How to interact with a Cybercar? – Attitudes and expectations on the interaction and communication with fully automated vehicles

Abstract

In this paper we are addressing the question how driverless vehicles (Cybercars) driving fully automated could interact with surrounding traffic participants. Cybercars present a new mobility approach and are dedicated to provide a new way of transportation for short to medium distances especially in city centres or on campus areas. As Cybercars are operated in non-dedicated environments the interaction with other either motorized or non-motorized, vulnerable road users becomes a crucial factor. We conducted a face-to-face interview study (N=14, structured interview, 25-53 minutes) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to investigate the expectations people have towards the concept of Cybercar and the interaction with Cybercars. On the one hand, results show that people prefer quite conservative interaction elements as known from conventional vehicles such as braking lights or indicators to predict the future behaviour of Cybercars. On the other hand, 53% of the participants wish additional information like a stopping announcement of the Cybercar or whether pedestrians were detected or not. Based on the results we discuss how Cybercars could be designed to optimize the interaction and communication with other traffic participants.