Mobility
Automated transportation systems have the potential to increase road safety, efficiency and driving comfort. Besides technical requirements, however, the human-machine interaction is important for the success of the technology.
For example, usability and system adaptability are crucial for the success of the technology. Automated transport systems should be able to communicate transparently and intuitively with vulnerable road users to support road safety. For autonomous public transport systems, factors influencing user acceptance should be taken into account.
Overall, the research group aims on obtaining scientific knowledge on human-machine interaction in the area of mobility. By transferring the findings to practice, the benefits of automated transport systems could be supported.
Dr. Madlen Günther (Research Group Leader)
Topic: Electromobility, sustainability, and participatory processes in urban development changes
Innovative forms of human-technology interaction open up new opportunities to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly behaviour. Persuasive strategies used in digital assistance systems, interactive user interfaces and intelligent feedback mechanisms can help users to be more conscious of their (mobility) behaviour and conserve resources.
One aspect of this research highlights how sustainable behaviour can be promoted and which forms of presentation are suitable for different target groups. The participatory involvement of social groups in the design and application of new technologies has also proven to be beneficial. Through the specific promotion of social commitment and co-determination, not only can technological solutions be better adapted to real needs, but alternative strategies for sustainable behavioural change can also be developed.
Dr. Ann-Christin Hensch
Topic: Interaction between (automated) vehicles and surrounding traffic participants
Safe and smooth interactions in road traffic as a social system require a large amount of of communication between the involved agents. Therefore, the research aims on understanding these interaction processes and applying the obtained knowledge to automated driving in order to promote road safety and user acceptance.
Josephine Halama
Topic: Automated Driving and Value Sensitive Design
The research aims on a value-based approach of the interaction between vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) and automated vehicles. Therefore, user studies comprising different methods such as focus groups, surveys, lab studies, field studies are conducted.
Be
atrice Schmieder
Topic: Teleoperation in Railway Traffic
Automated and remote-controlled trains represent the future of international rail transport (Railway Remote Driving). The research aims on introducing and designing teleoperation workstations for the rail context by considering a human factors perspective. Therefore, various scientific works comprising different methods such as expert groups, surveys, lab studies, field studies are conducted.
Ongoing Projects
AuDiBaf - Automation and Digitalization of Railway Operational Functions
Project Partners
Funding Agency
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport
Grant Number: 19DZ23001A
Duration
01/2024 to 12/2026
Description
Image source: Adobe Stock / naka
The focus of AuDiBaF is the remote control of trains as part of the automation of rail traffic. The goals include researching distribution models for developing a digital twin for a human-railway operational model, prototype development, and evaluation of a teleoperation workplace. Additionally, the project explores the virtualization of balise functions to increase track capacity.
In the AuDiBaF project, the Chair of General Psychology and Human Factors will create application cases in cooperation with other chairs and determine the requirements for a teleoperation workplace. Based on this, a prototype workplace will be designed and tested using an empirical and human-centered approach.
Contact
Completed Projects
Associated Subproject on the Interaction of Vulnerable Road Users with Automated Vehicles in the Collaborative Research Center 1410 "Hybrid Societies"
Funding Agency
German Research Foundation (DFG; Grant Number: 416228727 – SFB 1410)
Duration
March 2023 to December 2023
Description
The goal of the associated subproject of the SFB Hybrid Societies is a value-oriented investigation of the interaction between vulnerable road users (VRUs; pedestrians and cyclists) and automated vehicles. Initially, insights from the literature on the interaction between automated vehicles and VRUs, including from the subprojects of the SFB, will be compiled to serve as a basis for empirical studies. Using basic concepts and methods of Value Sensitive Design (VSD), expert focus groups will be conducted to identify direct (e.g., pedestrian crossing a street) and indirect stakeholders (e.g., car manufacturer or other drivers present in the situation) and their values. Additionally, a survey will be conducted to validate the focus group results on a broader empirical basis. The aim of the studies is to outline a framework model that describes the influence of values on intentions in the interaction of VRUs with automated vehicles.
Contact
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. habil Stefan Brandenburg
Team Members: M. Sc. Psych. Josephine Halama and Julian Fabinc (Research Assistant)
Website: hybrid-societies.org
Publications and Presentations
Halama, J. (2024). Interaction of Autonomous Vehicles and Vulnerable Road Users: Is an Equal Treatment Fair? Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe Chapter, April 16-19, Lübeck, Germany. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.35799.07844
Halama, J. (2023). Designing for the Greater Good. Application of Value Sensitive Design in Automated Driving. Summer School for Human Factors, 25.09.2023, Chemnitz University of Technology.
Halama, J. (2023). Value Sensitive Design, Sustainability, and the Interaction of Vulnerable Road Users and Autonomous Cars. Transition Days, 23.11.2023, Chemnitz University of Technology.
Halama, J., Thüring, M., Brandenburg, S. (2023). The effects of type of road and driver personality on drivers’ automation use: an on the road study with Tesla’s autopilot. In: T. Ahram & C. Falcão (eds) Human-Centered Design and User Experience. AHFE (2023) International Conference. AHFE Open Access, vol 114. AHFE International, USA. http://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1004279
