Stanford University’s Center for Design Research, have formed a partnership aimed at studying potential behavioral changes in an autonomous vehicle. The organizations will share initial research findings at the Connected Car Expo on November 17, during the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Faurecia and Stanford have identified several important challenges the industry must address to mitigate consumer apprehension to new driving modes:
- Creating a confident occupant experience – Stanford research data suggest that increased Situation Awareness helps drivers of autonomous vehicles feel confidence and trust in the system. Technologies like Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) warnings can provide important information on what the vehicle is doing when used properly. However, drivers report that they often find the use and interface of these systems complicated and sometimes turn them off, reducing their benefit1. Keeping the driver alert and ready for a transfer of control is also a critical issue that was identified. Providing information in new ways that easily attract attention and effectively increase the driver’s Situation Awareness must be explored.
- Safely enabling new user scenarios – The promise of autonomous mobility is primarily enabling new user scenarios while in motion. Reading, working, socializing, and eating are just a few of the potential activities that will create the need for a more flexible interior while preserving safety.
- Mitigating motion sickness – Studies2 have shown that people expect to use passenger time in an autonomous vehicle to do things like read, or use handheld devices, which can contribute to motion sickness for occupants. The factors contributing to motion sickness are known and Faurecia is now in active development around innovations to mitigate or avoid the onset of these symptoms.
