Testing a novel haptic tram master controller technology via virtual reality:feasibility and user acceptance considerations

Purpose: Virtual Reality (VR) has been explored as a training and testing environment in a range of work contexts, and increasingly so in transport. There is, however, a lack of research exploring the role of VR in the training of tram drivers, and in providing an environment in which advances in tram technology can be tested safely. This research sought to test a novel haptic tram master controller within a tram-based VR environment (VE). Design/methodology/approach: The master controller is the primary mechanism for operating a tram, and its effective manipulation can significantly influence the comfort and well-being of passengers, as well as the overall safety of the tram system. Here, we tested a haptically-enhanced master controller that provides additional sensory information with 16 tram drivers. The feasibility and user acceptance of the novel technology were determined through surveys.Findings: The results indicate that the haptic master controller is seen as beneficial with the drivers suggesting that it could enhance their driving and demonstrating good acceptance. The VE has provided a potential training environment that was accepted by the drivers and did not cause adverse effects (e.g., sickness). Research limitations/implications: Although our study involved actual tram drivers from a local tram company, we acknowledge that the sample size was small, and additional research is needed to broaden perspectives and gather more user feedback. Furthermore, while our study focused on subjective feedback to gauge user acceptance of the new haptic technology, we agree that future evaluations should incorporate additional objective measures.Practical implications: The insights gained from this VE-based research can contribute to future training scenarios and inform the development of technology used in real-world tram operations.Originality/value: Through this investigation, we showed the broader possibilities of haptics in enhancing the functionality and user experience of various technological devices, while also contributing to the advancement of tram systems for safer and more efficient urban mobility

Questions raised on the design of the "dead-man" device installed on trams

Une version française de cet article est disponible. Elle n'a pas fait l'objet d'une publication indépendante de la version parue dans la revue Cognition, technology & workInternational audienceThe reappearance of the tram in French cities over the past twenty years has stimulated innovation. Ensuring the attractiveness of this transit mode has meant conveying a distinctly modern image of the system. Inherent in the resurgence of this transit mode, a safety device, in the form of a monitoring system (the "dead man's device" in rail parlance) intended to mitigate risks related to driver blackout, has been reconfigured to operate beyond the range of actual tram driving conditions. This new device, inspired by subway systems, has been introduced without inciting any examination of either the benefits or consequences, in terms of working and safety conditions, arising from such an alternative form of monitoring.Le retour du tramway en France, depuis 20 ans, a été facteur d'innovation. Assurer l'attractivité de ce mode de transport supposait en effet d'offrir l'image d'un système résolument moderne. Dans cette réinvention d'un mode de transport, on observe qu'un dispositif de sécurité, le système de veille, «l'homme mort » en langage ferroviaire usuel, destiné à pallier les risques liés à une défaillance du conducteur, est redéfini en dehors du champ des conditions de la conduite propre au tramway. Un nouveau dispositif, calqué sur ce qui existe dans les métros les plus récents, est introduit sans que ni l'intérêt ni les conséquences, sur le travail de conduite et la sécurité du transport, de cette nouvelle veille dans les tramways ne soient interrogés. L'analyse du processus de mise en œuvre de ces dispositifs de veille permet de questionner et de repenser, pour partie, le système de réglementation et d'homologation qui a accompagné le renouveau des tramways en France

Foundations and applications of human-machine-interaction

Der vorliegende Tagungsband zur 10. Berliner Werkstatt Mensch-Maschine-Systeme gibt einen Einblick in die aktuelle Forschung im Bereich der Mensch-Maschine- Interaktion. Einen besonderen Fokus stellt das Wechselspiel von Grundlagenforschung und anwendungsbezogener Forschung dar, was sich im breiten Themenspektrum widerspiegelt, welches von theoretischen und methodischen Betrachtungen bis hin zu anwendungsnahen Fragestellungen reicht. Dabei finden Inhalte aus allen Phasen des Forschungsprozesses Beachtung, sodass auch im Rahmen der 10. Berliner Werkstatt MMS wieder sowohl neue Untersuchungskonzepte als auch abschließende Befunde diskutiert werden. Zentrale Themengebiete sind u. a. Fahrer-Fahrzeug-Interaktion, Assistenzsysteme, User Experience, Usability, Ubiquitous Computing, Mixed & Virtual Reality, Robotics & Automation, Wahrnehmungsspezifika sowie Psychophysiologie und Beanspruchung in der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion.The proceedings of the 10th Berlin Workshop Human-Machine-Systems provide an insight into the current research in the field of human-machine-interaction. The main focus lies on the interplay between basic and applied research, which is reflected in the wide range of subjects: from theoretical and methodological issues to application oriented considerations. Again all stages of the research process are represented in the contributions of the 10th Berlin Workshop HMS. This means new research concepts as well as final results are subject of this volume. Central topics include driver-vehicleinteraction, assistance systems, user experience, usability, ubiquitous computing, mixed and virtual reality, robotics & automation, perception specifics, as well as psychophysiology and workload in human-machine-interaction