Evaluation of Force Feedback Steering in a Fixed Based Driving Simulator

Abstract

Eight participants drove a fixed base simulator using both spring-loaded and force feedback steering wheels. Their route included curves of 100, 200 and 300 radii of curvature, and two freeway style exit ramps that were sloped, banked and, had changing radii of curvature. Both mean and variance of lane position were calculated. There were no differences in terms of mean and variance of lane position between the steering wheels when driving on straight road segments. Lane position variance was significantly greater when driving on the 100 meter curves then when driving of the 200 and 300 meter curves. Drivers “hugged” left hand curves more when using the force feedback steering wheel as indicated by their average lane position being significantly more to the left. On the two right hand exit ramps, drivers drove significantly more to the left when using the force feedback steering wheel. Subjects rated the force feedback steering wheel higher in terms of realism, maneuverability, and vehicle control on a post-experiment questionnaire.