The two-year research program is engaging people from major urban centres across the eastern seaboard of Australia to explore community awareness and attitudes about this rapidly developing technology.
Key to the investigations is understanding how community perceptions change through education and first-hand experience.
Last week research participants took part in demonstrations of a development Bosch TAC automated-driving vehicle and experienced the technology in action at Albert Park.
Participants were interviewed on camera before, during and after their ride in the Bosch TAC automated driving vehicle, with this feedback captured as part of the research. Participants commented that they were excited about the opportunities this technology could bring and interested to find out how it will develop over time and integrate into the community.
The research also includes an online community forum that is used to gain a greater understanding of drivers’ current use and attitudes toward automated technology to uncover potential barriers to future uptake.
Earlier this year, Transurban – together with VicRoads and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria – launched trials on the Monash-CityLink-Tullamarine freeway corridor to test vehicles with partial automation in various conditions.
