The driving assistant Ada is the new empathic interface between humans and vehicles. It gets to know the strengths and weaknesses of each user very precisely, observes their emotional state, analyzes the context of the road, and controls all the vehicle's assistance systems. Based on the combination of all these factors, Ada always knows when the driver needs help - and when not. As a result, it can provide the driver with targeted support in any situation, intervene if necessary, and take the wheel itself in the face of imminent danger.
"Why should you adapt to your car?"
In road traffic, even a brief moment of inattention can lead to serious consequences. Many people are capable of instantly identifying any traffic situation, immediately reacting appropriately, and navigating the roads safer for the rest of their lives. But not every person is the same. We all differ in our physical prerequisites, cognitive ability, and driving skills. Vehicles, however, are universal solutions that can be operated the same way by every user. Ada brings reversal and reconciliation to this tension.
Digital Twin
The core of the individual adaptation is the digital twin. It contains the digital image of the user. From the moment the vehicle is purchased, the dynamic user profile is enriched with data on the basic user requirements. These conditions can be chronic impairments such as impaired vision, slowed reaction speeds and cognitive performance, fears of certain situations, unusual behaviors, and general resilience. During each trip, Ada will continuously augment the Digital Twin with additional data it collects during everyday use, and new data points will be continually linked. The system is not permanently tied to the vehicle but can follow the user even when he or she changes vehicles, ensuring permanent assistance.
The life cycle of adaptation of the Digital Twin
Individual Adaptation
Thus, the competent, young driver Paul receives the lowest level of support. He is offered an overview of all available information and assistance systems. He or she decides independently and carries out his or her own actions in road traffic. Only in dangerous situations in which he is inattentive does he receive additional support.
Ada finds the appropriate level of support for each user.
By accessing the vehicle's sensors, Ada sees exactly what is happening on the road and analyzes the current emotional state in parallel. As a hub of all infotainment systems in the vehicle, Ada is able to suggest different levels of support to users and offer the appropriate support in every situation, both context- and emotion-sensitively.
The older driver Traude suffers from numerous obstacles when driving due to her advanced age. She receives a high level of support in a basic setting. If she finds herself in a confusing traffic situation and becomes unable to act herself, Ada autonomously takes over.
In an emergency, Ada takes the wheel into her own hands.
Adaptation is also achieved by selecting the sensory channel that is most suitable for the driver. While one person can be supported more effectively purely via visual channels, auditory feedback is more suitable for another. Therefore, the system has multiple interaction channels to adapt to different situations and user requirements in a fine-grained way.
Each user receives his own Point of View
Channels of interaction
The dashboard is the center of interaction. Here, users get an overview of all, possibly important, information. The dashboard is also part of the adaptation of the system and adapts its interface to the user's prerequisites and the situation.
The center of interaction
The most important visual information is visualized to the user via the head-up display where the information is relevant. Via the auditory channel, Ada communicates directly with the user to enable a natural interaction.
Augmented Reality Head Up Display
Since system feedback always takes place exactly where Ada actively intervenes, autonomous steering is communicated directly through light signals on the steering wheel.
Indicator for the degrees of support
Future prospects
In a future in which vehicles drive exclusively autonomously, people do not need direct assistance in driving themselves. Here, Ada transforms into a holistic mobility service that functions as an everyday companion in an emotional and context-sensitive manner. In this phase, Ada evolves from a supportive passenger to a chauffeur. As an adaptive seamless mobility service, Ada knows the user's daily routine, behaviors and integrates seamlessly into the everyday life of Paul and Traude. Thus, in addition to customizing interaction and driving, it can also adapt to habits and higher-level desires and accompany the entire life.
