MXT’s vehicle simulator was designed working alongside the UK Government company National Highways. It is a virtual validation solution to study the many circumstances that affect the performance of drivers and road transport systems and it does so in a safe, repeatable environment.

Human factors research

The safety and satisfaction of road users is impacted by their interaction with vehicle and road transport technologies.

By examining how drivers use proposed, and existing, transport systems through the measurement of distraction, fatigue and impairment factors. We can:

  • Examine the attitudes and behaviour of drivers in a safe and controlled environment
  • Test and measure drivers’ performance
  • Inform legislation, transport policy, and road technology innovation

Simulation Hardware

MXT driving simulation can be deployed across different platforms. The first incorporates our own compact motion platform and advanced mixed reality headset. The second is an “At Desk” simulator rig for flexible onsite deployment and multi-site deployments.

Whichever the most appropriate deployment hardware our driving simulation service delivers:

  • Highly realistic, compliant, infrastructure, assets, and delegate experience
  • Bespoke scenario simulations rapidly developed and implemented to your specifications
  • Testing of hypotheses and innovations under the same conditions
  • Close control of scenarios providing robust evidence of cause and effect
  • Safe testing of emergency situations
  • Alignment with Department for Transport’s “Pilots and Trials” guidance
  • A reduction in the time to get to on-road live trials

Data Collection and Analysis

Our data collection and analysis integrates bespoke bio-metric and driver performance analysis with structured qualitative interviews delivered by Human-Centred Design (HCD) research partners.

Biometric Analysis

We incorporate eye tracking and physiological monitoring to gives an in-depth understanding of driver response.

Driver Performance

We measure how the piloted vehicle behaves and how it interacts with surrounding traffic.

Sentiment research

We collaborate with industry partners to provide a structured qualitative research component to enable an holistic understanding of driver behaviour.

Scenario Development

The simulator’s underlying software is composed of a set of modular, interlinked, applications. These applications are designed to support MXT’s work by enabling the efficient recreation of compliant UK road networks and traffic simulations.

This means we can routinely produce virtual road environments and scenarios that are faithful to their real-world counterparts.