The automated vehicle in the loop – A test platform for future driving

The automated vehicle in the loop - A test platform for future driving

Realistic vehicle dynamics can exert a non-trivial influence on how we interact with vehicles as well as behave within them. This pertains to the burgeoning field of automated vehicles too. In this pa- per, we present a novel test platform that allows human factors research to be evaluated under con- trolled settings that, nonetheless, supports the presentation of realistic vehicle dynamics. Specifically, we present an automated vehicle-in-the-loop (AN-VIL). AN-VIL is a real automobile that is able to present a virtual visualization of a driving scenario that corresponds to how the vehicle is being han- dled. This is achieved by mapping the vehicle movements through the scenario with a test track. In this paper, we present the capabilities of this vehicle and its underlying software and hardware imple- mentation. We conclude by discussing the potential of this system and how its unique role, relative to laboratory simulators or experimental vehicles for field testing.