Human, Machine, Motion Sickness

Humans, machines, and motion sickness: this is the focus of our research within the KARLI project!

Automated driving is transforming not only technology, but also the way we travel. The project’s goal? To design interactions within automated vehicles that are intuitive, comfortable, and user-friendly. Yet, this new freedom – the ability to engage in other activities while on the move – brings back an old challenge: motion sickness. As drivers take less control of the vehicle, they are more likely to turn to screens, read, work, or simply relax – all of which can trigger nausea and discomfort for many people. This is where our research comes in.

As part of the KARLI project, we conducted test drives with participants using Ford Germany research vehicles to collect real-world data on the development and prevention of motion sickness. To this end, we developed and integrated two key components:

• A visual HMI by Studio Kurbos, integrated into an e-reader, designed to help prevent motion sickness through deliberate styling and visual cues.
• An enhanced navigation system that guides drivers through the data collection process in a standardized and secure manner – ensuring consistent data and a clear user experience.

The collected data forms the basis for developing an AI-based assistance system that detects in real time when motion sickness is likely to occur – and proactively suggests appropriate recommendations and measures. The goal is a smart prototype that does not merely react, but instead provides forward-looking support.

You can find out what that looks like and how it works right here.

A big thank you to our project partners: Continental, AUDI AG, Ford Germany, INVENSITY, semvox GmbH, Limbach, the University of Stuttgart, the Stuttgart Media University (Hochschule der Medien), studiokurbos^®, TWT, and the Fraunhofer Institute. Our collaboration is defined by openness, expertise, and a shared commitment to actively shaping the future of automated driving.

KARLI is more than just a project – it is a step toward human-centered mobility.