A simulation sickness study on a driving simulator equipped with a vibration platform. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lucas, Guillaume; Kemeny, Andras; Paillot, Damien; Colombet, Florent
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 68(2020)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Driving simulation -- Simulator sickness -- Motion sickness -- Vibrations; Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2019.11.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: Some specific seat vibration configurations can have a positive impact on simulator sickness. Vibration system on driving simulator can be more useful than just improving the immersion. Consistent vibrations may have a better impact than other vibrations. Abstract: Simulator sickness is a well-known side effect of driving simulation which may reduce the passenger well-being and performance due to its various symptoms, from pallor to vomiting. Numerous reducing countermeasures have been previously tested; however, they often have undesirable side effects. The present study investigated the possible effect of seat vibrations on simulator sickness. Three configurations were tested: no vibrations, realistic ones and some that might affect the proprioception. Twenty-nine participants were exposed to the three configurations on a four-minute long automated driving in a simulator equipped with a vibration platform. Simulator sickness was estimated thanks to the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and to a postural instability measure. Results showed that vibrations help to reduce the sickness. Our findings demonstrate that some specific vibration configurations may have a positive impact on the sickness, thus confirming the usefulness of devices reproducing the road vibrations in addition to creating more immersion for the driver.