Drivers' assessment of driving a 32 meter A-double with and without full automation in a moving simulator base simulator

Paper in proceeding, 2014

In situations where Long Combination Vehicles can be challenging to maneuver, drivers could be supported through automated driving systems. A safe way to assess prototypes of such systems is to take advantage of driving simulators. This study assessed the realism of driving a 32m and 80 ton A-double in an advanced moving-base driving simulator, with and without full automation. The conclusions were that the realism of the road environment, vehicle suspension, vibrations, steering-wheel feeling and the maneuverability/drivability was on adequate levels but would benefit of more tuning. More urgent were adjustments of braking, acceleration, level of engine sound and improved view in the right-hand side mirror. Two tested automated driving systems were appreciated for their lane positioning and driving performance, with a slight preference of the more advanced system for lateral control. Negative comments referred to harsh decelerations before curves. The subjective assessment was much in correlation with the objective data from the same simulator experiment.