Ghost driver: A field study investigating the interaction between pedestrians and driverless vehicles

Rothenbucher, Dirk; Li, Jamy; Sirkin, David; Mok, Brian; Ju, Wendy

Abstract

How will pedestrians and bicyclists interact with autonomous vehicles when there is no human driver? In this paper, we outline a novel method for performing observational field experiments to investigate interactions with driverless cars. We provide a proof-of-concept study (N=67), conducted at a crosswalk and a traffic circle, which applies this method. In the study, participants encountered a vehicle that appeared to have no driver, but which in fact was driven by a human confederate hidden inside. We constructed a car seat costume to conceal the driver, who was specially trained to emulate an autonomous system. Data included video recordings and participant responses to post-interaction questionnaires. Pedestrians who encountered the car reported that they saw no driver, yet they managed interactions smoothly, except when the car misbehaved by moving into the crosswalk just as they were about to cross. This method is the first of its kind, and we believe that it contributes a valuable technique for safely acquiring empirical data and insights about driverless vehicle interactions. These insights can then be used to design vehicle behaviors well in advance of the broad deployment of autonomous technology.

Citation

Rothenbucher, D., Li, J., Sirkin, D., Mok, B., & Ju, W. (2016, August). Ghost driver: A field study investigating the interaction between pedestrians and driverless vehicles. Presented at 25th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2016, New York, USA

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 25th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, RO-MAN 2016
• Start Date: Aug 26, 2016
• End Date: Aug 31, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Nov 17, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016
• Deposit Date: May 7, 2024
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 795-802
• Book Title: 2016 25th IEEE International Symposium on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN)
• ISBN: 9781509039302
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ROMAN.2016.7745210