Human Machine Interface for Low Speed Semi-autonomous Maneuvering

Abstract: For the drivers of heavy trucks, performing some maneuvers with high precision could be a challenging task even for experienced ones. Volvo has a system which helps drivers in reversing the truck. Developing a human machine interface on a mobile platform with high usability for this system could help drivers to decrease both the stress level and spent time on maneuvering and will result in performing the task easier. This thesis introduces a new area in safety critical systems by combining automation with a mobile platform. An iterative and user centered design process utilized and three main iterations performed. In first iteration a low-fidelity prototype was created and evaluated by performing user tests. The output of usability test used to implement the software prototype for the second iteration. Evaluation of software prototype was done by desktop testing. In third iteration, second version of software prototype evaluated by performing field testing. Android and Google maps were used to implement three tasks: Destination, Rewind and Saved point. In all these iterations usability and safety were two main concerns and considered by looking into guidelines and performing evaluations. In the final test, the prototype was evaluated considering four usability factors: satisfaction, learnability, safety and achievement. After analyzing these factors prototype showed strong potential for a future product.