Browse Topic: Human Factors and Ergonomics

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Relevant vehicle front-end components for pedestrian laboratory testing to address real-world pedestrian injuries when struck by passenger vehicles with high hood heights2026-22-00098/14/2026
In the United States, pedestrian deaths account for 18% of roadway fatalities and have increased 78% since their lowest point in 2009. U.S. consumers are increasingly purchasing larger vehicles that are responsible for a disproportionate number of pedestrian injuries. This study examined a dataset of pedestrians struck by passenger vehicles in Michigan from 2015 to 2024 to identify the unique characteristics of the tallest vehicles, large SUVs and pickups, which are contributing to increased injury. Vehicle height was categorized as the hood leading edge (HLE) height compared with the estimated pedestrian hip and waist heights from anthropometric measures. Maximum abbreviated injury scale and injury sources by body region were tabulated for three vehicle height categories. Typical kinematic patterns were observed for each relative height category and the corresponding injury frequency and impact locations. For vehicles with high hood heights, head and torso injuries were commonly from the front of the vehicle —the grille, headlights, and HLE. In contrast, head injuries sustained when pedestrians were struck by medium-height and short vehicles were primarily from the vehicle hood and windshields. Even among the tallest vehicles where the bumper was much higher than the pedestrian’s knee, leg injuries from the vehicle bumper and valance were frequent, suggesting that evaluating these vehicle components is also necessary to address lower extremity injuries. This study identified the unique pedestrian impact locations associated with the tallest vehicles, which can help guide vehicle designers when considering impact attenuation strategies to reduce injury in crashes with pedestrians.
Mueller, Becky, Jermakian, Jessica
Pelvis Lap Belt Engagement of Small-Sized Females in Frontal Impacts Using Seat-Integrated Restraints and Vehicle Seats for Alternative Seating Positions2026-22-00088/14/2026
Non-traditional vehicle seating postures challenge traditional occupant protection paradigms that promote pelvis lap belt engagement. Seat-integrated restraints may promote pelvis lap belt engagement in alternative seating postures but have not been evaluated with post-mortem human subjects (PMHS) in vehicle seats. The goal of this research was to perform three 38.8 g, 56 km/h frontal impact sled tests with small-sized female PMHS in a crash environment with a vehicle seat designed for alternative seating positions. PMHS pelvis kinematics, lap belt engagement, and submarining response were compared to that of the Hybrid III 5th female (HIII-5F) in the same environment. The seat was in the rearmost seat track position, reclined 40° from vertical, and incorporated a leg rest, which elevated the feet off the floor. A seat cushion airbag (SCAB), large passenger airbag (PAB), shoulder belt pretensioner (SB P/T), and seat-integrated belt (BIS) were incorporated into the testing environment. The SCAB restricted initial downward translation of the pelvis and induced 7.7°–11.8°of initial pelvis rearward rotation. Lap belt loading of the abdominal soft tissue occurred in each test via three distinct interactions: (1) initial pelvis lap belt engagement followed by pelvis fracture and subsequent submarining; (2) lack of initial pelvis engagement and direct abdominal loading; (3) initial pelvis lap belt engagement followed by submarining. In a matched test environment, the HIII-5F did not submarine nor reproduce the entire lap belt pelvis interactions observed by the PMHS. Future research must develop better tools for predicting lap belt engagement in alternative seating positions.
Newman, Rachel, Shin, Jeesoo, Sochor, Sara, Morgan, Neal R., Gepner, Bronislaw D., Kerrigan, Jason R., Kim, Yongtae, Kim, Sung Rae
Mechatronic Transfer Wheelchair Based on SLAM, A*/DWA Algorithms, and Finite Element Safety Assurance2026-99-03418/14/2026
With the acceleration of population aging, the number of disabled older people is increasing, and the demand for home care is also rising. In the case of a narrow space and no gap between the bed and the ground, the transfer of patients between the wheelchair and the bed has become a challenge. Current solutions suffer from bulky designs, require caregiver assistance, and pose potential safety risks. In order to solve the above problems, this paper proposes an intelligent transfer wheelchair with voice interaction and autonomous navigation function. The wheelchair innovatively adopts a cantilever transfer device, which can enable safe and stable transfer without requiring bed-floor clearance, and has the dual functions of a wheelchair and a transfer device, effectively saving family space. The stability of the structure is verified by finite element analysis. Under the action of a 500 N load, the maximum stress and maximum displacement are within the safety limit of the material. The wheelchair is also equipped with an advanced human-computer interaction system with voice interaction and autonomous navigation functions. Users can control the operation of the wheelchair through voice. The navigation module of SLAM and the hybrid A*/Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) path planner realizes the high-precision docking of the wheelchair and the bed. The results show that the design can realize the safe transfer of disabled people between wheelchair and bed, and provide a solution for home intelligent nursing.
Wang, Shunli, Peng, Li, Zhao, Liang
Design of a Digital Twin for Robot-Assembled Workpiece Transfer Station and Virtual Commissioning with It2026-99-03478/14/2026
In this research, the design of a digital twin system for a Robot-Assembled Workpiece Transfer Station (RAWTS) and virtual commissioning with it were detailed, aiming for debugging high-repeatability, high-precision robotic motions. The system employs a structured three-layer digital twin framework, Physical, Digital, and Information Fusion layers, interconnected via an OPC UA communication architecture to enable real-time virtual-physical data synchronization. The 6-axis industrial robot’s kinematic model is established using the D-H parameter method, and the translational end-effector’s kinematic relationships are configured with defined OPEN/CLOSE poses. A behavior-driven digital twin model is constructed within NX MCD, incorporating lightweight-processed 3D geometry from SolidWorks. Virtual commissioning involves PLC and robot program integration, OPC UA-based signal mapping, and kinematic path planning with reachability validation to avoid singularities and collisions. Key joint angles at critical path points are optimized, and virtual-physical integration debugging is performed, resulting in first-attempt success in physical operation. The study demonstrates that the NX MCD-based digital twin approach effectively validates control logic, optimizes robot trajectories, reduces on-site debugging time, and enhances operational precision and safety, offering a practical reference for digital twin applications in robotic systems.
Zang, Yuping, Wang, Ye, Fu, Hudai, Li, Weiwei, Jiang, Zhiyu, Wang, Dayu
Mechanical Structure Design and Dynamics Simulation of an Exoskeleton Leg Rehabilitation Robot2026-99-09028/7/2026
In response to the challenges of training and rehabilitation for patients with leg dysfunction, this research focuses on two core requirements: “bionic adaptation” and “safety assistance”. It introduces a novel exoskeleton leg rehabilitation robot designed to support diverse rehabilitation exercises for individuals with leg disabilities during therapy. The robot system consists of a lumbar support structure, thigh mechanical components, calf mechanical components, leg fixation straps, and foot mechanical structures, and achieves multi degree of freedom motion simulation through three main joints: hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. Each mechanical leg has three independent degrees of freedom, which can effectively simulate the natural movements of the human lower limb, such as flexion, extension, abduction, etc., during the gait cycle, thus meeting the functional needs of patients for different movement modes during rehabilitation training. On the basis of structural design, this study further utilizes multi-body dynamics simulation software ADAMS to conduct kinematic and dynamic analysis of the exoskeleton robot. By simulating the joint torque of the exoskeleton legs under ideal working conditions, the rationality and smoothness of the mechanism design are verified. The simulation results not only reflect the performance of the robot in typical rehabilitation actions, but also provide a theoretical basis and data support for the selection and parameter matching of key execution components (such as servo motors, reducers, etc.), laying an important foundation for the physical development and control strategy optimization of the robot system.
Mu, Xiaoqi, Ma, Chao, Li, Weijie, Pu, Shuai, Liu, Jiaqi, Wang, Ruiyin, Zhang, Xiaodong
A Driver Behavior Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv11 and an Attention Mechanism2026-01-50468/6/2026
Driver’s distraction and fatigue are among the major contributing factors of traffic accidents. This study presents a methodology to identify driver’s distraction using a refined You Only Look Once (YOLO) model, denoted as YOLOv11.To address the inconsistent performance of earlier versions of YOLO, especially with regard to lack of systematic evaluations, this study proposes an improved YOLOv11 model. A mixed local channel attention (MLCA) module is further introduced to enhance small object feature extractions considering the use of Wise-Intersection over Union (IoU) v3 loss function to improve localization accuracy and training stability. Experiments demonstrated that this model outperforms competing models across all metrics, achieving 99.13% mAP at 0.5 and 82.54% mAP at 0.5:0.95, while also achieving minimal bounding box loss. The proposed model demonstrated higher accuracy and robustness, making it suitable for real-world driver monitoring system (DMS) deployments.
Ma, Bao, Taghavifar, Hamid, Fu, Zhijun, Karangwa, Jules, Rakheja, Subhash
Analysis of the Impact on Ride Comfort from Splitting the Unsprung Mass in Vehicle Modeling2026-01-50578/6/2026
The study was conducted to investigate the differences in ride comfort analysis between treating the unsprung mass as a whole and modeling it separately. A classical two-degrees-of-freedom single-wheel vehicle vibration model and a three-degrees-of-freedom single-wheel vehicle vibration model with split unsprung mass were established, with their state-space descriptions determined. The fundamental vibration response quantities of both models were identified, and time-domain simulations under random road excitation were performed using MATLAB/Simulink. The results indicate that the two modeling approaches exhibit minimal differences in ride comfort analysis for the sprung mass, but there are certain differences for the unsprung mass. Additionally, for the three-degrees-of-freedom single-wheel vehicle vibration model with split unsprung mass, the axle-to-wheel mass ratio was introduced to analyze the changes in the fundamental vibration response quantities when the unsprung mass increases by a fixed value and is distributed differently between the axle and the wheel. The results show that variations in the axle-to-wheel mass ratio have no significant impact on the vibration characteristics of the sprung mass. Reducing the mass ratio, i.e., transferring part of the unsprung mass to the wheel, can somewhat reduce the vertical acceleration of the unsprung mass, but it will slightly increase the relative dynamic load on the wheel. Finally, the other two models were simplified by combining the two masses connected by the bearings.
Jie, Li, Wei, Deng, Chengyu, Li
Spider-Man-Inspired Technology Comes to FruitionTBMG-555408/1/2026
Every kid who has read a comic book or watched a Spider-Man movie has tried to imagine what it would be like to shoot a web from their wrist, fly over streets, and pin down villains. Researchers at Tufts University took those imaginary scenes seriously and created the first web-slinging technology in which a fluid material can shoot from a needle, immediately solidify as a string, and adhere to and lift objects.
Design and Research of Robotic Arm for Belt Conveyor Roller Replacement2026-99-01877/31/2026
To address the high failure rate of rollers in coal mine belt conveyors, the inefficiency of manual replacement, and the operational disruptions caused by maintenance shutdowns, this study proposes a robotic arm system capable of replacing rollers without halting conveyor operations. The research focuses on the kinematic performance and path planning strategy of the robotic arm. A kinematic model is established using the Denavit–Hartenberg (DH) parameters, and the workspace distribution is analyzed via the Monte Carlo method. The results show that the horizontal reach exceeds 2020 mm and the vertical reach extends up to 2000 mm, which fully satisfies the spatial requirements for roller replacement across the entire conveyor system. In the path planning phase, an obstacle expansion model is constructed, and an improved Informed RRT* algorithm is implemented to generate collision-free trajectories, ensuring effective obstacle avoidance. To improve trajectory smoothness, path pruning and cubic B-spline interpolation are applied to refine the initial paths. For trajectory planning in joint space, quintic polynomial interpolation is employed, with boundary conditions set to ensure zero velocity and zero acceleration at both the start and end points, thereby guaranteeing smooth and stable motion of the robotic arm. Simulation results indicate that joint angles, angular velocities, and angular accelerations vary smoothly throughout the roller grasping process, without abrupt changes, and converge to zero at the beginning and end of the trajectory. End-effector trajectory tracking error analysis reveals positioning errors within 0.8 mm for side rollers and 3 mm for central rollers, well within acceptable engineering accuracy thresholds. This work provides a theoretical foundation and a practical implementation framework for advancing automation and intelligent operation in roller replacement tasks within coal mine belt conveyor systems.
Pu, Congyuan, Qian, Ke
Parameter Identification for the Dynamics Model of a Robotic Grasping Process Based on SFOA2026-99-01237/31/2026
To precisely simulate the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a robotic arm grasping cylindrical objects from storage units, this study establishes a dynamic model of the robotic grasping process incorporating Coulomb and viscous friction models to characterize frictional properties. Furthermore, to effectively identify unknown parameters in the dynamic model, a parameter identification method based on the Superb Fairy-wren Optimization Algorithm (SFOA) is proposed. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) between the displacement responses from the dynamic model and the experimentally acquired displacement data serves as the optimization objective. Multiple sets of experimental data are utilized to identify the unknown parameters of the dynamic model. The results demonstrate that when the identified parameters are applied to the dynamic model, the goodness-of-fit between the model’s response displacement data and the experimental displacement data exceeds 0.999. This validates the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method for identifying unknown parameters in dynamic models.
Shen, Shaofeng, Yang, Liu, Wang, Zihan, Han, Qunyi
An Integrated Instrument for Endodontic Access Cavity Preparation and Root Canal Preparation with Full Pneumatic Drive2026-99-01187/31/2026
During root canal treatment, dentists must use endodontic access cavity preparation dental handpieces and root canal preparation handpieces separately for endodontic access cavity preparation and root canal preparation. To reduce the use of surgical tools, an integrated instrument for endodontic access cavity preparation and root canal preparation was designed. Driven by an air impeller and equipped with a quick tool disassembly unit, the instrument realizes forward or reverse rotation of the end tool via an STM32-controlled electromagnetic directional valve. The flow characteristics of the air impeller system were analyzed using ANSYS CFX, and the results showed that the impeller output torque met the design requirements. To minimize torque fluctuations during rotation, a double-layer offset impeller structure with an offset angle of 14° was designed based on the flow characteristics of the impeller system. The instrument was applied in simulated endodontic access cavity preparation and root canal preparation experiments. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of using this integrated instrument for both endodontic access cavity preparation and root canal preparation.
Chen, Guoliang, Xu, Kunlang
Comparative Analysis of CDTire Model and FTire Model in Vehicle Comfort and Durability Simulation2026-99-01097/31/2026
This paper studies the applicability of the CDTire tire model in vehicle comfort and durability simulations by comparing it with the FTire tire model. Based on a physical 250/50 R19 tire, the corresponding CDTire and FTire models are developed and integrated into a multibody dynamics model of an SUV. After simulations of two handling comfort conditions and one durability condition using the CDTire and FTire models, it is found that, when FTire is used as the base case, CDTire produces a smaller relative error in vehicle comfort simulation, with a maximum of +5.6%. In the durability simulation, the relative error is larger, but the maximum value remains within ±10% at + 9.7%. Therefore, it can be concluded that CDTire is one tire model with acceptable simulation accuracy for vehicle comfort and durability.
Gao, Fengling, Wu, Wenwen, Geng, Hao
Research and Development of Wheelchair Assisted Intelligent Boarding and Landing Device for Barrier-Free Bus Based on TRIZ Theory2026-99-01477/31/2026
With the intensifying global trend of population aging, enhancing public-transport accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities has become critical. Current wheelchair-assist boarding devices on low-floor buses suffer from cumbersome operation, excessive space occupation, poor adaptation to varying curb heights, and an inability to modulate power output dynamically, all of which compromise travel convenience. This study applies TRIZ theory to solve these problems. Functional analysis, causal-chain analysis, and the nine-screen method were used to identify key issues: excessive space use, insufficient dynamic power adjustment, poor curb-height adaptability, and the lack of self-service capability. TRIZ tools— including the contradiction matrix, substance-field models, and the Ideal Final Result (IFR)—generated conceptual solutions such as a foldable ramp, an adaptive tilting mechanism, an intelligent power-assist system, and an automatic extension device. The resulting integrated unit employs a planetary-gear train combined with a four-bar linkage for compact folding, a servo motor with torque-limiting springs for adaptive height adjustment, torque sensors for real-time power modulation, and a scissor-type telescoping mechanism for automatic stowage. Experimental validation through 50 trials showed that the device completes extension/folding in 7 s, achieves angle adjustment within 3.5 s, covers a pitch range of 0°–43°, and attains a 100 % extension success rate. These features significantly increase automation, adaptability, and user independence, thereby improving the quality of accessible bus services.
Zhu, Zongchuang, Hu, Zhiyong, Liu, Zeshuo, Liu, Yijia, Zhang, Ziqian
The Design of an Adaptive Multi-Material Fully Automated Grinding and Polishing Machine2026-99-01277/31/2026
With the increasing demand for material microimaging analysis, there is a growing need for advanced precision grinding and polishing equipment, especially for metals, ceramics, and composites. Existing automated systems struggle with handling complex material challenges. This paper presents a fully automated adaptive grinding and polishing machine based on an STM32 microcontroller that handles multi-material samples. The system includes modules for sample access, cleaning, pad replacement, human-computer interaction, and equipment communication. The STM32 microcontroller executes grinding and polishing tasks based on instructions from the host computer while dynamically adjusting PID control parameters using an improved weighted average optimization algorithm. This approach enhances control accuracy, stability, and overall surface treatment quality compared to traditional PID control methods.
Zhang, Longqing, Kong, Xiangyu, Zhao, Xiuyang, Li, Xingbei
Influencing Factors Indicator System of Crew Performance in Multi-Vehicle Cooperation Based on DEMATEL-TAISM Method2026-99-08527/30/2026
As multi-vehicle cooperation becomes an increasingly important operational mode for armored vehicles, the performance of cooperative crews plays a crucial role in accomplishing coordinated missions and enhancing the functionality of the human–machine system. In this study, the influencing factors of crew performance in multi-vehicle cooperation of armored vehicles were initially extracted through a literature review. The Delphi method was then employed to collect expert opinions and perform a preliminary simplification of the indicator system, followed by an optimization of the system using exploratory factor analysis. The final indicator system consisted of 11 indicators, and the DEMATEL–TAISM method was further employed to analyze the interaction relationships among the identified key influencing factors. In terms of the interrelationships among influencing factors, the fundamental determinants of armored vehicle crew performance include individual capability and experience, operational characteristics, shared screen and auditory design, display–control interface and cabin layout, and intelligent and automated design. The findings suggest that improving crew capability and experience through training, optimizing the interface, cabin, and auditory design, and promoting intelligent and automated system design can significantly enhance armored vehicle crew performance.
Wang, Rulan, Chen, Xingjiang, Zhou, Yue, Xie, Fang, Wanyan, Xiaoru, Liu, Shuang
Topology Optimization of a Single-Actuator Pure Rotational Platform2026-99-08287/30/2026
Conventional dual-actuator rotational platforms exhibit actuation redundancy that compromises motion precision and increases structural complexity. This paper presents a topology optimization methodology for single-actuator pure rotational platforms to overcome these limitations. A SIMP material interpolation model integrates multi-objective functions, maximizing output rotation angle while minimizing rotational center parasitic displacement under volume fraction constraints. The Optimality Criteria (OC) algorithm was used to solve the optimization problem, with Heaviside density filtering eliminating numerical instabilities. The resulting platform achieves exceptional rotational capability (Rθ = 2.29) while maintaining ultra-low relative parasitic displacements (x: 4.96×10^–5, y: 2.20×10^–5). Parametric studies quantify the influence of volume fractions and stiffness coefficients on performance. The finite element method was employed to analyze the rotation angles and parasitic displacements of both the topology optimization platform and a traditional pure rotation platform. The comparative FEA results demonstrate the superior performance of our topology-optimized design, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Wang, Qiliang, Zhang, Runsheng, Zhang, Shaowen
Comparison of Female and Male Post Mortem Human Subject Kinematic Responses and Injuries in Rear-Facing Seat Configurations in High-Speed Frontal Impacts2026-22-00077/28/2026
This study investigates female post-mortem human subject (PMHS) responses and injuries, comparing them to previously published data from male PMHS tested at a change in velocity (delta-V) of 56 kph in high-speed rear-facing frontal- impact (HSRFFI) scenarios. Twelve small female PMHS were subjected to the same HSRFFI pulse. The subjects were positioned in reinforced production seats, identical to those from the previous male PMHS studies, and set to recline angles of either 25 or 45 degrees. Instrumentation was used to measure kinematics of the head, spine, pelvis, and ribs. Whole-body kinematics were recorded using motion capture. Female PMHS consistently showed lower head restraint, seatback, and lap belt loads compared to males across all test conditions (Bio Rank System [BRS] scores >1.0), with BRS scores for head restraint forces as high as 4.0. While head and T1 kinematics were consistent with males in all-belt-to-seat (ABTS) conditions (BRS < 1.0), significant differences were found in other body regions (BRS>1.0). Female PMHS had larger head forward rotation and smaller pelvis Z-axis displacement (less ramping) than males in the fixed D-ring (FDR) conditions, leading to major discrepancies (BRS>2.0). In addition, female chest deflection was smaller in one FDR condition (BRS=1.98), and tibia acceleration onset was earlier. Female PMHS sustained severe to critical rib fractures (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS]3-5) similar to males. However, five females in the FDR conditions and one in the ABTS condition sustained sacral fractures, an injury not seen in males. Females also had a higher frequency of lower extremity fractures (7 of 12) and vertebral body fractures (7 of 12) compared to males. These findings suggest that existing male PMHS data may not adequately predict responses and injury risks for female PMHS, emphasizing the need for female-specific biomechanical data to enhance safety tools and models in HSRFFI scenarios.
Kang, Yun-Seok, Baker, Gretchen H., Ramachandra, Rakshit, Marcallini, Angelo, Kwon, Hyunjung, Foster, Craig D., Moorhouse, Kevin, Agnew, Amanda M., Bolte, John H.
Structural Fatigue Life Prediction and Safety Performance Evaluation of Adjustable-Angle Dental Implants2026-99-16547/24/2026
Adjustable-angle dental implants are favored by many patients due to the advantages they provide, such as high chewing force, aesthetics, comfort, and no harm to the adjacent teeth. This paper proposes a finite element modeling method for adjustable-angle dental implants by changing the material used for manufacturing the implants and predicting the life span of the dental implants with the help of Pro/E and ANSYS Workbench software, which provides biomechanical data reference for the selection of new implant parameters for industrial production and clinical use. The results show that the structural life of the implant is almost 764 years for pure titanium, 821 years for Ti6Al4v, and 1,274 years for βTi. From the analysis of the safety factor diagrams of the structures, it can be obtained that the smallest safety factor of the entire implant system occurs in the part where the abutment and the connection are in contact with each other during loading. In contrast, the smaller safety factors occurred in the abutment bumps, the ear stacks of the two grooves of the connector, and in the area of contact between the connector and the implant.
Gu, Wei, Cheng, Siyuan, Liao, Jifei
Research on a Real-Time Pilot-Induced Oscillation Detector Based on a Convolutional Neural Network2026-99-16137/24/2026
This study aimed to develop a real-time Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO) detector by utilizing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and applying it to flight test monitoring. For data training, a database of PIO samples is established. CNN has the advantage of lower complexity and automatic feature learning; it is chosen to develop the PIO detector. The results showed that the accuracy of the trained model has reached 93.71%, where the recall rate reaches 94.74%. To better assist the monitoring team, a simple software is designed based on the trained model for PIO detection, and it has been applied in flight test monitoring. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the CNN Algorithm can be utilized in PIO discrimination and improve the monitoring capacity for flight testing.
Han, Yiwen, Liu, Chaoqiang
Remote Steering Control SystemsJ2588_202607 (Current)7/23/2026
This SAE Information Report establishes a uniform procedure for assuring the manufactured quality, installed utility, and performance of automotive remote steering controls other than those provided by the vehicle manufacturer (OEM). These products are intended to provide driving capability to persons with physical disabilities. The adaptive modifications seek to compensate for lost or reduced function in the extremities of the driver with a disability. Remote steering controls are designed to provide a steering input device alternative to the OEM steering wheel that either reduces the required input force, changes the required range of motion or changes the location of the steering control, or any combination of the above. These controls supplement by power, other than by the driver’s own muscular efforts, the force output of the driver with a disability. Because this is an Information Report, the numerical values for performance measurements presented in this report and in the accompanying Test Procedure, while based upon the best knowledge available at the time, have not been validated by a testing of the Test Procedure.
Adaptive Devices Standards Committee
Surface Engineering Approach to Enhance the Tribological Performance of Titanium Nitride–Coated Stainless Steel against Ti6Al4V under Wet Condition2026-01-50607/22/2026
The impact of a titanium nitride (TiN) coating by the cathodic arc deposition (CAD) technique on a 316L stainless steel (SS) 316L substrate is examined in this experimental work. The X-ray diffraction study showed that TiN made the osbornite phase grow in the coated specimen. The SS 316L sample had a hardness of 217.66 HV, and the samples with CAD coatings were five times harder than the uncoated disc. The wear test was conducted using a pin-on-disc tribometer under dry and wet conditions at loading conditions of 2 N, 4 N, and 6 N with the counterpart of grade 5 titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Wear resistance improved significantly, with the wear rate decreasing markedly after coating compared to the uncoated sample. The wear morphology of the wear on the contact surfaces was identified by SEM analysis of the images. The biocompatibility of the ceramic-coated SS 316L sample with the normal cell line was proved by a cell viability test. The demand for SS 316L and the use of CAD coatings to reduce friction and wear in bio-implant applications were the main topics of the current study.
Gopi, R., Devaraju, A., Sivasamy, P., Raju, M.
Automated Driving Fallback Test Driver Skill CertificationJ3300/3_202607 (Current)7/20/2026
This document is intended to establish a procedure to certify AD fallback test driver skill levels as an endorsement to SAE J3300 foundational level certification. The SAE J3300/3 endorsement can be used by the individual driver to qualify their skills as a test driver of vehicles with automated driving features. The SAE J3300/3 endorsement levels may also be used by test facilities or other organizations when seeking test or professional drivers with these skills. This document provides directions for obtaining the endorsement, including associated AD fallback test driving skill examination requirements, through SAE J3300-certified Examiners (refer to SAE J3300 for definition). Endorsement registration and associated records are administered through Probitas Authentication®. Probitas Authentication® is the current Independent Program Administrator for the SAE J3300 series. This document is a supplement to SAE J3300, providing information specific to the AD fallback test driver skill endorsement and clarifying the application of the rules set forth in SAE J3300 to the AD fallback test driver endorsement. While the references, definitions, rules, and guidelines presented in SAE J3300 Sections 1 through 5 apply to the AD fallback test driver endorsement, they are not repeated in this document.
Driving Skills Standards Committee
Dynamic Characteristics Study of the Deployment Process of Aircraft Folding Wing2026-99-18607/17/2026
Folding wing mechanisms are widely applied in aircraft structural design. This design reduces the size of the aircraft, making it easier to store and transport. Whether the foldable wing can successfully deploy determines the completion of the flight mission. Therefore, it is crucial to study the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the mechanism during the deployment process. The deployment of the folding wing typically occurs within milliseconds. The flow field imposes aerodynamic loads on the mechanism, causing it to move, while the large deformation motion of the mechanism, in turn, affects the aerodynamic loads from the flow field. This is a typical fluid-structure interaction (FSI) process. Traditional CFD methods for solving the deployment process in a decoupled manner often result in large errors and cumbersome procedures. To investigate the aerodynamic loads and deformation of the folding wing mechanism during deployment, the ALE algorithm in LS-DYNA was selected to directly solve the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the mechanism in unsteady flow fields, guiding the design of foldable wing mechanisms.
Wei, Ting, Tong, Zongkai, Li, Naitian
Research on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fault Detection Method Based on 1DCNN-BiLSTM2026-99-18667/17/2026
In recent years, drone technology has seen widespread application in both civilian and military fields. By 2025, China will introduce supportive policies from multiple dimensions, including industrial development, technological innovation, and application promotion, to significantly increase the number of UAVs in use and their frequency. However, drones are prone to malfunctions due to factors such as bad weather and electromagnetic interference, which may result in serious consequences, including property damage and casualties. Therefore, improving the accuracy of fault detection and the response time of drones is of great significance. Although current research has made progress, there are still deficiencies: First, most of them rely on a single or limited data source, resulting in incomplete information and vulnerability to interference, which leads to low detection accuracy and reliability; Second, traditional methods are mostly based on fixed thresholds or simple rules, lacking real-time dynamic monitoring and adaptive analysis capabilities, making it difficult to issue timely warnings of potential faults. To this end, this study proposes a multi-scale time series prediction model based on multimodal and multi-branch, integrating multimodal data, constructing a dual-branch architecture, and combining deep learning and attention mechanisms to enhance the anomaly detection effect of unmanned aerial vehicles. A dual-branch anomaly detection model based on 1DCNN-BiLSTM and continuous wavelet transform is proposed, including a trajectory prediction difference branch and a full time series data branch. In the dual-branch output stage, the attention gating mechanism is utilized to fuse features and improve the detection performance. The experimental results show that this model performs excellently in both normal trajectory prediction and anomaly detection, providing an effective solution for drone anomaly detection.
Pu, Zhenglin, Zhang, Lin
Optimization of the Light Environment for the Remote Control Tower Humancomputer Interaction Interface Based on Ergonomics2026-99-18477/17/2026
The development of remote tower systems in aviation and the resurgence of multi-display interfaces and virtual environments have dramatically influenced ATC, increasing both controllers’ visual demands and their ergonomic needs. This study uses the Visual Ergonomics to study the impact of screen luminance level, along with color temperature, on trainees’ visual performance, fatigue, and physical discomfort in the control rooms of the Remote Tower. By combining a simulated remote control system with spectrometer measurements, PVT alertness tests, VMT (Visual Memory Test) measurements, and subjective evaluations, COST B21 can build up a multi-dimensional ergonomic assessment framework. Eight levels of display luminance (and color temperature) were tested, including two illuminance levels (300 lx and 400 lx) and four color temperature ranges (6000 K–9000 K). Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), these parameters were assigned weights to derive a Visual Ergonomics (VE) scoring model, and the ideal visual performance was observed at 400 lx illuminance and 8000 K CCT. The results clearly illustrate the significant impact of display parameters on operational performance in remote tower systems and provide both practical data and a theoretical basis for the human factors design and fatigue reduction research on RTSs.
Zhong, Linfeng, Hu, Ruohui, Luo, Peilin, Zuo, Qinghai, Zhong, Qingwei, Ai, Yi
Evaluation of Civil Aircraft Options Based on Grey Analytic Hierarchy Process2026-99-18087/17/2026
Product options are an important means for civil aircraft manufacturers to meet market demand, increase revenue, and enhance competitiveness. How to achieve a customized configuration of civil aircraft options is the focus of attention for aircraft manufacturers. In order to reduce manufacturing costs and cover more target markets, it is necessary to pay attention to the customized detail design of aircraft products in the early stages of design. At present, academic research on product selection is relatively limited and lacks quantitative evaluation methods. This article selects four elements to form an evaluation indicator system, namely comfort, competitiveness, cost investment, and maintainability; establishes a civil aircraft option evaluation model based on grey correlation analysis, quantifies the degree of correlation between product options and customer needs, and uses the analytic hierarchy process to reflect the weight differences of evaluation indicators. Taking the option list of a wide-body aircraft as an example, the model was used to evaluate and rank the options, verifying the rationality of the model and providing a reference for aircraft manufacturers to make provisions in advance.
Lu, Meihua
Experimental Analysis of Human Head Dynamic Response and Injury under High-G Landing Shock2026-99-18617/17/2026
This study looks at how the human head reacts and gets injured during high-G landing impacts in spacecraft return capsules. We used a vertical drop tower system for the experiments. A standard crash test dummy, called the Hybrid III 50th, was used to imitate how astronauts sit during landing. We applied two common safety standards—the Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and the 3 ms cumulative acceleration rule—to measure head response under high-G impacts. The results show several things. First, head acceleration increases linearly as seat acceleration increases. Second, the peak total acceleration of the head is much higher than the seat acceleration. In particular, acceleration in the X and Z directions is much stronger than in the Y direction. Third, when seat acceleration went over 47.71 g, HIC exceeded the safe limit of 700, and the 3 ms head acceleration also passed the 80 g limit. This suggests that 40 g should be considered a safe upper limit for seat acceleration. This work provides experimental support for improving landing systems to protect astronauts’ heads during high-G impacts.
An, Hao, Wang, Yafeng, Guo, Yazhou
ERRATUM: Ergonomic Assessment of Glove-Box Design in Passenger Vehicles for the Indian Scenario15-19-02-0009.17/15/2026
ERRATUM
Jujjavarapu, Sreeram, Rajakumaran, Sriram, Kota, Srinivas, Kotkunde, Nitin, Jasti, Naga Vamsi Krishna
R134a and R1234yf Refrigerant Charge Determination Test MethodJ3023_202607 (Current)7/13/2026
The purpose of this document is to establish guidelines for determining the critical R134a and R1234yf refrigerant charge for off-road, self-propelled work machines as defined in SAE J1116 and agricultural tractors as defined in ANSI/ASAE S390. It will develop a minimum to maximum refrigerant charge range in which the HVAC system can maintain proper operation. Operating conditions and characteristics of the equipment will influence the optimum charge. Since these conditions and characteristics vary greatly from one application to another, careful consideration should be taken to determine the optimum R134a and R1234yf refrigerant charge for the HVAC system.
HFTC6, Operator Accommodation
On Disturbance-Aware Minimum-Time Trajectory Planning: Evidence from Tests on a Dynamic Driving Simulator10-10-03-00267/13/2026
This work aims to investigate how disturbance-aware, robustness-embedding reference trajectories translate into actual driving performance when executed by professional drivers in a dynamic driving simulator. The study compares three planned reference trajectories against a free-driving baseline (NO-REF) to assess the trade-offs between lap time (LT) performance and steering effort: NOM, the nominal time-optimal trajectory; TLC, a track-limit-robust, time-optimal trajectory obtained by tightening margins to the track edges; and FLC, a friction-limit-robust, time-optimal trajectory obtained by tightening against axle/tire saturation. All reference trajectories share the same minimum LT objective with a small steering-smoothness regularizer, and are evaluated with two professional drivers driving a high-performance car on a virtual track. The reference trajectories stem from a disturbance-aware minimum-LT framework recently proposed by some of the authors, where worst-case disturbance growth is propagated over a finite horizon and used to tighten tire-friction and track-limit constraints, preserving performance while delivering probabilistic safety margins. LT and steering energy (SE) are evaluated as indicators of driving performance and steering effort, respectively, while RMS values of lateral deviation, speed error, and drift angle are used to characterize driving style. The results reveal a Pareto-like trade-off between LT and SE: NOM achieves the shortest LT, but with the highest SE, TLC minimizes SE at the expense of longer LT, while FLC lies near the efficient frontier, markedly reducing SE relative to NOM with only a minor LT increase. Removing reference trajectories (NO-REF) leads to both higher SE and longer LT, confirming that trajectory guidance improves pace and control efficiency. Overall, the findings highlight reference-based and disturbance-aware planning, particularly the FLC variant, as effective tools for training and for achieving fast yet stable trajectories.
Masoni, Matteo, Palermo, Vincenzo, Gabiccini, Marco, Gulisano, Martino, Previati, Giorgio, Gobbi, Massimiliano, Comolli, Francesco, Mastinu, Gianpiero, Guiggiani, Massimo
Research on Predicting Occupant Height Using CNN-Based Pressure and Posture in Zero-Gravity Seats2026-99-05217/10/2026
Zero-gravity seats alleviate prolonged sitting fatigue by optimizing human body pressure distribution, but the correlation mechanism between body size parameters and pressure distribution remains unclear. This study proposes a deep learning model based on multimodal data fusion, combining pressure matrices and postural angle data to construct a convolutional neural network (CNN) with a height prediction error ⩽3 cm. Experiments collected pressure and posture data from 100 participants with diverse anthropometric percentiles. Through the fusion of features and the optimization of the model, the study managed to quantify how height and weight impact pressure gradients. The results indicate that the model achieved a prediction R2 value of 0.73, which confirms that there is a strong correlation between pressure distribution and body size parameters. The findings offer theoretical and technical support for the adaptive adjustment systems within intelligent cabins.
Bi, Tengfei, Nie, Jiacheng, Du, Changjiang, Ji, Yuechen, Wang, Song, Sun, Jiawei
Impact of Driving Style on Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption2026-99-05077/10/2026
The way we drive has a big effect on how much energy electric cars use, so making better driving habits can help make electric cars use less energy. By utilizing a set of real EV driving data, this paper classifies and analyzes EVs from the perspective of energy consumption, and establishes an intelligent scoring system for EV driving behavior based on a decision tree model. Experimental results show that this method is able to successfully distinguish different driving behaviours and the critical driving behavior factors, such as vehicle speed, accelerator pedal change rate, etc., and braking behavior are identified. Use intelligent scoring to give driver suggestions; this way, they can improve on their driving techniques and lower their energy consumption.
Liang, Yongkai, Zhang, Hao, Liu, Yu, Yu, Hanzhengnan
Research on Age-Friendly Design Strategies for Autonomous Buses Based on Service Design Concepts2026-99-05367/10/2026
In the context of the accelerating development of an aging society, the inconvenient mobility of the elderly conflicts with the design of existing vehicles. The promotion and development of autonomous vehicles can provide solutions to this conflict to a certain extent. But existing autonomous vehicles lack a systematic age-friendly design. This study is based on a service design idea and employs the KJKANO hybrid model. The KJ method is used to construct a three-tier demand framework of “safety-function-emotion.” The KANO method is applied to identify the priority classification of each demand within the tiered framework. The study derives an aging-friendly design strategy for autonomous buses that prioritizes safety demands as the foundation, with functionality and emotional demands balanced accordingly. These strategies are then implemented in design practice. This study provides a user-centered systematic solution for the age-friendly design of autonomous buses, offering insights for research on age-friendly smart transportation.
Li, Wangyan, Ji, Yuanyuan
The Chain of Visual Factors, Visual Characteristics, and Driving Behavior at Highway Tunnel Entrances2026-99-05567/10/2026
To explore the impact of guiding and warning visual combination factors at the entrance sections of highway tunnels on drivers’ visual characteristics and driving behavior, this study recruited 16 drivers to conduct on-road vehicle experiments at the entrance sections of the Yunling Tunnel’s left bore (with visual combination factors) and right bore (without visual combination factors). Seven visual characteristics and driving behavior indicators, including pupil diameter and vehicle speed, were collected and statistically analyzed. Representative indicators such as pupil diameter, standard deviation of fixation point position, and vehicle speed were selected to establish a trend surface model of visual characteristics and driving behavior. The results indicate that when driving at the entrance section of the left bore, drivers’ pupil diameter and fixation duration were significantly lower than those at the entrance section of the right bore. With the increase in the sweeping view angle, there was a more dispersed distribution of fixation points. Additionally, there were significant differences in the acceleration and lateral deviation of the driving vehicle, with the range of variation narrowing by 52.5% and 35.7%, respectively. The trend surface model results show that under the influence of visual combination factors, the reduction in drivers’ vehicle speed was smaller, and the impact of pupil diameter and standard deviation of fixation point position on vehicle speed was less pronounced. Overall, under the influence of visual combination factors, drivers’ visual characteristics showed significant changes, with improved speed control and manipulation levels, leading to more stable vehicle operation.
Ma, Yanpeng, Huang, He, Huang, Yong, Yuan, Chen
Human-Machine Ergonomics Analysis of Civil Aircraft Electric Pilot Seats2026-99-05707/10/2026
This paper uses a structured evaluation framework to study the ergonomics of electric pilot seats in modern civil aircraft. We have established a multi-level indicator system to examine the adjustability, pressure distribution, dynamic response and, fatigue relief effect of the seat. All experimental data were obtained from a full-scale cockpit simulator environment, where a ground-based mock-up and motion-free simulated cockpit were used to replicate real operational posture, control-reach conditions, and long-duration mission loads. This framework combines experimental measurement and fuzzy evaluation techniques to quantify the quality of human-computer interaction. Test results show that compared with ordinary seats, the prototype seat has a wider adjustment range, a more uniform pressure distribution, and a smoother dynamic response. It is particularly worth mentioning that it can delay the emergence of fatigue during long-term operation, which proves the advantages of the electric adjustment mechanism. The simulated-cockpit test conditions ensure that these results are reproducible and representative of actual cockpit usage scenarios. This findings not only provide theoretical guidance and engineering basis for optimizing the cockpit seat system, but also provide methodological reference for applying fuzzy analysis in aerospace ergonomics research.
Tian, Yanan, Pi, Zhengyang
Analysis and Improvement of Rattle Noise in Manual Transmission2026-99-05277/10/2026
In response to the problem of manual transmission rattle noise in the acceleration process of a truck, the mechanism of the problem is analysed, and the scheme is developed and verified from two aspects: reducing the torsional vibration of the system and reducing the response of the transmission gear. The results show that, on the one hand, reducing the clutch stiffness and optimizing the torsional vibration of the system can reduce the rattle noise of the transmission; On the other hand, it can also reduce the rattle noise of transmission gears by improving the engagement precision of transmission gears and reducing the gear clearance. Considering the improvement effect, cost, and influence on other performance of the two schemes, the appropriate engineering scheme is selected to effectively solve the problem and improve the riding comfort of the product.
Yang, Zhijie, Xu, Binghua
Human Reliability in Aircraft Maintenance Operations: A Quantitative Analysis Through Evidential Reasoning-Enhanced SPAR-H Methodology2026-99-05947/10/2026
The reliability of aviation maintenance personnel directly impacts flight safety, yet systematic methodologies for the quantitative prediction of human error probability (HEP) in this domain remain lacking. To address this gap, a novel human factors reliability analysis method for aviation maintenance is proposed, extending the SPAR-H model through Evidential Reasoning (ER). This method is implemented as follows: Maintenance tasks are decomposed into subtasks. Subsequently, the eight types of Performance Shaping Factors (PSFs) for each subtask are evaluated by domain experts according to defined PSF levels. Expert judgments are then aggregated using Evidential Reasoning theory, enabling the calculation of aggregated PSF levels. These aggregated levels are interpolated to determine the corresponding impact multipliers. Finally, the HEP for aviation maintenance operations is calculated by integrating the SPAR-H basic error probability model with task series/parallel logic rules. The proposed methodology is validated using an inspection operation case study. This study establishes a methodological framework for human factors reliability analysis in aviation maintenance, providing a theoretical foundation for developing scientifically grounded prevention and control measures to enhance aviation safety levels.
Meng, Meng, Ma, Ning, Guan, Zhongqing, Han, Zuyang, Nan, Wenxue, Cai, Hongbin
Crashworthiness of WC19 Wheelchairs in Vertical Dynamic Aircraft Seating Tests09-14-02-00047/9/2026
Currently, people who use wheelchairs are not permitted to use their own wheelchairs as seats on commercial aircraft. To advance equitable aircraft travel for these passengers, we need to determine whether wheelchairs would be safe seating for their occupants and not pose a safety hazard for other passengers in case of emergency landing. We hypothesized that wheelchairs meeting the voluntary standards for vehicle crashworthiness (Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America [RESNA] Section 19 Wheelchairs Used as Seats in Motor Vehicles [WC19]) would be able to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) vertical crashworthiness standards for aircraft seating. Wheelchairs were secured using surrogate 4-point strap tiedowns using the geometry specified by WC19. The FAA Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device (FH3 ATD) was restrained by both the wheelchair-attached lap belt and a vehicle-mounted lap belt identified as necessary to pass FAA dynamic horizontal test requirements. For the dynamic vertical testing with the wheelchairs oriented 60 degrees relative to horizontal, modeling demonstrated the suitability of using the trapezoidal pulse achieved with the UMTRI sled produced rather than the typical triangular shaped FAA pulse. Of the five manual and three power wheelchairs tested, four had broken components that would not impede emergency exit, four did not have visible damage, and the FH3 remained within the seat in all tests. The three power wheelchairs did not meet lumbar compression requirements. Based on these results, it may be feasible for people to use their own WC19-compliant wheelchairs on aircraft when secured to the aircraft with 4-point strap tiedown systems, supplemented by an occupant lap belt anchored to the aircraft, notwithstanding the lumbar force requirement.
Manary, Miriam A., Orton, Nichole Ritchie, Vallier, Tyler, Boyle, Kyle J., Klinich, Kathleen DeSantis
The Influence of Spatial and Aspatial Factors on the Safety Driving Behavior of Motorcycle Couriers in the Gig-Economy Era: A Case Study of East Jakarta, Indonesia09-14-02-00057/3/2026
This study aims to analyze the impact of spatial and aspatial factors on the safety driving behavior of motorcycle couriers in East Jakarta within the context of the gig economy. Both factors are integrated to clarify how spatial conditions and individual characteristics jointly shape couriers’ safety driving behavior. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was employed to examine the relationship between spatial and aspatial factors on safety driving behavior. Data were collected through questionnaires from 253 motorcycle couriers operating in three subdistricts in East Jakarta, namely Cakung, Pasar Rebo, and Pulo Gadung. The results show that safety driving behavior is significantly influenced by aspatial factors, particularly socioeconomic characteristics and personality traits. In contrast, spatial factors such as road conditions and daily activity patterns do not directly influence safety driving behavior, but exert indirect effects through the couriers’ personality traits.
Wahyuddin, Yasser, Sitorus, Paldibo Alfriramson, Putri, Kharunia, Maharani, Garnierita
UMV Peoplemover: Towards a Modular Fully Automated Vehicle Research Platform2026-01-07847/1/2026
The UMV Peoplemover 2+2 is part of a modular vehicle family (Urban Modular Vehicle) that includes derivatives for passenger and cargo transport in urban environments. The platform supports automated movers as well as conventionally controlled vehicles with a human driver, ensuring high flexibility across applications. The modular platform enables the extensive use of common parts, allowing the efficient and cost-effective realization of multiple vehicle variants. The increased share of common parts also improves sustainability by reducing derivative-specific parts, material usage, and production complexity. A drivable demonstrator of the UMV Peoplemover 2+2 has already been realized. The vehicle is designed for the automated transport of up to four occupants in a 2+2 vis-à-vis seating arrangement and is targeted at demand-oriented shuttle services. While the drivable demonstrator validated the proof of concept, it lacked the core Level 4 hardware and software stack for automated driving functions. To address this limitation, we deployed a software-defined vehicle architecture to the concept. This paper introduces the novel e/e-architecture and software stack enabling the Peoplemover 2+2 to initiate its first shuttle service at the German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.) in Stuttgart. We further detail the deployed multi-modal sensor suite, comprising modern solid-state LiDARs and a 4D imaging radar, which were carefully selected to meet the operational design domain requirements while also serving as a versatile research platform for future advanced perception studies. Finally, we analyze the SDV-based modular software stack, which facilitates rapid application development through straightforward switching between commercial, open-source, and in-house software domains, and supports parallel execution of domain-specific functions across all three software sources.
Pohl, Eric, Schmid, Fabian, Münster, Marco, Siefkes, Tjark, Stuebler, Tillmann, Mohammed, Shawan
Towards a Smarter E-Bike: Enhancing Energy Efficiency through Adaptive Speed Control2026-01-07367/1/2026
This paper presents the development of a speed controller for e-bikes, designed as part of an energy-adaptive assistance system. The controller provides riders with appropriate support along planned routes, based on the available battery capacity. The control concept is intended for integration into existing commercial e-bikes without requiring extensive modifications to the drive system. Therefore, the rider remains part of the control loop, adjusting the support mode according to instructions from the controller. The speed controller is implemented as a rule-based state machine, enabling comprehensible design and parameterization. Since the rider must manually switch between support modes while riding, the control logic incorporates hysteresis and dead times to ensure stability, prevent oscillations, and avoid frequent mode switching. The user interface is a smartphone application that issues visual and audio instructions for switching support modes. An initial, system-independent version that relied on GPS-based speed measurement was found to be insufficiently accurate for the control task. Furthermore, it was found that detection of the pedaling state was essential for proper operation. To address these issues, a Bluetooth-based hardware adapter was developed to access relevant signals from the e-bike’s CAN bus communication system. These include pedal power, cadence and speed, which are made accessible through reverse engineering of the CAN bus. The proposed concept is evaluated in a chassis dynamometer study with 13 participants on two test profiles: a synthetic gradient profile for assessing control stability and a realistic elevation profile for dynamic evaluation. Additional measurements taken with one of the test riders at different speeds demonstrate the system’s reliability and its potential to improve the energy efficiency. The results show that, with approximately the same power brought in by the rider, only 27% more electrical energy is required to increase the average speed by 45%.
Rauch, Yannick, Simmann, Gabriel, Schneider, Manuel, Goss, Christian, Kriesten, Reiner
Context-Dependent Assessment of Driving Dynamics and User Perception in Automated Driving2026-01-07577/1/2026
As automation advances and occupants transition from active drivers to passive passengers, understanding how automated driving behavior is evaluated becomes increasingly important. While longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics are known to influence perceived comfort and safety, it remains unclear to what extent motion–perception relationships remain stable across urban traffic contexts. This study compares two real-world investigations of automated driving: a left-turn maneuver at a signalized intersection on a test track and a roundabout maneuver with a shuttle in public traffic. Both datasets include high-resolution vehicle dynamics and structured subjective ratings. A consistent objectification approach was applied to examine the transferability of motion–perception relationships across contexts. However, differences in vehicle platform, automation level, trajectory characteristics, and study design limit direct comparability and require cautious interpretation. Despite partially overlapping ranges in selected peak-based dynamic parameters, such as longitudinal acceleration, subjective comfort and safety ratings were consistently higher in the roundabout scenario. Furthermore, strong associations were observed between motion parameters and subjective evaluations in the intersection context (adj. R2 up to 0.891), whereas objective parameters showed only limited explanatory power in the roundabout scenario (adj. R2 ≤ 0.06). The results indicate that motion–perception relationships derived within a specific context may not be directly transferable across different traffic scenarios. The findings highlight limitations of globally derived motion-based evaluation models and underline the importance of validating objectification approaches across diverse operational environments.
Panzer, Anna, Strenge, Emma, Iatropoulos, Jannes, Henze, Roman
Methodological Framework for the Derivation of Objective Criteria for Ride Comfort Assessment2026-01-07657/1/2026
In recent years, the automotive industry has faced increasing pressure to accelerate development cycles and reduce costs. Simultaneously, ride comfort standards have risen due to the ongoing integration of autonomous driving functionalities. Consequently, it has become essential to ensure that ride comfort attains a high degree of maturity at the very early stages of the automotive development process. This necessitates the establishment of objective criteria that enable the reliable estimation of subjective ride comfort, utilizing simulation-based assessment methods. This study introduces a methodological framework designed to systematically translate the manufacturer specific subjective perception and assessment of ride comfort into objective descriptions using a dynamic driving simulator. The framework is conceived as a generic approach, enabling the comprehensive application to a wide spectrum of subjective ride comfort phenomena, while being specifically optimized for the challenges of the automotive industry. Employing this framework facilitates the derivation of highly detailed, objective descriptions of subjective ride comfort evaluations, which promotes the achievement of advanced ride comfort maturity for new vehicles in early development phases and supports the overall enhancement of ride comfort. The exemplary application of the framework to a transient, one-dimensional ride comfort phenomenon demonstrates its capability to derive robust objective models from subjective evaluations conducted with professional test drivers in a dynamic driving simulator environment.
Stroesser, Simon, Zwosta, Tobias, Angrick, Christian, Neubeck, Jens, Wagner, Andreas
Mind the Gap: Quantifying Behavioral Fidelity in CARLA Using Naturalistic Drone Data2026-01-07717/1/2026
Rigorous validation of SAE Levels 3 and 4 autonomous systems increasingly relies on simulation. However, the simulation-reality gap remains a challenge for human-in-the-loop assessments. This study empirically quantifies the behavioral fidelity of the Car-Learning-to-Act (CARLA) simulator by recreating specific real-world traffic scenarios using the high-precision exiD drone dataset. Twenty-five participants performed a series of maneuvers, including lane changes and time-critical cut-ins. Their performance was analyzed using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), driver profiling, and Time-to-Collision (TTC) metrics. The findings reveal a clear distinction between relative and absolute behavioral validity. In strategic decision-making tasks, the simulation demonstrated remarkably high temporal fidelity. DTW analysis explained 94% of the trajectory variance. Participants initiated lane changes with an average lag of -9 frames (0.36 s) compared to naturalistic references. These results indicate that, despite the absence of peripheral optical flow, the simulator successfully elicits temporally correlated decision-making patterns suitable for assessing strategic driver intent. However, physical execution in reactive scenarios revealed significant absolute discrepancies. Although the high Pearson correlation (r ≈ 0.89) in velocity profiles proves that drivers recognize and react to hazards with realistic timing, their physical inputs were exaggerated. Participants displayed digital, over-modulated braking responses and maintained a negative safety bias of -11.26 m, a deviation attributed to the lack of vestibular g-force feedback and geometric minification. Furthermore, distinct driver profiles emerged. Risk-oriented participants exhibited a gaming effect by neglecting safety margins. In conclusion, while CARLA is highly valid for testing the temporal logic of driver interactions, absolute dynamics require calibration functions, such as force-feedback (pedal) tuning and visual deceleration cues like camera shake, to compensate for sensory limitations before it can be used for safety-critical validation.
Rebling, Patrick, Alphan, Metehan, Nenninger, Philipp
Estimating Driver Field of View in Active Safety Systems2026-01-07757/1/2026
Driver monitoring systems are an important component of active safety systems, continuously evaluating the driver’s state and issuing real-time warnings. As defined by the SAE Levels of Automation, driving tasks are increasingly transferred from the driver to the vehicle from Level 0 to Level 2, however, the driver remains fully responsible for monitoring the driving environment. Current implementations, such as driver drowsiness and attention warning, assess driver alertness, while advanced driver distraction warning ensures that the driver maintains visual focus. Nevertheless, these systems do not identify the specific objects or regions the driver is observing. This limitation motivates the presented research question: can an in-car monitoring system be integrated with external environment perception sensors to infer the driver’s field of view (FoV)? This paper presents a system consisting of a driver-facing camera and a front-view camera. Facial features, including gaze direction, head pose, and iris offset are extracted using computer vision techniques. These features, together with cropped eye images, are used as inputs to a multi-modal network. Training labels were generated using a driving simulator study with 16 participants who sequentially fixated on visual targets displayed on a front screen. Experimental results show that the proposed system can predict driver visual attention and approximate FoV with a mean pixel error of 35.40 px, enabling identification of the regions of the road scene observed by the driver in real time. This work provides a foundation for explicitly modeling driver perception and its correspondence with vehicle perception systems.
Ji, Dejie, Lausch, Hendryk, Flormann, Maximilian, Henze, Roman
Passive Thermal Management of Battery Disconnect Units for Fast-Charging Electric Vehicles: A Comparative Study of Phase Change Material Heat Transfer Configurations2026-01-07597/1/2026
The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is currently hindered by long charging durations and limited infrastructure. While fast-charging technologies address these issues, they impose significant thermal loads on high-voltage components. Within this architecture, the Battery Disconnect Unit plays a critical role as it monitors and controls the connection between the battery, powertrain, and charging system. However, the high currents required for fast-charging often drive these units' temperatures beyond safe operating limits, necessitating advanced thermal solutions that do not require extensive redesigns of the vehicle's electrical layout. To address this challenge, this study proposes a passive thermal management solution using Phase Change Material heat transfer devices to enhance the thermal robustness of the component. The methodology employs a dual approach involving initial experimental testing to pinpoint specific thermal hotspots under high-power conditions, followed by detailed numerical simulations using GT-Power software to predict system behavior. Furthermore, the paper provides a comparative analysis of various configurations, assessing their impact on temperature reduction, response time, and thermal uniformity. The results demonstrate that appropriately designed passive solutions significantly improve thermal performance, effectively enabling higher charging power capabilities while minimizing system complexity and integration effort. This innovation provides a scalable and efficient path for improving overall vehicle performance and safety during rapid energy transfer events.
Salameh, Georges, Goumy, Guillaume, Frecinaux, Anthony, Ratajczack, Christelle, Palluel, Marlène, Noiseau, Pascal, Lardeux, Sébastien
Model-Guided Scenario Expansion for Data-Driven Autonomous-Vehicle Safety Testing: A Feasibility Demonstration12-09-04-00326/29/2026
This article presents a data-driven pipeline for autonomous-vehicle (AV) safety testing. The pipeline integrates real-world traffic observations with model-guided scenario expansion and safety-metric evaluation to enable an end-to-end AV safety testing framework, demonstrated on a canonical highway scenario. The framework enhances test diversity, realism, and coverage by generating statistically informed variants of observed driving behaviors. Key parameters such as vehicle speed, trajectories, and headways are extracted from naturalistic data and used to train a probabilistic model of traffic dynamics. Scenario variants are sampled from this model and encoded as behavior trees (BTs) for modular, simulation-ready execution. Each scenario is simulated using a consistent AV control configuration, and safety metrics such as minimum safe distance violation, minimum safe distance factor, time to collision, and aggressive driving are applied to evaluate safety outcomes independently of system-specific tuning. A case study based on the highD dataset (110,000+ trajectories) demonstrates the framework’s ability to generate realistic and safety-relevant scenarios, providing an initial demonstration of pipeline feasibility and metric-based evaluation. This initial study is intentionally scoped to a single scenario class and a simplified parametric model to isolate and validate the end-to-end integration of the pipeline.
Elshenawy, Mohamed, Aboudina, Aya, Abdelmotaleb, Anhar, Amr, Mariam, El-darieby, Mohamed
Humanoid Robots Assist Assembly LinesTBMG-554436/29/2026
Spinoff is NASA’s annual publication featuring successfully commercialized NASA technology. This commercialization has contributed to the development of products and services in the fields of health and medicine, consumer goods, transportation, public safety, computer technology, and environmental resources.
Automosphere: Exploring Vehicle Heads-Up Display with Weather-Related Windshield Cues for Passive Fatigue Management12-09-03-00256/26/2026
Passive fatigue can cause accidents with automated and regular vehicles. A proof-of-concept prototype [made with light-emitting diode (LED) matrices and white LED (WLED)] and a preliminary comparative usability test (N = 7) are used to study whether the active manipulation of simulated weather cues can be a potential countermeasure to passive fatigue. Participants rated system suitability, system impression, and their fatigue level similarly when they viewed a weather windshield heads-up display (HUD) versus a speedometer windshield HUD [no significant differences found and relatively small 95% confidence interval (CI) ranges around 0]. Qualitative analysis of interviews found that participants saw the potential value of the weather display and that display placement, dynamic graphics, and user activation were commonly mentioned themes. These results suggest the concept is theoretically possible, though further work is needed to prove the concept in practice.
Ensafjoo, Mohsen, Li, Jamy
Giving Robots a Sense of Touch: Physical AI Advances with Tactile SensorsTBMG-554366/26/2026
Robotic manipulation remains one of the harder unsolved problems in automation engineering. Vision-based systems have matured considerably — object localization, pose estimation, and grasp planning from RGB-D data are now reliable enough for structured industrial environments. What vision cannot provide is contact information: whether a grasp is stable, whether a surface is beginning to slip, or how force is distributed across a fingertip during a hold. These signals are what close the control loop during manipulation, and without them, systems compensate through excessive grip force, conservative motion profiles, and large training datasets designed to paper over sensing uncertainty.
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