Study Finds People Are Ready for Driverless Robot Cars

Posted on July 26, 2015

Robotic car technology are coming and many people are in favor it. A new study from the University of Michigan has found that people are ready to embrace the technology. Most people want the driver to be able to retain some control of the car.

The study led by researchers Brandon Schoettle and Michael Sivak of the U-M Transportation Research Institute including a survey that queried 505 licensed drivers. The survey found that 44% prefer to retain full control of the vehicle. 16% would rather be in a vehicle that is 100% controlled by a robot. 41% would be happy with a partially self-driving vehicle.

The study found that male drivers and younger drivers (drivers under age 45) are more likely to favor robotic vehicles. Women and those 45 and older were found to have more concerns about both partial and complete self-driving cars.

Schoette said in a statement, "Self-driving vehicles are often discussed in regard to their potential safety, energy-consumption and environmental benefits, or the existing technical challenges that must be overcome for their successful implementation. However, less attention has been paid to considering the actual level of automation, if any, that drivers desire in their vehicle."

The study also found that nearly all drivers are already embracing driverless technologies even those who said they want 100% control. The study found 96% of respondents would want to have a steering wheel and gas and brake pedals available in completely self-driving vehicles.



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