Title: A missing link between fidelity and realism: an experts' assessment of an advanced motion-based driving simulator

Authors: Miguel Luzuriaga; Stefanie Trunzer; Bernhard Schick

Addresses: exaUDLAP, Business and Economics School, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Ex-Hacienda Sta. Catarina Mártir, 72810 Pue., México ' Research Center Allgäu, University of Applied Sciences Kempten, Bahnhofstraße 61, 87435 Kempten, Germany ' CEO MdynamiX, MdynamiX AG, Heßstraße 89, 80797 München, Germany

Abstract: A major concern about advanced motion-based simulators is their level of fidelity i.e., how close the motion sensation in a simulator is to the one perceived in a real vehicle. In this study, we collect the assessment from an exceptional sample composed by n = 33 automotive industry experts who were asked to evaluate the fidelity in terms of steering, braking and speed. Given the subjective nature of our measure, we propose a censored-data Tobit regression model that accounts for this issue, thus providing more accurate estimations. Our results show that, on average, experts evaluated the steering actions close to the maximum level of fidelity. However, braking and speed were evaluated lower in realism, and in fact both diminished the overall fidelity judgement by up to 50%. Moreover, coefficients indicate that steering contributes more to the judgement of fidelity than braking and speed actions. Heterogeneity in the experts' responses and general implications are discussed.

Keywords: driving simulator; fidelity; real-world driving; motion-based simulator; validity; subjective driving measures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2021.120569

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2021 Vol.15 No.2/3, pp.141 - 163

Received: 19 May 2020
Accepted: 18 Mar 2021
Published online: 26 Jan 2022 *

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