VR Driving Simulator

The DAM research team set up a Virtual Reality Driving Simulator to investigate interactions between human drivers and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Benefits of Virtual Reality (VR) technology linked with the advantages of a driving simulator offer the possibility to conduct experiments in almost real-life conditions with the advantage of having full control of the experiment’s environment without endangering the participant’s safety.

The simulator was used in numerous studies. In one study, different means of communication and gamification elements were investigated to identify an approach that could best encourage a change in driving behaviours among drivers. Findings were examined in terms of both subjective responses (emotional states of the participants) and objective measurements (compliance rates). In an upcoming research, more focus will be placed on defining detailed design features for icons and symbols applied in communication between drivers of manually driven cars and AVs.

Contributors