Toward a Framework for Embodiment in Emerging Transportation Technologies for Facilitating In-Vehicle Experiences for Vulnerable and Disabled Road Users

Transportation is an essential component for accessing health care, employment, and socialization. Older adults and people with disabilities, who cannot drive, may experience negative impacts on their ability to find work, see family and friends, resulting in accelerated physical and mental decline. With the emergence of automated driving system technologies, people unable to operate conventional vehicles may benefit from improved mobility. However, to realize these benefits, automotive designers must develop autonomous vehicles that provide accessible, immersive, and interactive experiences for such populations to provide a sense of control. In this paper, we reviewed our lab’s multiple research studies on the accessibility of automated driving systems for vulnerable and disabled road users through the lens of embodiment. We developed a framework for identifying the role of embodiment in designing transportation technologies that benefit older adults and people with disabilities, which may influence future research and interventions by considering a more inclusive design approach toward more accessible in-vehicle user experiences.