Driving simulator: Analysing the impact of mechanical latency on the perception of lateral dynamics

Mechanical latency is the time elapsed between the driver’s input and the subsequent movement of a driving simulator. Large latencies may overlap with the time constants of a vehicle, thus altering its dynamics. As latency introduces inconsistencies between the driver’s input and the vehicle’s response, it may also result in motion sickness. The paper describes the design and the results of a test campaign conceived to understand how mechanical latency impacts the perception of lateral dynamics. In particular, the research aimed at identifying the minimal variation of latency perceived by ordinary drivers. Tests were performed with an innovative cable-driven simulator moving over a 6 × 6 metre platform. A rigorous test procedure was designed while several volunteers of different ages and driving experiences were required to perform a specific manoeuvre with different latencies. The results showed that 20% of the population can perceive latency variations below 40 ms.