In mid-September, we had the opportunity to present our initial ideas for our collaborative robot to students at the Schiffer-Berufskolleg RHEIN as part of the CoboTank project. We set up two focus groups, each consisting of four students, who discussed and evaluated our proposals for the robot's conceptual form and functions, as well as the design we proposed. We received a lot of input and are now developing a concrete prototype. Our next topic is the graphical user interface, which will also be discussed with potential users.

We had a great time discussing current research ideas at the Mensch und Computer conference in Rapperswil. The conference was held at OST Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, which is located on Lake Zurich and was a fantastic conference location. The conference is the largest conference series on human-computer interaction in Europe and is an interdisciplinary event between academia and industry. We were able to present the CoboTank project as well as ideas for future studies at the conference and are very grateful for the feedback we received and the inspiring exchange of ideas.

We are already looking forward to Mensch und Computer 2024 in Karlsruhe!

Our kick-off meeting for the Strali project took place in Duisburg. The individual representatives of the chairs of ABWL and Mobility, General Business Administration & International Automotive Management, Mobility and Urban Planning as well as Mechatronics came together with representatives of the city of Essen to plan the further procedure in the Strali project. We are looking forward to the cooperation in the next three years, to exciting findings and joint publications.

For more information about the project, please read our project description.

We would like to introduce our new blog post, focusing on a crucial aspect of our digital age: technology trust. In this post, we explore the importance of trust in modern technology and its profound impact on all aspects of our lives. Read the full article here.

This is part of our ongoing series created in collaboration with Synaworks, dedicated to exploring various aspects of technology and its integration into modern life. Stay tuned for more!

From August 9th to 11th we had the opportunity to participate in the summer school of the German UPA (Professional Association of German Usability and User Experience Professionals) at the Kloster Bronnbach. Within 2 days we worked on a problem for which we had to develop and test a solution within the framework of the Human Centered Design process. We developed a first prototype using UX methods such as interviews, personas, storytelling, prototyping and usability testing. Applying these techniques and getting feedback from a panel of experts was a great pleasure. We are very excited to be able to apply some of the lessons learned to developing the Cobot as well, as part of the CoboTank Project. 

We present our first blog post on one of our focus topics: technology acceptance. In this post, we talk about how people come to embrace and integrate new technologies into their lives. We delve into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), exploring what influences the process of acceptance . Read the full article here.

This is part of our series created in collaboration with Synaworks, dedicated to exploring various aspects of technology and its integration into modern life. Stay tuned for more!

We are pleased to announce our cooperation with the IT and management consultancy Synaworks. Synaworks has made it its business to provide its customers with customized SAP IT solutions that enable sustainable change for companies. But besides technical understanding, human factors also play a crucial role in the digital transformation. With our findings from the fields of psychology and cognitive science on topics such as mental workload, adaptability and cognitive functions, we provide theoretical and applied insights for an engaging exchange.

For more information, please read Synaworks' blog.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest research paper in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. The study aims to answer the question of how users want to be driven by analyzing the influence of personal driving styles on the perception of comfort, safety, and trust in conditional automated driving. In addition, a new approach is introduced to identify user preferences for automated driving by giving participants the opportunity to demonstrate their desired automated driving style through manual showcasing and comparing it to their personal driving style. Furthermore, it is investigated if the perceived anthropomorphism and driving strategy influence whether a presented automated driving style is preferred or not. We invite you to dive into the details of our study.

Link to the paper: Influence of Personal Drivint Styles and Experienced System Characteristics on Driving Style Preferences in Automated Driving

Today we received the great news that our joint project: Strategic Charging Infrastructure Planning for the Electrification of Urban Transport - STRALI has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport. The aim of the project is to develop a demand-driven charging infrastructure plan in line with the transport policy objectives of the municipalities, based on multi-criteria data collection and analysis. The charging infrastructure plan will be used in the future to manage traffic flows in a targeted and resource-efficient way using appropriate web-based applications. Our work focus on mobility behaviour, technology acceptance, adaptability to new mobility solutions and influencing factors. In addition to the chairs of the University of Duisburg-Essen (Mechatronics, General Business Administration & Mobility, Mobility and Urban Planning and for General Business Administration & International Automotive Management), the companies Schotte Automotive GmbH & Co. KG and IT-Objects GmbH are part of the project consortium.

We are looking forward to working in an interdisciplinary project group over the next three years on exciting issues relating to e-mobility, alternative mobility solutions, behavioural changes .... and, in doing so, making a significant contribution to shaping the future of mobility.

Today we give a lecture on Human Factors in Viticulture at the

Hochschule Geisenheim University.

Date: 13.07.2023

Time: 10 am

Location: Hochschule Geisenheim, Eibinger Weg 1, 65366 Geisenheim, Lecture room: HS18

We look forward to delve into the intricate relationship between viticulture and human factors. Discussing new technology in viticulture from a human centred perspective. 

Today we had an incredibly productiv, creative and successful day.

- We participated in a project meeting at DST for the Safebin project, where we presented the current status and agreed upon the next steps. Exciting progress in the work!

- We worked on conceptualizing the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for the Cobotank project. Innovation and creative problem-solving at its finest!

- We were invited by the Mercator Foundation to the Mercur Club, where we connected with other professionals and gained valuable insights for the Mercur project.

- We wrapped up the day with a fantastic joint barbecue event on the rooftop terrace in Duisburg. The perfect way to celebrate our accomplishments and strengthen team bonds.

We are feeling grateful for a day filled with meaningful collaborations, inspiring ideas, and enjoyable moments. We look forward to what tomorrow brings.

We were very pleased to give a talk on „Mental Workload in the use of Driver Assistance Systems" at the Explore to Innovate Conference held by the IFM Institute of the Hochschule Kempten.

The Conference provided a dynamic platform for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to come together and delve into the fascinating realm of automated driving technologies. It was a pleasure to exchange insights on cutting-edge technologies shaping our future.

Our presentation focused on the critical aspect of mental workload in the context of driver assistance systems. As our roads become increasingly populated with advanced technologies, it is imperative to understand the demands imposed on drivers. By evaluating mental workload, we gain valuable insights into the usability, safety, and overall effectiveness of these systems.

We explored the various factors contributing to mental workload, including the complexity of system interfaces, information processing demands, and the integration of multiple assistance features. Additionally, I delved into the challenges faced by drivers, such as information overload and the potential for distraction.

Thanks to the Explore to Innovate Conference organizers for providing this remarkable platform to share research and insights. I invite you all to connect with us if you're interested in delving deeper into this fascinating field or if you have any insights or experiences to share. Let's collaborate and propel innovation in the realm of driver assistance systems.

Networking and cooperation was the motto of today's meeting of the two projects #CoboTank and #Portskill 4.0 of #IHATEC II (funding of the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr).
PortSkill 4.0 is the first IHATEC project to focus on employees with the topic of training and further education in the context of increasing automation and digitalisation. Learn more (DE): https://portskill.de/
The #CoboTank team is developing and testing a partially automated system for loading and unloading tankers using a collaborative robot ("cobot") in human-technology interaction. Furthermore, concepts for a fully automated robot system are being developed.

With our project Bestmod we were at the mobility conference in the district of Wesel. Under the motto "Mobility in the area of tension between metropolis and rural areas", we came into conversation with numerous representatives from politics, business, municipalities and civil society. The conference was all about sustainable mobility based on people's needs. A central message was the importance of good cooperation between stakeholders and cross-regional thinking, especially in the context of the Lower Rhine, where metropolis, rural area and European neighbours come together.

Within our project "Safebin", we started the sighting and digitisation of accident data in inland navigation at the GDWS in Bonn. Piles of paper from the past decades had to be sifted through. Despite the sweaty work, it was extremely exciting to get an impression of accidents in inland navigation from a human factors perspective. The first review already gave us a good impression of the relevance of human factors in the large variance of different types of accidents. We look forward to continue.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest research paper. The paper represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of a more efficient public transportation system. With our research paper, we present a comprehensive roadmap for achieving sustainable public transport systems. By leveraging advanced modeling techniques, data analytics, and optimization algorithms, we can address the challenges of urban mobility, environmental impact, and operational efficiency simultaneously. We invite you to dive into the details and explore the possibilities of our innovative methodological approach to model, optimize, and shape the future of public transportation.

Link to the paper: From Modeling to Optimizing Sustainable Public Transport

As part of the CoboTank project, we visited the Transport Logistics fair in Munich, one of the most important international platforms for the exchange of ideas and the presentation of new technologies in the field of logistics. With an abundance of exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world, the fair provided the perfect opportunity to talk about our developments in the field of human-machine interaction, and we received valuable feedback. Interacting with other industry experts reinforced our belief that our research can contribute to the optimization of the transportation industry.

Last week, the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe Chapter held its annual meeting in Liverpool. The event brought together researchers to discuss the latest developments in the field of human factors. Our team was thrilled to participate and share our current research results on two topics: rethinking public transportation and understanding commuters' intention to adapt, and the relationship between subjective knowledge and acceptance of automated technologies.

Apart from presenting our research, we also enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new people. The HFES Europe Chapter meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from other researchers' experiences, and network with peers in our field. We are already looking forward to the next meeting in Lübeck in 2024.

At the end of March, TeaP 2023 (Conference of Experimental Psychologists) took place at the University of Trier. Our team was represented there in a talk on "Technology acceptance and risk assessment" and presented research data on the topics of driver assistance systems and mental stress (see abstract on TeaP website), subjective knowledge and the acceptance of autonomous vehicles (see abstract), and technology acceptance in occupational contexts (see abstract). We also presented a pre-data poster on self-directed mindfulness training (see abstract).

We were particularly impressed with the wide range of topics covered at the conference. Participants presented a variety of research approaches and methods from different areas of experimental psychology, which broadened our perspectives and gave us a lot of new food for thought for future research projects. 

Within our Cobotank project, we have started data collection on the mental workload and physical stress of both the operators in the tank farm and the crew on the ship. We use different measurements such as eye-tracking, heart rate, biomechanical measurements and questionnaires. In addition, we collect data on influencing factors such as cognitive functions, experience and other psychological constructs. Many thanks to Evos and the staff for the excellent support and willingness, and the possibility to start the data collection within their tank farm.

I'm pleased to announce that I had the privilege of delivering a keynote lecture at the Colloquium organized by the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute. The event focused on "Digitalization in inland navigation - challenges and current developments", which shed light on the immense opportunities and challenges arising through digital technologies in our waterway systems.

I was honoured to be able to bring a different perspective to the field at the very beginning of the event, highlighting humans as central players in the field of human-machine interaction and discussing insights in the field with esteemed organizations.

As we move forward, it is imperative that we foster a collaborative approach to innovation. By working together across sectors, sharing knowledge, and embracing emerging technologies, we can drive the digital transformation of inland navigation. The next few years hold immense potential for breakthroughs and advancements, and I am excited to be part of this transformative journey.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers, the esteemed participants, and everyone involved in making this Colloquium a resounding success. Let's continue to push the boundaries of digitalization in inland navigation, leveraging its opportunities to create a more efficient, sustainable, and prosperous future for our waterway systems.

#Digitalization #InlandNavigation #Transportation #Innovation #Collaboration

Last week, I was able to experience once again what it means to think together topics in human factors research. The recipe is simple: Take a few psychologists together with a few engineers, spend an afternoon together with different technologies and the results are numerous ideas for future research topics. In addition to classical engineering topics the Chair of Mechatronics at the University of Duisburg-Essen lives and breathes the topic of Human Factors within their individual research focus. Many thanks to Maximilian Jarofka, Christian Hürten, Dr. Frédéric Etienne Kracht, Markus Nieradzik, Stephan Schweig, Verena Staab, Eva Gößwein, Maike Ramrath, Vanessa Böhmer, Leonie Bergerhausen and the DST - Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems for a great day. #future #research #university #engineers #humanfactors

This week we (Verena Staab, Eva Gößwein and I) had the plesure to visit our collegues from Transport Psychology at DTU in Copenhagen, Denmark. We presented our work on psychological aspects of interacting with highly automated technologies and spend one week at the DTU discussing different research themes and ideas in the field of Human Factors. Look forward to future collaborations and many thanks for hosting us.

We pitched something! And won something!

Our idea is about mental workload & measuring it through a new technology, we won 3rd place in the GUIDE Idea Contest 2022. Together with Pia Musebrink, Verena Staab and Eva Gößwein. You find our pitch online

In our project Cobotank we spend the last two days in Hamburg to get a first insight into the process flows of loading and unloading liquid goods. We are looking forward to the next steps. Many thanks to John Fischer from Hamburg Hafen Marketing for the organization.

You can access the book via the following link: Psychologie. The table of contents, the foreword and a reading sample are also available there.

Look forward to seeing you at my presentation on Tuesday, 2022-09-13 at 2pm at the main campus (N007).  Find my abstract: 52.DGPs-Kongress

Using digital media has become the most popular leisure activity for children and adolescents. The effects of digital media use on the developing brain and cognitive processes of children are subject to debate. Here, we examine the effect of digital media use on attention subdomains in children aged 6 to 10 years. In total, 77 children participated in the study. Read more: Children

With the drastic expansion of the games industry, psychological research is concerned with the question as to why certain genres might be more addictive than others. Besides specific games characteristics and motivational profiles of gamers, skills that are relevant to play certain games and genres might provide more insights for answering this question. An exploratory online survey was designed, asking for played genres, subjective relevance of required skills to play the game, gaming motives, and symptom severity. The analyses aimed at investigating which genres are associated with higher and lower symptoms of their players and the relationship between the relevance of skills required for certain genres and the symptom severity of players. Read more: Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

Many thanks to Prof. Bernhard Schick and the whole team for this event. It was two days full of impressions of new technologies and insights into an impressive institute with great potential. See also: IFM (Insittute for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Connected Mobility).

The project aims at developing and testing a semi-automatic system for loading and unloading tankers using a collaborative robot ("cobot") in human-technology interaction. I am looking forward to an exciting 3 years in an interdisciplinary team.

It was a pleasure to speak at ICBA 2022 in Nottingham about Mindfulness Meditation and Neurofeedback in the context of behavioural addictions. They were enriching days full of of informative exchange and new impressions.

I am happy to be part of this interdisciplinary project. Together with the Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and the Chair of Mechatronics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, we are aiming to develop an optimal, hybrid on-demand solution for public transport in Krefeld and the surrounding area. Together with SWK MOBIL and the city of Krefeld, an approach is to be developed in which a wide range of user-oriented services for rural and urban areas can be created, which at the same time covers additional costs due to the increase in customers. Read more: BestMOD

Digital media defines modern childhood, but iths cognitive effects are unclear and hotly debated. We believe that studies with genetic data could clarify causal claims and correct for the typically unaccounted role of genetic predispositions. Here, we estimated the impact of different types of screen time (watching, socializing, or gaming) on childrens's intelligence while controlling for the confounding effects of genetic differences in cognition and socioeconomic status. We analyzed 9855 children from the USA who were part of the ABCD dataset with measures of intelligence at baseline (age 9-10) and after two years.  Read more: Scientific Reports