Honda Inc announced today in a press release that they have partnered with The Ohio State University in funding the OSU's new Driving Simulator Laboratory.
The new laboratory was funded in part by Honda R&D Americas, which will conduct research at the facility.
"This is something of a different approach to understanding, at a deeper level, the driver's state and how people interact with the vehicle," said Steven Feit, chief engineer at Honda R&D Americas, who led Honda's effort in the development of the laboratory in the press release. "We are looking at factors beyond the conventional aspects of the driver-vehicle interface to truly understand the psychological and cognitive aspects of driver behavior."
The lab will function as a research facility to assist Honda researchers while they look into issues like driver distraction and other factors that impact driver behavior and safety on the road.
The facility's main simulator functions a full sized vehicle which is attached to a motion platform, and a wraparound high-resolution projection screen designed to simulate many different types of driving situations according to the press release.
The vehicle will include biometric sensors to check for many issues like increased blood pressure, heart rate, eye movement. Other factors that will be monitored are heart and blink rates.
Conducting these test allow Honda researchers to get a sense of the psychological and physiological state of the driver all types of driving conditions.
"This new simulator will help us further strengthen our local research capabilities to gain an even deeper understanding of our customers and to advance our ability to create even more safe, smart and intuitive Honda and Acura products," said Frank Paluch, senior vice president of Honda R&D America's Inc., located in nearby Raymond, Ohio. "The co-development of this new facility by Honda R&D and the University's Office of Research expands our partnership in new and important ways."
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