Designing an AI Co-Driver: Enhancing Decision-Making and Safety through AR Head-Up Displays in Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

About the Project

The increasing infusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into human–machine systems presents new opportunities and challenges in transport safety, driver support, and human–computer interaction. While autonomous driving technologies are advancing rapidly, there remain critical gaps in trust, usability, and user acceptance, particularly in semi-autonomous (Level 1–4) vehicles where human drivers are still expected to intervene in critical scenarios. Current navigation systems provide auditory and visual route guidance but are limited in their ability to engage in real-time interactive decision-making or suggest alternative manoeuvres in high-risk contexts.

This PhD project proposes the design, development, and evaluation of a next-generation AI Co-Driver system that integrates multimodal Human–Machine Interaction (HMI) within a full-windshield Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Up Display (HUD). The aim is to explore how immersive visualisation and adaptive AI guidance can enhance driver decision-making, reduce collision risk, and improve driver confidence and safety.

The research will build upon existing work in VR/AR simulation environments and investigate how drivers perceive and respond to AI-generated guidance under different driving conditions. The project will combine simulation-based experimentation, UX and UI design methodologies, and applied AI models capable of real-time risk assessment and decision support. In particular, the system will be prototyped and tested within a VR driving simulator, enabling safe and repeatable trials of complex and hazardous driving scenarios.

The project sits at the intersection of VR/AR simulation, human factors, automotive design, and AI-driven decision support systems. This work will aim to generate practical knowledge applicable to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), user-centred automotive interface design, and human-AI collaboration frameworks.

The expected outcome is a validated prototype and empirical evidence on the usability, effectiveness, and acceptance of an AI Co-Driver with AR HUD integration, contributing to safer semi-autonomous driving futures.

Academic Qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2:1) in creative technologies, VR/AR, computing, or a related subject, with a good fundamental knowledge of software development, machine learning, and UI/UX design.

English Language Requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other equivalent qualifications will be accepted. See the University webpage: https://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements

Essential attributes (please complete)

• Experience of fundamental: VR/AR application development and prototyping immersive systems.
• Competent in: programming for interactive systems (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, C#, Python), AI/ML integration, and experimental design.
• Knowledge of: user experience (UX) evaluation methods, and multimodal HMI.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes

• Experience in VR prototyping and user interface (UI) development.
• Familiarity with AI-driven decision-making systems and sensor data integration.
• Knowledge of UX evaluation methods for safety-critical applications.
• Experience in gamification approaches to enhance user engagement.

Deadlines & timescale: Our standard entry times for research degrees are October and March, but you can make your application at any time, and it will be considered for the next available intake, in this case: apply by 30 November for potential entry on 1 March 2026, or by 31 May for 1 October 2026 . If a different entry is required for specific reasons, please contact Prof Vassilis Charisis directly.

Funding Notes

This is an unfunded position.