Driving Comfort, Acceptance, and Safety Through User-Centered ADAS Development
Motion Sickness in Automated Driving from Level 2++ Onwards
Unpredictable driving maneuvers and unnatural vehicle movements can trigger motion sickness and significantly limit the benefits of automated driving functions. Studies conducted in simulators and real vehicles help identify causes at an early stage and design ADAS in a way that ensures comfortable, safe, and everyday usability.
- Do your driver assistance systems cause jerky steering movements or unpredictable vehicle reactions that customers perceive as disturbing and uncomfortable?
- Does automated driving feel unnatural or synthetic?
- Are you developing your driver assistance systems in a way that allows drivers to use their travel time productively without experiencing motion sickness?
If driving functions are perceived as unpredictable or disturbing, this can trigger motion sickness – better known as travel sickness or kinetosis. In such cases, the benefits of driver assistance systems are quickly called into question. Imagine driving highly automated on the highway and wanting to use the time for work activities such as online conferences or answering emails, or for leisure activities like watching TV or reading. Yet after only a short time, you start to feel nauseous. This discomfort prevents the system from being used as it was originally designed and promoted. This phenomenon occurs particularly with ADAS functions that allow drivers to take their eyes off the road during assisted driving.
Understanding the Causes of Motion Sickness in the Context of Automated Driving
Motion sickness in the context of automated driving refers to the nausea and discomfort that can occur when there is a mismatch between visual impressions and the movement of the body. This occurs particularly when passengers engage in activities such as reading or working while the vehicle is driving autonomously. A lack of control over the vehicle as well as unpredictable driving maneuvers can disrupt the sense of balance and lead to typical symptoms of motion sickness. This is especially problematic when the perception of vehicle movement does not align with the body’s expectations – for example, during abrupt steering movements or irregular acceleration and braking.
User Studies and Interdisciplinary Collaboration for the Further Development of Safe ADAS Functions
To integrate these insights into development at an early stage and prevent potential issues, we conduct comprehensive user studies both in simulators and in real driving tests. The data obtained enable us to define requirement catalogs and measures for future assistance systems.
In doing so, we work closely with the Charité in Berlin to build a bridge between medicine and the automotive sector as well as mobile applications. This collaboration allows us not only to develop technical solutions but also to gain a deep understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of automated driving.
Added Value of Studies in the Field of Automated Driving
- Promote acceptance of driver assistance systems and automated vehicles
- Increase the sense of safety
Reduced motion sickness contributes to improved concentration and relaxation of the vehicle user, thereby enhancing overall safety.
- Improve driving comfort
Understanding motion sickness enables developers to implement technologies and ergonomic designs that enhance driving comfort in the context of highly automated driving.
- Become a market leader
Meet customer needs and create an enjoyable automated driving experience.
Design automated driving to be comfortable and trustworthy. Contact us to learn how user-centered studies can help prevent motion sickness at an early stage.