“The role of acceptability in the interaction between a conventional and an automated vehicle”: thesis defence by Géraldine Van Der Beken

VEDECOM is pleased to announce that Géraldine Van Der Beken has successfully defended her thesis entitled “The role of acceptability in the interaction between a conventional and an automated vehicle”.

The viva took place on Friday 14 February 2020, at the University of Rennes 2.

Supervisors were Alain SOMAT, Sami KRAIEM and Pascal PANSU.

ABSTRACT

The central theme of this thesis deals with the role of acceptability in the interaction between a conventional vehicle driven by a human and an automated vehicle. The initial study consists of a meta-analysis summarising the determinants of acceptability of a new technology. The results showed that acceptability was predicated on six factors: behavioural intent, expected performance, expected ease of use, attitude, social influence and sense of control. A second study was carried out to assess the effect of the decision of acceptability on the difference in behaviour exhibited by the driver of a conventional vehicle when interacting with an automated vehicle. The results showed that a low level of acceptability is associated with cautious behaviour towards the automated vehicle. A third study, using a driving simulator, showed that drivers of conventional vehicles with a high level of acceptability behave identically towards an automated vehicle and a conventional vehicle. In conclusion, this thesis discusses how important acceptability of a technological device is when interacting with it.