National Highways is pushing the boundaries of motorway maintenance with a pioneering virtual reality experiment. The government-owned agency has been testing drivers' reactions to low-flying drones monitoring England's 4,500-mile road network in VR simulations.
The virtual reality tests, developed with MXT, aim to measure driver distraction and disturbance as smaller drones are introduced at altitudes of just 10-20 metres. This is a significant decrease from the current models, which operate at around 50 metres, allowing for more detailed data collection and reducing costs by about ten times.
Drivers took part in VR simulations in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, where they were covertly measured as they reacted to the simulated drones. Metrics included heart rate, pupil dilation, and driving performance indicators like speed and steering control. Only after completing the exercise were participants asked if they had noticed the drones and how their driving was affected.
Preliminary findings from 120 regular drivers and 19 HGV drivers suggest a low level of perceived risk, with around half noticing the drones but only a small proportion considering them hazardous or dangerous. Ewan Murdoch from Arup highlighted the potential for these results to pave the way for similar drone applications globally.
Callum Brown, National Highways' senior adviser on airspace standards, described the testing methodology as 'cutting edge'. He emphasized that smaller drones offer a safer and more efficient method for future road surveys. The six-year development effort underscores the agency's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for infrastructure management.
One participant, Kevin McKeown, found the VR experience initially disorienting but enjoyable. He didn't believe the drones posed any problem, highlighting the importance of understanding drivers' perceptions as drone technology evolves.