Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicles are likely to enter the market within the next decade. By removing the driver from the driver-vehicle system, positive impacts, for instance on road-safety or fuel consumption, are expected. These expected effects can only arise if automated vehicles are accepted by society.
The team
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Prof. Dr. Thomas Bernauer -
Michael Wicki
Previous studies on autonomous driving have focused primarily on the technical improvement of driving systems. Specific questions on how society deals with a constant automation of road traffic, however, remain unanswered. The research project focuses on the public perception of autonomous driving and the introduction of an autonomous shuttle service. We will examine the acceptability before and the acceptance after the introduction of an autonomous bus transport, as well as fears and concerns about the introduction of autonomous driving in general.
Trust as well as the attitude towards technology have been found to be a precursor in the acceptance formation process. Other policy fields have shown that public support and perception of policies change over time. Higher acceptance can be expected after implementation as preliminary anxieties show to be arbitrary and individuals get familiar with the new technology.
Research Question
- How does public perception of autonomous services change over time by experiencing the implementation of a test trial?