Automated Driving: Acceptance and Chances for Elderly People

The increasing life expectancy has led to new models of aging, which empower people to have a fulfilling life. Especially mobility becomes a critical issue and automated vehicles seam to offer many possibilities concerning safety and independence. To examine the user needs of the elderly, we executed a first study based on semi-structured interviews and a role play. The aim was to identify the overall acceptance of automated vehicles and identify arising opportunities for the aging society. Initial results indicate that 75% of the elderly people (n=12.) are not willing to ride with automated vehicles due to uncertainty and distrust (fear of technical failures). However, 25% would like to try out automated driving systems. They are curious and enthusiastic of the technology. Interestingly, in place of high tech and entertainment in the vehicle, they just like to enjoy the environment passing by (and don't want to take a nap).