BackgroundLevel 3 automated driving systems involve the continuous performance of the
driving task by artificial intelligence within set environmental conditions,
such as a straight highway. The driver's role in Level 3 is to resume
responsibility of the driving task in response to any departure from these
conditions. As automation increases, a driver's attention may divert towards
non-driving-related tasks (NDRTs), making transitions of control between the
system and user more challenging. Safety features such as physiological
monitoring thus become important with increasing vehicle automation.
However, to date there has been no attempt to synthesise the evidence for
the effect of NDRT engagement on drivers’ physiological responses in Level 3
automation.MethodsA comprehensive search of the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of
Science, PsycINFO, and IEEE Explore will be conducted. Empirical studies
assessing the effect of NDRT engagement on at least one physiological
parameter during Level 3 automation, in comparison with a control group or
baseline condition will be included. Screening will take place in two
stages, and the process will be outlined within a PRISMA flow diagram.
Relevant physiological data will be extracted from studies and analysed
using a series of meta-analyses by outcome. A risk of bias assessment will
also be completed on the sample.ConclusionThis review will be the first to appraise the evidence for the physiological
effect of NDRT engagement during Level 3 automation, and will have
implications for future empirical research and the development of driver
state monitoring systems.