Linking Behaviour and Perception to Evaluate Meaningful Human Control over Partially Automated Driving
URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2605.00556v1
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Summary
Driving simulator study evaluating Meaningful Human Control (MHC) over partially automated driving by linking objective behavioural telemetry to subjective perception. Twenty-four drivers (13M/11F, 23-36 yrs) completed lateral-control trials with silent automation failures on a rural road in CARLA via Varjo VR-3 and a SensoWheel SD-LC haptic wheel, under two control modes: haptic shared control (HSC) and traded control (TC). Speed was fixed at 50 km/h; participants controlled only steering. Behavioural metrics from telemetry were paired with post-trial surveys and open-ended questionnaires to test hypothesised relations between perception and behaviour predicted by MHC theory.
Key finding
Confirmatory analysis showed a significant negative correlation between drivers' perception of the automated vehicle understanding them and conflict in steering torques. Exploratory analysis revealed a positive correlation between reaction times and the perception of sufficient control. Qualitative feedback indicated that mismatched intentions, perceived lack of safety, and resistance to driver inputs reduced perceived MHC, while subtle haptic guidance aligned with driver intent improved it. Authors recommend prioritising effortless interventions, transparent automation-intent communication, and context-sensitive authority allocation.
Methodology
Within-subjects driving simulator experiment in CARLA via JOAN framework, Varjo VR-3 VR headset, SensoWheel SD-LC haptic steering wheel. Two control modes (haptic shared control vs traded control) with silent automation failures. Lateral control only at fixed 50 km/h. Behavioural telemetry metrics paired with post-trial subjective surveys and open-ended qualitative questionnaires. Confirmatory and exploratory correlation analyses linking subjective perception to objective behaviour.
Sample size: N=24 (13 male, 11 female), aged 23-36 (M=29.2, SD=3.75); recruited from TU Delft, Dec 2023
Quality score: 5 / 5