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In-vehicle technology for self-driving cars: Advantages and challenges for aging drivers

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Abstract

The development of self-driving cars or autonomous vehicles has progressed at an unanticipated pace. Ironically, the driver or the driver-vehicle interaction is a largely neglected factor in the development of enabling technologies for autonomous vehicles. Therefore, this paper discusses the advantages and challenges faced by aging drivers with reference to in-vehicle technology for self-driving cars, on the basis of findings of recent studies. We summarize age-related characteristics of sensory, motor, and cognitive functions on the basis of extensive age-related research, which can provide a familiar to better aging drivers. Furthermore, we discuss some key aspects that need to be considered, such as familar to learnability, acceptance, and net effectiveness of new in-vehicle technology, as addressed in relevant studies. In addition, we present research-based examples on aging drivers and advanced technology, including a holistic approach that is being developed by MIT AgeLab, advanced navigation systems, and health monitoring systems. This paper anticipates many questions that may arise owing to the interaction of autonomous technologies with an older driver population. We expect the results of our study to be a foundation for further developments toward the consideration of needs of aging drivers while designing self-driving vehicles.

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Abbreviations

AARP:

american association of retired persons

ACC:

adaptive cruise control

ADAS:

advanced driver assistance system

AGNES:

age gain now empathy system

ATIS:

advanced traveler information system

FCW:

forward collision warning

HUD:

head-up display

IEEE:

institute of electrical and electronics engineers

IT:

interaction time

IVNS:

in-vehicle navigation system

LKAS:

lane keeping assistance system

NT:

neglect time

NVE:

night vision enhancement

SPAS:

smart parking assistance system

UAV:

unmanned aerial vehicle

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Automotive Engineering, Kookmin University, Seoul, 136-702, Korea

    J. Yang

  2. Engineering Systems Division, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    J. F. Coughlin

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  1. J. Yang
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  2. J. F. Coughlin
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Correspondence to J. Yang.

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Yang, J., Coughlin, J.F. In-vehicle technology for self-driving cars: Advantages and challenges for aging drivers. Int.J Automot. Technol. 15, 333–340 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12239-014-0034-6

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