The impact of force feedback level on steering performance

Steer-by-wire systems provide designers the ability to customize and personalize force feedback on the steering wheel, based on individual preferences. Earlier studies using subjective responses have shown that there are individual differences in preferences for force feedback. It has also been found that perceived comfort and control vary with force feedback. While an interface can be designed based on subjective responses, it is also important to assess how performance differs with force feedback variations. A study was therefore conducted in a driving simulator to investigate lane keeping performance with force feedback variations. Participants performed a driving task in a driving simulator that provided six distinct levels of force feedback on the steering wheel. Steering performance was measured using standard metrics such as standard deviation of lane position, steering wheel reversal rate, and standard deviation of steering wheel angle. Results indicate that force feedback has a significant effect on steering performance and that drivers are adept at handling varying levels of force feedback.