WMG Unveils Safety Pool™ Studio, Empowering Public Input in Automated Vehicle Safety

(IN BRIEF) The University of Warwick’s WMG has launched the Safety Pool™ Studio, an innovative online platform designed to enable public participation in shaping the safety of Automated Vehicles (AVs). This first-of-its-kind platform allows users to create driving scenarios based on their personal experiences and expectations, fostering inclusive discussions about AV safety. As the UK prepares for the potential rollout of AVs by 2026, concerns about their safety remain, with many motorists expressing skepticism about the technology. The Safety Pool™ Studio aims to address these concerns by facilitating public engagement, encouraging collaboration between future AV users and developers. Key stakeholders, including government officials and safety advocates, have expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance understanding and confidence in AV technology. Interested organizations are invited to collaborate through the platform.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 4-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Warwick’s WMG has introduced the pioneering Safety Pool™ Studio, an innovative online platform designed to give the public a direct voice in shaping the safety protocols of Automated Vehicles (AVs). This first-of-its-kind platform allows users to craft driving scenarios informed by their real-life experiences and expectations, thereby facilitating a more inclusive dialogue about AV safety.

With the Automated Vehicles Act now in effect in the UK, the prospect of AVs on public roads is on the horizon, potentially as soon as 2026. Yet, safety concerns linger, with nearly half of UK motorists expressing distrust in this emerging technology. Safety Pool™ Studio opens up critical discussions, inviting future users to actively contribute to the discourse surrounding the deployment and safety of AVs.

“Innovation is crucial for enhancing road safety, and WMG’s commitment to this vision is commendable,” remarked Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, Department for Transport. “This groundbreaking platform empowers the public to voice their concerns and expectations about Automated Vehicles, compelling developers to address real-world issues. Engaging with the community will enhance understanding and bolster confidence in AV technology as it becomes part of our daily lives.”

Safety Pool™ Studio offers users the ability to account for various driving styles, road configurations, and pedestrian dynamics, enabling them to create tailored road scenarios specific to their geographical and cultural contexts, all in their preferred languages. Users can immediately test their scenarios within the platform, promoting a hands-on approach to AV safety.

Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, emphasized the importance of public involvement in the development of AV technology: “By launching Safety Pool™ Studio, we aim to democratize safety, placing public input at the forefront of AV development. This initiative allows users to articulate their expectations and insights regarding AV safety.”

Furthermore, the platform serves a dual purpose by aiding other stakeholders in the AV ecosystem, including developers, incident investigators, and insurers, to accurately capture road scenarios during the post-deployment phase of AVs. This collaboration is expected to enhance the relevance and inclusivity of AV deployment in relation to real-world experiences.

The scenarios generated by users can be utilized for virtual testing, enabling the AV industry to evaluate the safety and responsiveness of their systems in simulated road incidents. Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, expressed support for this initiative, noting, “Understanding public expectations, uncertainties, and concerns is vital to addressing these issues in the design process of AV development and adoption. This platform makes it easier for the public to engage, which is essential.”

Organizations interested in collaborating with the research team and Safety Pool™ Studio are encouraged to reach out via SafeAutonomy@warwick.ac.uk or visit safetypoolstudio.ai.

Notes to Editors

WMG, University of Warwick

WMG is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.

As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.

WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.

An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.

The Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG is the national and global leader in safety assurance research for automated transport systems across land, marine and air. We strive to ensure the safe development and deployment of automated transport technologies by developing innovative safety assurance methods and tools to influence international standards and policies. The group regularly collaborates with international and local policymakers, regulators, and industrial partners on various research projects and policy implementations across the safety spectrum.

WMG Unveils Safety Pool™ Studio, Empowering Public Input in Automated Vehicle Safety

SEARCH 30,000+ EUROPEAN PRESS RELEASES

About EuropaWire

PRs by Dates

Industries & Countries

Archived PRs

Recent PRs

POPULAR TAGS

Links