Research on Autonomous Vehicles to be Showcased at International Auto Show

When it comes to understanding how humans will interact with autonomous vehicles, researchers at MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences are taking the wheel.

Robby Ratan and Taiwoo Park from the Department of Media and Information will launch a major study on the human component of the autonomous vehicle experience at the 2018 North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center, January 14 - 21 during AutoMobili-D - the mobility and technology exhibition of NAIAS.

The team has developed a virtual reality simulation of the self-driving car experience using Oculus Rift technology. Complete with a city landscape, pedestrians, stop lights and the typical unexpected hurdles that happen in everyday traffic, the experience gives the participant the feeling of being a passenger in their own car.

In addition, Shelia Cotten will also be on the exhibit floor to represent her work related to the impacts of autonomous vehicles on society. 

Cotten’s research focuses on workforce issues that may arise from autonomous vehicles, public perception of autonomous vehicles and how that varies among different demographic groups, and factors related to older adults across the U.S. and their willingness to use autonomous vehicles in the future.

ComArtSci is to join MSU’s showcase of its autonomous vehicle, a 2016 Lincoln MKZ hybrid. The vehicle is complete with computer vision and sensor technology for “superhuman” situational awareness and was produced by MSU’s Connected and Autonomous Networked Vehicles for Safety (CANVAS) team. 

By Nikki W. O'Meara