ABSTRACT
Steer-by-Wire systems enable designers to offer completely personalized steering feel to drivers, unlike existing steering systems that offer limited or no personalization. In this paper we focus on feedback torque level, a significant factor for steering feel. Earlier studies indicate that the preferred feedback torque level may be related to the perceived comfort and control that different torque levels offer. However, there is limited understanding on how drivers perceive comfort and control in regard to feedback torque level and the relationship between comfort and control. An exploratory study was conducted on a driving simulator to understand the impact of feedback torque variations on driver perception of comfort and control. The study shows that comfort and control are perceived together and that their optima are not defined by physical effort but may instead be dependent on factors such as personal experience and mental effort.
