AR Designs for eHMI – Communication between automated vehicles and pedestrians using augmented reality

Abstract

With the introduction of connected and automated vehicles (CAV) into the existing transport system, special attention must be paid to the interaction of these vehicles with the surrounding other road users (ORU). To meet this challenge, various solutions in the field of external human-machine interface (eHMI) have been developed in recent years. However, these are often visually perceptible eHMIs attached to a CAV’s exterior. Here, the perceptibility of the information is highly dependent on the situation (e.g. lighting conditions, visibility, distance to the AV) and the signals can be difficult to adapt to the needs or preferences of the ORU in question. The present study investigates a new approach implementing interaction between CAV and ORU using augmented reality (AR). In an online video study, 94 participants evaluated different AR design variants for communication with a CAV from the perspective of a pedestrian. In addition to the subjective willingness to cross the road in front of a CAV, further data was collected on the subjects' perceptions of safety and mental workload. In addition, the AR design variants were compared with visual (light-based) eHMI solutions. The results showed a clear superiority of the AR design compared to a light-based eHMI.