Traffic Augmentation as a Means to Increase Trust in Automated Driving Systems

Many human factor issues regarding automated driving systems are still unresolved. For instance, it is not fully clear if, and to what extent, drivers will accept and trust this novel technology. Trust in technology is of utmost importance to avoid both disuse and misuse. Possibilities for increasing user trust in automated driving systems include proper feedback aiming to build a shared mental model so that system intentions are visible to the driver. A potential approach could be to augment traffic and other relevant objects in the environment. Technical advancements in display technology would allow the use of windshield displays in the near future. To investigate the effect of augmented reality aids (presented as augmentations of traffic objects) in potentially ambiguous situations, we conducted a user study (n=26) and assessed qualitative (trust scale TS, technology acceptance model TAM) and quantitative (HRV) factors. Initial results indicate that augmenting sensor data in the driver's line of sight can lead to increased trust and acceptance.