Effects of environmental, vehicle and human factors on comfort in partially automated driving: A scenario-based study

• The effects of various factors on comfort in partially automated cars were examined. Type road, weather conditions and traffic congestion all influenced comfort. Adapting the speed vehicle helped to reduce discomfort some conditions. Data clustering revealed four different behavioral profiles among participants. Anderson’s scenario-based method can be used study cars. Although it is key improving acceptability, there sparse scientific literature experience humans as passengers present therefore investigated influence road type, conditions, level, speed, human (e.g., trust cars) passenger an car classified Level 3 according Society Automotive Engineers (SAE). Participants exposed scenarios which a character driven by SAE combinations highway × heavy rain very congested following prescribed speed). They asked rate their perceived if they protagonist. Results showed that was negatively affected driving downtown (vs. highway), rain, traffic. Interaction analyses reducing improved these two last considered either individually or combination. Cluster analysis profiles: trusting automation , averse reduction risk mistrusting . These differently corresponded varying levels This suggests optimizing should take account both profiles.