Leeds Driving Simulator - research into automation

The University of Leeds Driving Simulator creates an incredibly realistic driving experience, right down to engine noise and bumps on the road. It enables multiple drivers to be put through the same driving scenarios, measuring both driving performance and physiological factors such pupil dilation, skin conductivity, eye movement and heart rate, all of which act as indicators of driver stress or attentiveness.

Too EASY?

This capacity was a key part of a recent Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)-funded study, titled Effects of Automated Systems on Safety (EASY).

"EASY looked at two issues - what people might choose to do with the extra time available under a fully or partially automated system and how automation affected their attention span," explains lead researcher, Professor Oliver Carsten. "We also wanted to see how effectively they would pick up manual control again when required."

In aviation - where the idea of an autopilot is very much accepted - a plane can switch back to manual control at set intervals, to ensure the pilot remains attentive. Using the simulator, the researchers could compare this system - where automation was switched off for one minute in every eight - to one which responded dynamically to the level of driver attentiveness. The dynamic system used cameras which tracked driver eye movement and switched the automation off when attention started to wander.

"The dynamic system used data on how often a driver had scanned the road in the last mile as well their eye movement in the last few moments, so it was very hard for drivers to second guess what was prompting the switch to manual," says co-researcher, Dr Frank Lai. "We found the dynamic system was more effective at maintaining driver attention and - although drivers liked both systems equally - they trusted the dynamic system more, which will be a key factor in the introduction of automation."

The simulator cameras can be calibrated to each individual driver, with no issues such as sunglasses or long fringes to hide the eyes. Installing a similar system as standard in cars to fit all drivers would be much more problematic.

For more information about EASY, please contact Hamish Jamson.  Find out more about the simulator on the Leeds Driving Simulator website.