Promoting trust in HAVs of following manual drivers through implicit and explicit communication during minimal risk maneuvers

Hub, Fabian; Hess, Silvio; Lau, Merle; Wilbrink, Marc; Oehl, Michael · 2023 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.3389/fcomp.2023.1154476

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Summary

This study addresses the challenge of fostering trust and ensuring safety in mixed traffic environments where highly automated vehicles (HAVs) interact with manual drivers. Specifically, it investigates how HAVs should communicate during minimal risk maneuvers (MRMs)—actions taken when the automation system reaches its operational limits or encounters failures, requiring the vehicle to stop safely. The research focuses on the perspective of following manual drivers, who must interpret the HAV’s intentions to react appropriately. The authors argue that effective communication requires a combination of implicit signals via dynamic human-machine interfaces (dHMI), such as braking dynamics, and explicit signals via external human-machine interfaces (eHMI), such as light signals. The primary research question is how to design these communication channels to reduce uncertainty, promote learned trust, and prevent critical situations. To answer this question, the authors conducted two consecutive explorative online video studies. The first study, detailed in the provided text, evaluated appropriate braking dynamics (dHMI) for MRMs. It employed a 3 × 3 mixed-design experiment with 102 licensed drivers. Participants viewed rendered videos of an automated shuttle performing stopping maneuvers. The within-subjects factor was braking deceleration, with three levels: defensive (−1.0 m/s²), moderate (−2.0 m/s²), and hard (−2.5 m/s²). The between-subjects factor was the type of light signal used: no signal, turn signal, or hazard warning lights. Dependent variables included understanding/predictability of the HAV’s behavior, perceived helpfulness for adjusting driving behavior, quality of information, perceived criticality of the situation, and the ability to distinguish between scheduled and emergency stops. The provided text outlines the methodology and theoretical background but does not present the specific statistical results or findings of the studies. However, the abstract indicates that adding novel eHMI designs, such as warning signs or 360° LED light-bands, to conventional light signals positively affects user experience during first-contact interactions. The study concludes that specific eHMI communication strategies are highly supportive for following manual drivers during MRM scenarios. These findings suggest that harmonizing implicit and explicit communication can enhance the comprehensibility of HAV behavior, thereby fostering trust and safety. The authors note that these insights may inform future legislative considerations and the development of standardized communication protocols for automated vehicles.

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Topics

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• ehmi external hmi
• automation
• vru facing ehmi
• trust calibration
• automation surprise
• trust in automation foundations

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: design guidelines