About the project
We are on the cusp of a revolution in vehicle automation. The imminent introduction of Level 3 automation into our cars will see control fully transferred to the vehicle for the very first time, albeit in a limited set of circumstances.
Whilst such technology may bring benefits for safety and efficiency, it also raises a host of human factors concerns associated with the transfer of control.
This funded studentship will address the following questions from the perspective of human-automation teaming:
- How will drivers maintain their situation awareness?
- How far will they trust the automation?
- What effect will it have on their workload and attention?
- And, ultimately, to what extent will we see new problems arise because of the automation?
There is currently much interest in the human factors literature into how people and automation can work together, in similar ways as human-human teamworking. One approach is to adopt principles from non-technical skills and to apply them as a design philosophy with automation.
The project will test these principles using the research facilities in the Transportation Research Group, including, where appropriate, the Southampton Driving simulator and Instrumented vehicle.
The programme of research includes:
- reviewing the literature on human-human and human-automation teaming
- developing a framework for translating these principles into design
- designing and running a series of studies to collect data on driver workload, situation awareness, trust and performance
- making proposals for future directions in this ever-evolving field.
Ultimately, the research will have academic and practical impact, advancing our knowledge of how to optimise the human-automation relationship.
If you have a keen interest in the human factors of vehicle automation, have a background in human factors, psychology, or a related discipline, and have technical capability to use and maintain the research facilities, then this studentship could be for you. There is latitude within the project to bring your own ideas within the overall framework, so you can outline these within your proposal as part of your application.
This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants.
Entry requirements
- human factors
- psychology
- interaction design
Ideally you’ll have:
- a keen interest in the human factors of vehicle automation
- technical capability to use and maintain the research facilities.
This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants.
Fees and funding
To learn about funding opportunities for UK and international students visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
A number of studentships are available and funding is awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- choose ‘PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)’ on the next page
- insert the name of the supervisor Professor Mark Young in section 2 of the application form
Applications should include:
- research proposal (1000 words max)
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 reference letters
- degree transcripts/certificates to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, email the supervisor Professor Mark Young: M.S.Young@soton.ac.uk
