Inaugural lecture by Professor Gary Burnett, Chair of Transport Human Factors, Faculty of Engineering.

A modern vehicle has been likened to a ‘computer on wheels’ utilising a wide range of computing and communications-based technologies aiming to improve safety, driving efficiency, and the comfort/experience of users. It is commonly predicted that future vehicles will include more automation functionality with some researchers now anticipating the science fiction vision of flying cars.

This one-hour lecture will describe 25 years of Human Factors research conducted by Professor Burnett and his team, investigating how people can and could/should interact with future vehicles. Initially, the focus of research was on the development of the now ubiquitous in-vehicle navigation systems – and the talk will outline the experimental studies which had a direct influence on the development of the interfaces we now take for granted.

The lecture will also consider fundamental issues for new technology in vehicles such as driver distraction and demonstrate the value of predictive modelling and simulation approaches. Studies investigating novel Human-Machine Interfaces such as augmented reality Head-Up Displays and natural language systems will be described.

Finally, the talk will outline the important Human Factors issues that will affect the success or otherwise of highly/fully automated vehicles proposed for our roads.

Video: Please be aware that a corporate video production company has been hired to video the lecture and drinks reception so if you do not wish to be filmed please speak directly to the crew before the lecture.

For details of this event and to book your place, please visit EventBrite.