In-Vehicle Human-Machine Interface to Support Drivers in Conditionally Automated Platooning

Abstract: Vehicle platooning enables close-gap driving and offers potential benefits for traffic efficiency and safety. In conditionally automated platooning, drivers remain responsible for supervising the system and intervening when necessary, making effective Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) critical for maintaining situational awareness and stable driver-automation coordination. This paper investigates whether an in-vehicle HMI providing continuous system-state and inter-vehicle distance information improves supervisory behavior, safety, and platoon stability. We conducted a simulation-based experiment integrated with a 6-degree-of-freedom motion system to enhance scenario realism. Dependent variables included collision occurrence, response latency following platoon disconnection, and the number of manual interventions during intact platooning. Results showed significantly fewer manual interventions when the HMI was active, with intervention rates about 80% higher without it. No significant effects were found for collision occurrence or response latency, indicating that additional information improves supervisory stability during platooning but does not substantially affect emergency reactions or collision rates.