Events Calendar

Title: Modeling Driver Behavior and State: Opportunities and Challenges with Advanced Vehicle Technologies

Abstract: Automated Vehicle (AV) technologies are actively studied in the automotive industry because of their potential to reduce crashes, save fuel, ease traffic congestion, and provide better mobility. With the timeline for automated driving implementation fast approaching, the rapid growth of vehicle sensor and control technologies is dramatically changing the driver-vehicle relationship. Traditionally viewed as active operators, drivers are now transitioning into roles as supervisory controllers or mere passengers. This significant role change presents both new opportunities and challenges for researchers in the transportation sector. One of the fundamental challenges introduced by automation is ensuring that drivers remain sufficiently engaged in the driving task and are aware of the driving situation, thereby enabling a successful transfer of control when necessary or indicating when additional assistance should be provided. These considerations have sparked considerable interest in understanding driver distraction and engagement levels in the context of automated driving systems.

In this talk, Dr. Bao will share her vision and research on driver behavior modeling and state monitoring. Her work lays the foundation for critical studies on driver state monitoring and distraction detection. The set of research not only enhances our understanding of driver engagement and distraction but also significantly informs the future design of AV systems to ensure safety and efficiency on the road.

About Professor Bao: Prof. Shan Bao is a human factors researcher with 15 years of experience in conducting both theoretical and applied research. She currently holds the position of Professor and Department Chair at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, as well as that of Research Professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). Dr. Bao has led and conducted multiple large, simulator, and naturalistic driving studies for industry and government sponsors. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical areas, including Driving Automation Systems (DAS) evaluation, intricate statistical analysis of crash and naturalistic data, and safety of vulnerable road users. Dr. Bao has led or participated as a PI or Co-PI in a total of 64 funded grants and contracts reported for a total of over $17,000,000. She has published a total of 56 journal papers, 17 conference proceedings, and 2 patents. She has given multiple keynote speeches and served on expert panels at different conferences or meetings. Dr. Bao currently serves on the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention editorial board.