Can you help me? : testing HMI designs and psychological influences on intended helping behavior towards autonomous cargo bikes

Abstract

Autonomous (cargo-)bikes offer many use cases, especially in urban areas. One challenge they have to face is their dependence on human assistance. This study examines the influence of light color, flashing rhythm, voices, a person’s kindness and technological experience on helping behavior towards an autonomous cargo bike. An experiment with 233 participants was conducted.We found that technological experience and kindness had a positive influence on helping behavior, while light color, flashing rhythm and voice type did not have any influence. Our results imply that helping behavior towards an autonomous bicycle varies individually. However, an electronically generated voice should be used to make the vehicle appear autonomous, emphasize the absence of a human being and give clear instructions to promote helping behavior.