Haptic Pedal
This project investigates the experienceable qualities resulting from the implementation of haptic force feedback in an accelerator pecal in the context of solar powered vehicles.
Solar powered vehicles like the Lightyear One have the ability to be independent from the electricity grid, as long as enough sunlight can be collected. This allows drivers to drive in places that do not have extensive availability of electric recharging stations. Since solar panel and battery technology do not yet allow for unlimited pure solar driving, it is important that drivers adapt their driving style in critical range situations.
current research in cooperation with lightyear is about finetuning and identifying preferences for different haptic/force feedback effects to create an effective yet unobtrusive feedback system.
Images
foamboard prototype
acrylic prototype
CAD Drawing of the final prototype
Detail view of transmission with RC gears, needed for large force of feet.
final prototype side view
researching the influence and preference of various haptic patterns in a driving simulator
Reflection
This project was a great success, as it led to a published paper and a job at Lightyear afterwards. Programming the behavior and building the pedal, using parts from RC miniature cars, was a fun challenge. Writing a solid proposal was one of my bigger personal challenges to overcome, but it paid off once I was able to let people experience the design and test it with them in a simulator.
I still think this type of interaction in a vehicle will help improving driving behaviour in a more intuitive way than a digital display could do, while leaving your view on the road.