The SensoWheel simulator steering wheel facilitates the development of autonomous vehicle functions
In a research project at Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg, the SensoWheel force feedback steering wheel from Sensodrive played a key role in analyzing human driving behavior. As autonomous vehicles are designed to coexist with human drivers, it's crucial that these systems can predict and respond to human drivers' reactions. The project aimed to explore how drivers' reactions are generated, providing insights that could help develop safer and more effective autonomous driving functions.
The research focused on understanding the entire process of human reaction—from visual input during driving to the subsequent actions taken by the driver. This understanding serves as the foundation for improving driver models that can anticipate and prevent dangerous situations. Through advanced simulator tests, the researchers investigated whether human reactions are driven purely by immediate visual input or if internal models and predictive behaviors also play a role.
To capture the drivers' reaction mechanisms with high precision, the team used the SensoWheel force feedback steering wheel in combination with Sensodrive's Steering Moment Sensor (LMS) and EMG muscle activation sensors applied to the driver's forearm. The SensoWheel's force feedback capabilities allowed the researchers to accurately measure even the smallest steering corrections made by the participants. Unlike many competing products, the SensoWheel offers precise, high-frequency torque measurement, providing exceptional haptic feedback that enables the capture of subtle muscle movements.
Given the importance of high-quality data in the study, the SensoWheel proved to be the optimal choice as an input device, providing accurate, reliable feedback without hindering the drivers' natural reactions. The seamless integration of Sensodrive products allowed the researchers to maximize their resources and focus on the core aspects of the study, contributing to a deeper understanding of human driving behavior and advancements in autonomous driving technology.
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