At the end of January, at the Motor Transport Institute’s (ITS) laboratory in Warsaw, tests were carried out using a driving simulator (automation level L4) and instrumentation used to track body movements.

Participants with different physical characteristics, i.e. height, weight, and gender, were invited to participate in the study. Each of them had markers placed on their clothes, i.e. small white balls, the movement of which was followed by a dedicated camera. Then, the participants were asked to drive a dedicated simulation scenario for several minutes, which aimed to force specific actions of the driver, in the following sequence:

– starting the vehicle and driving manually at a given speed

– activation of the driving automation system

– driving with the system turned on

– regaining control after RtI warning

– intervention and control stabilization after the manoeuvre

– stopping the vehicle.

The collected numerical data will be forwarded for further analysis by the University of Patras team. The dataset will be implemented in the software allowing for assessment of the simulator’s interior in terms of ergonomics. The driver interactions with instrumentation are evaluated through an assortment of load and comfort indicators that include standard ergonomic indices (RULA, LUBA, NERPA), mean torque, angular impulse, energy, and power on joints that are presented through time charts and illustrative heatmaps.

Watch the photo gallery