Evaluation of Rider's Support Systems in Power Two Wheelers (PTWs)

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the potential of In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) integration on motorcycles for the most crucial functionalities and develop efficient and rider-friendly interfaces and interaction elements for riders comfort and safety. The main objectives were to estimate the safety impact and user acceptance of the prototypes in a series of pilot applications within the SAFERIDER project.Field tests were conducted with a Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. The On-Bike Information System (OBIS) evaluated was the Navigation and Route guidance (NV, RG) with three different HMIs: Visual (display) Acoustic & Haptic (Smart Helmet). 18 riders (37 ±8.5 years old) participated in the field tests and completed a questionnaires’ battery on workload and user acceptance for each condition (i.e. HMI).Higher values were observed for the haptic HMI (5.5±1.21), then for the audio (4.51±0.84) and the lower for the visual display of the navigator (3.87±0.79) for both usability and acceptance. Sensory load is increased with the visual and audio HMI and decrease significantly (p<.05) with the vibration signals within the helmet. Moreover, the NV+RG experience was perceived as more stressful than the audio and haptic; with the latter being of significant magnitude (p<.05). Statistically significant higher physical activity is required in the visually demanding condition (Navigation and Route Guidance display) compared to the haptic signalling condition (p=.015). Safety, performance and derived enjoyment by the riding experience are increased and perceived risk is decreased.Overall, the haptic HMI was the most preferred and was perceived as safer for the Navigation and Route Guidance system. Moreover, most participants believed that they would use it in urban and unfamiliar traffic environments as it was more appealing and pleasant

First responder prototype uniform and first aid for kids' device design

Emergency first responders often encounter unpredictable and dangerous environments when responding to calls. Fire, blood, chemicals, and debris are just a few of the many types of hazards a firefighter or law enforcement officer might be exposed to when answering a call. For example, first responders may encounter broken glass at the scene of a car accident or risk exposure to chemicals upon venturing into an enclosed space that housed a meth lab. The deliverables previously presented (D1.1 and D1.2), were intended to prepare the basis for the subject of this deliverable. The goal of T5.2 is to design, develop and prototype an improved duty, comfortable and performing uniform designed to provide first responders with better protection from the many hazards they encounter in their daily duties also in extreme conditions. At the same time the uniform has to monitor first responders’ health status and the environment conditions such as harmful gases, level of oxygen and temperature. The second objective of this task is to design and make a prototype of an innovative child rescue system. In most of the emergency cases, first responders usually need devices and kits for providing first aid support to injured people. In particular, it is important to provide them with a device like a paramedic tool for injured babies and kids able to carry and protect them, monitoring life functions before arriving at the emergency hospital. Similarly, a compact health condition monitoring device for adult victims will be developed that is easy and fast to place to the victims on the field and able to transmit their health condition to the Emergency Management System. The D5.2 describes the design process for the prototyping of the first responders’ suit, the first aid device for children and a health condition monitor for victims. The deliverable analyses also the requirements previously highlighted by the WP1, on which the project is based. Innovative materials and technologies used within the prototype, which have been developed with the help of the task partners, are also detailed