Traveling to the Future: Human Factors and Ergonomics Integration, Simulation, Field Testing and Strategic Partners in Support of Heavy Vehicle Research

摘要

The proliferation of inexpensive sensors and devices capable of inter-device communication is hastening the implementation of smart technology for current and future generations of vehicles nationwide. The introduction of this technology promises to enhance safety, reduce accidents, increase fuel efficiency, and perhaps enhance traveler experience. The challenge associated with transitioning to and implementing various smart technologies is to ensure that driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety are not compromised. At Idaho National Laboratory (INL), human factors engineering (HFE) staff participates in the evaluation of technology for fleet operations, including review of fuel efficiency, enhancement and driver performance, and assists in the testing of prototype buses with advanced systems. One of the potential applications of smart technology lies in the development of an interoperable wireless communications network among vehicles. INL uses HFE expertise in conjunction with fleet operations and Mission Support Services expertise to guide the introduction and implementation of vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communications and to support interactions with stakeholders including Cooperative Research and Development Agreement partners. To our knowledge, our approach integrating HFE and fleet operations is unique within the Department of Energy complex. The Heavy Vehicle Simulator, located at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, is used for design evaluation, and HFE supports the conduct of field tests involving bus drivers and supervisors. INL's HFE group and fleet operations are partners involved in a number of collaborative initiatives to segue the Department of Energy's largest motor coach fleet to the next generation of smart vehicles. This presentation reviews our approach, findings, and successes from two of the focus areas (predictive driver efficiency display prompting and vehicle prototype testing); discusses how HFE has been integrated in the planning and design review process for INL fleet operations; and highlights progress on connected vehicle research initiatives.