Modelling and Simulation of an Autonomous Vehicle Ethical Steering Control System (ESCS)

Abstract

This research uses modelling and simulation tools to investigate a vehicle ethical steering control system (ESCS) for autonomous vehicles (AVs). The ESCS would be activated when unavoidable collisions are detected and an ethical decision in regard to the selection of a collision target needs to be made. The ESCS involves three stages with these being; kinematic bicycle model (to model an AV), steering angle control of the AV and velocity control of all AVs involved in the collision. In terms of the ESCS, the primary ethical approach is that of the utilitarian philosophy, i.e., steering into the path of least injury severity.