PhD Studentship: I Thought You Were Driving! Human-automation Teaming in Future Vehicles

Supervisory Team: Prof Mark Young, Dr Rich McIlroy, Dr Katie Plant

PhD Supervisor: Mark Young

Project description:

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. 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?

This funded studentship will address such questions from the perspective of human-automation teaming. 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; and 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.

Please note: the eligibility terms of the studentship funding are for UK full-time students only.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree) in a relevant discipline (e.g., human factors, psychology, interaction design).

Closing date: 31 December 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. 

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”.

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Professor Mark Young

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal (1000 words max)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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