Driver Reactions to Autopilot Disengagements and Regulatory Implications

SAE Innovations in Mobility presents...

Driver Reactions to Autopilot Disengagements and Regulatory Implications
by Francesca Favaro, Ph.D.

When: March 6th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Prospect SV, 1608 Las Plumas Ave, San Jose, CA 95133

Francesca Favaro gained her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. In Fall 2016 she joined the Department of Aviation Technology at San Jose State University (SJSU) as Assistant Professor and currently serves as Academic Advisor for the aviation program. With her research lab RiSA2S (Risk and Safety Assessment for Autonomous Systems) she focuses on System Safety and Risk Analysis of Autonomous Systems. Since Fall 2017 she has been a Research Associate for the Mineta Transporation Institute (MTI).

In her presentation Francesca will cover the results of a recently concluded study that analyzed the reactions of human drivers placed in simulated Autonomous Technology disengagement scenarios. The study was executed in a human-in-the-loop setting, within fka SV’s high-fidelity immersive, static Driving Simulator, capable of handling both manual and autonomous driving. A population of 40 individuals was tested, with metrics for control takeover quantification given by: i) response times (considering inputs of steering, throttle, and braking); ii) vehicle drift from the lane centerline after takeover as well as overall (integral) drift over an S-turn curve compared to a baseline obtained in manual driving; and iii) accuracy metrics to quantify human factors associated with the simulation experiment. Independent variables considered for the study were the age of the driver, the speed at the time of disengagement, and the time at which the disengagement occurred (i.e., how long automation was engaged for). The presentation will feature the main findings in relation to the investigated variables and how each affected (or not) the driver's performance to the disengagement.

Starting at 6:30pm, food and drinks will be provided. There will be time for Q&A and a chance to try fka SV's driving simulator.

See you there,
John & Christian