German University Studying Assisted-Driving ‘Handoff’

Germany's Kempten University Adrive Living Lab will feature latest aVDS driving simulator to research ADAS stress levels.

Researchers at Germany's Kempten University of Applied Sciences plan to embark this year on autonomous vehicle (AV) and advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) programs that will include investigation of the safest ways to achieve handover of a vehicle when control is returned to a human driver. To do so, it is installing an AB Dynamics advanced Vehicle Driving Simulator (aVDS) that will help measure driver stress levels if the vehicle is not capable of performing a particular maneuver. The aVDS has been designed to provide high level R&D capabilities specifically for autonomous systems.

The university has established its Adrive Living Lab with the third-generation simulator helping to facilitate the study of the driver's interaction with autonomous systems and their effect on drivers' perceived safety and comfort. The program has identified these two areas as the most important for consumer acceptance and enthusiasm.