The growth of the autonomous automotive market is the subject of a new study at the University of Windsor.
U of W Kinesiology Professor Dr. Francesco Biondi and Engineering Professor Dr. Balakumar Balasingam have begun a real-world study of autonomous driving systems. The $319,000 project will take a closer look at how drivers use automation when they are on the road.
"This is one of the first projects of this kind in Canada," said Biondi. "We need to study how drivers use semi-automatic driving systems and understand the distraction potential of using these technologies."
The professors have brought in a group of research subjects to drive a Tesla Model 3 on Highway 401 round-trip between Windsor and Chatham. The university recently purchased the vehicle, which has been in production since 2017 and is the world's best-selling electric vehicle.
The research subjects will drive the vehicle both manually, and while operating in the semi-automatic "autopilot" mode. The lab's Model 3 is equipped with an eye tracker in the dashboard, which will monitor blinking, pupil dilation, and gaze. The subjects will also be fitted with technology to monitor heart rate and other characteristics.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has awarded Drs. Biondi and Balasingam more than $87,000 to add to $121,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Additional in-kind contributions of $26,000 are coming from U.S.-based technology firm Dreyev, which makes devices to monitor drivers for distraction and drowsiness.
"We are grateful for the incredible support we have received for this project," said Balasingam. "This project has the potential to improve public safety, and the students who are working on it with us are getting the training to be the next generation of experts in this emerging field."
The funding is for three years. The university will use the study's findings to recommend changes in driver training to the MTO and for manufacturers to improve driver monitoring systems.
