Design and Development of a Full-Motion based Driving Simulator

Abstract

Professional driving simulators used for various aspects, such as research, provide a highf idelity environment while being quite cost-intensive in most cases. This master’s thesis therefore focuses on designing and developing a full motion-based driving simulator that is built in a modular approach and allows for a combination of a detailed simulation experience while staying cost-effective. The main focus is put on an accurate motion replication, achieved by two independent motion platforms placed underneath the simulator frame. Moreover, the visual output is given through a Virtual Reality headset with partial Mixed Reality capabilities, which are used to blend various components of the virtual vehicle together with the actual counterparts (i.e., combining both steering wheels together). For the simulation environment, Unity 6.1 was chosen as the game engine. It handles input/output operations, the simulated vehicle and a scenery implemented as a Digital Twin of Linz. For evaluation of the simulator as a complete package, a user study was carried out, in which each participant completed two separate runs with an individual configuration. At first, the haptic feedback in form of Force Feedback and motion was only partially given to the user, while during the second run, all the capabilities of the simulator have been utilized including an advanced version of the virtual environment. The data received from the user study was then later used to evaluate positive and negative experiences for the simulation itself. In addition, possible changes were assessed that could help rectify problems and restrictions that occurred or increase the perceived immersion and fidelity aspect.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Supervisor	Philipp Wintersberger (Supervisor)