Investigating user needs for non-driving-related activities during automated driving

In this paper, we investigate which non-driving-related activities drivers want to perform while driving highly or fully automated. Beyond the available advanced driving assistance functions, we expect that highly automated driving will soon be available in production vehicles. While many technological aspects have been investigated, it is not yet clear (a) which activities the drivers want to perform once they do not have to steer or monitor their car any more and (b) which of those will be feasible. In contrast to prior (survey-based) research, we investigate the driver's needs for such activities by employing a combination of a web survey, in-situ observations, and an in-situ survey. Also, we have a look at the specific requirements of the European / German market in contrast to prior research conducted mostly for English-speaking countries.
The findings indicate that besides traditional activities (talking to passengers, listening to music), daydreaming, writing text messages, eating and drinking, browsing the Internet, and calling are most wanted for highly automated driving. This shows the potential for mobile and ubiquitous multimedia applications in the car.