PAVE: Dr. Biondi, tell us more about your work and involvement in the AV space.
My work examines human factors in user-vehicle interaction. I leverage my background in cognitive science to understand how attention functions when allocated to vehicle operations. I also conduct ergonomic assessments of user interfaces for automated driving systems, and investigate Human Factors risks and benefits of using autonomous vehicles.
PAVE: What are current barriers you see in public acceptance of automated vehicles?
Misinformation and lack of adequate training cause us to develop incorrect mental models of AV systems. In turn, this results in misuse and abuse of their capabilities.
PAVE: Our mission is to educate the public on AV technology and its promise. How does your work align with this mission?
My work investigates the human component in user vehicle interaction, with the objective of shedding light on the Human Factors risks and benefits of autonomous vehicles. My collaborations with local and national road safety organizations facilitate the translation of research findings into actionable policies.
