Human Centered Development of SAE-2 Automation for Truck Driving

Compared with passenger cars, automating driving functions for trucks and understanding related driver behaviour are considerably less advanced, potentially due to difficulties accessing relevant technology and subject matter experts (SMEs). Project HALC's (HighwayAssist with Lane Change) first objective was to develop the HALC system, which is an automation assisting truck drivers on highways. The system performs longitudinal and lateral control of commercial trucks, including lane changes. To optimally support truck drivers' interactions with the HALC system, we developed its functionality and human-machine interface (HMI) in close cooperation with SMEs. As an SAE level 2 (SAE International, 2014) type automation, the system may require drivers to resume control anytime. Thus, the second objective was to develop a monitoring system to ensure drivers' takeover readiness. The project's third objective was to understand better truck driver behaviour based on data collected within the project. This knowledge was then used to inform the HALC system's design and implementation