Is simulation ( not ) enough ? Results of a validation study of an autonomous emergency braking system on a test track and in a static driving simulator

Comparison of data gathered with real vehicles and with a driving simulator is still heavily debated. This paper provides results of a validation study with 164 participants who tested an autonomous emergency braking system (AEBS) either in a driving simulator or on a test track. Participants were similar concerning age and driving experience and experienced real driving on a test track and in a 180° Field of View (FOV) static driving simulator. Study design, scenarios and questionnaires to assess e.g. drivers’ perceived degree of dangerousness of the situation, perceived usefulness of the system in each scenario and overall acceptance were used in both set ups. Additionally, vehicle dynamics were recorded. Participants drove one of six types (three braking intensities each with two different times for acoustical warnings) of the system. Three traffic scenarios (e.g. distracted driver with a sudden braking of the leading vehicle) with a moving vehicle ahead and two scenarios with a stationary target (e.g. AEBS intervention during evasive manoeuvre) were accomplished by each participant. It was found that participant’s reaction in the simulator is comparable to the reaction on the test track. Participants’ judgment of the system, situation and overall acceptance could be shown to be almost the same.