Hyperloop
Hyperloop technology presents opportunities for shortened travel time, a lower infrastructure footprint and an exceptionally low use of energy. In a “near-vacuum” tube, areodynamic drag is almost completely removed while passengers travel safely and comfortably in battery-powered pods. The Dutch company Hardt Hyperloop has already developed a full-scale test facility in Delft and plans to build a European-wide Hyperloop network connecting major cities. Our aim is to generate a deeper understanding of user acceptance of hyperloop technology by identifying users’ willingness to use this mode of transportation and the factors that support user acceptance or rejection of the new technology. Read the full whitepaper here or the blog post here.
Air Taxis
The University of Applied Science Stuttgart participates in multiple research projects in cooperation with local partners, such as Volocopter or Mercedes, regarding alternative ways of transportation. Specifically, our research efforts concentrate on the acceptance of autonomous flying AirTaxis for urban areas. Find more details on this project website, this whitepaper or this blog post.
E-bike Sharing
Shared mobility concepts have grown in popularity over the past years due to their easy availability and low cost options for the consumers. Our research in the field of e-bike sharing programs evolves around understanding the individual user acceptance decision of such concepts in Germany. Further, we focus on the user experience of e-bike-sharing applications to conclude aspects which can be used to increase the value of e-bike sharing apps. Click to access information on this study.
Safety in Bicycle Traffic
How can cycling in metropolitan regions be made safer? To address this issue, we developed the ROUTEMESAFE application. With this crowdsourcing app, places perceived as unsafe by cyclists can be marked on an interactive map and made visible to all users, offering an overview of dangerous spots in the area. Local authorities are encouraged to use this information as a basis to make decisions on the cycle infrastructure. We conducted several studies during the process to ensure that the users’ needs are met. Click here to read our study on cycling safety and contact us for more details on our user experience and target group research.
Car Flatrates
Car Supscription models or Car Flatrates offer individual car ownership combined with a high level of flexibility. Apps, such as Cluno or Volvo Care offer a wide range of cars at a monthly fixed price, including everything except gasoline. Additionally, users have the opportunity to change cars at least annually, often even more frequently. Our research focuses on current as well as prospective car owners. The main results can be found in this blog post.
Autonomous Driving
In regards to autonomous driving, we specifically aim at evaluating the attitudes, salient beliefs and associations of individuals towards shared autonomous vehicles. More information can be found in our research publication.
Delivery Robots
Due to their role as an environmentally friendly answer towards the growing number of online deliveries, autonomous delivery robots have become more popular in Germany. However, research concerning the user acceptance of such robots is still limited, even though acceptance is essential to successfully implement this innovation in cities. Thus, our research focuses on the consumers’ acceptance of autonomous delivery robots as well as the different contexts they can potentially be used for. Read more about our findings in this paper (in press) or this blog post. We also conducted a study on the acceptance of service robots on campus.
