Together with the Ford Motor Company, we are investigating the topic of “motion sickness.” This term refers to a condition that most people have experienced firsthand: nausea, dizziness, or headaches. The effect is particularly pronounced when reading in a car, as this causes a significant discrepancy between the sense of balance and visual perception. Motion sickness is more likely to occur in an automated vehicle. The goal is therefore to develop AI algorithms and HMI (human-machine interface) systems capable of recognizing motion sickness in specific situations and reducing or even preventing its occurrence.
For research purposes, we developed both the voice prompts and several visual elements. Here, test drivers are encouraged to perform various driving maneuvers or respond to different situations—for example, by looking out the window, reading something, and reporting how they feel. Our voice assistant SUSI interacts with the test drivers at regular intervals to determine their motion sickness level. The test results are then analyzed and provide insights into factors such as the effects of the surrounding environment.