Situation awareness during the live operation of remote vehicles (Royal Holloway, University of London in collaboration with Transport Research Laboratory UK)

Project background:

Driverless cars will need to be operated remotely under some circumstances. For example, a remote human operator may need to take over control when a problem arises that challenges the vehicle’s driving software (such as a person temporarily directing traffic with hand signals, or unusual weather conditions such as fog). The remote operator will need to control the car, potentially in busy traffic, using information conveyed “second hand” from the scene. This project examines the factors influencing situation awareness in these contexts. These are now urgent research priorities given the likelihood that autonomous vehicles will soon become widespread.

The project will be based on Royal Holloway, University of London’s beautiful campus close to London. The Department of Psychology has an excellent research reputation including an active postgraduate research community and cutting edge facilities. It was ranked joint third among UK psychology departments in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. TRL is an internationally recognised centre of excellence providing world-class research, consultancy and product testing, covering all aspects of transport. TRL has access to a range of dedicated facilities including advanced driving simulators.

How to apply for this studentship

You must first apply for a place to study at the university where the research project is based, noting that you are applying for the collaborative studentship. Please go to Royal Holloway, University of London here to find more details on how to make your university application.

You will then need to make a separate application for this collaborative studentship using the SeNSS online application platform. The link to the application platform and the notes to guide you through this process are available here.

Start date for study: 1 October 2023.