5) Research on Communication between Low-Speed Automated Transportation and Logistics Services Vehicles and Surrounding Traffic

Abstract

Aimed at addressing societal problems such as facilitating mobility for vulnerable road users, alleviating a lack of drivers for transportation and logistics services, and reducing costs, technologies are currently being developed for low-speed automated transportation and logistics service vehicles, and FOTs (Field Operational Tests) are being done in rural regions. In contrast to traditional driver-operated vehicles, low-speed automated service vehicles need to see a number of issues addressed, including safety, security, and traffic efficiency, through better communication with traffic participants, including pedestrians and other drivers. In order to achieve safe and reliable communication between low-speed automated service vehicles and traffic participants, we analyzed communication characteristics observed during the FOTs, and conducted experimental studies concerning communication methods (vehicle behaviour, external HMI (eHMI), etc.) for relaying to traffic participants the intent and status of automated service vehicles. Furthermore, through the field operational tests, we tested communication methods through eHMI identified based on experimental studies, and confirmed the effectiveness of design recommendations for communication methods.