University of Glasgow Uses AR to Help Cyclists Communicate with Self-Driving Cars
- AR headset prototypes give cyclists a “sixth sense” for nearby autonomous vehicles.
- Research explores how self-driving cars may need to adapt communication styles for different countries.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed CycleARcade, an augmented reality platform that allows cyclists to interact with virtual self-driving cars while riding in real-world environments. The system lets cyclists see graphics and signals projected through AR headsets, providing real-time information about nearby vehicles.
The research focused on creating new interface designs to improve safety and awareness. Prototypes tested included RoadAlert, which projected signals on the road and provided spatial audio cues, a rear-view mirror display called reARview, and handlebar-mounted visual alerts named Gem.
The team also studied how cyclists in different countries — Sweden, Oman, and Scotland — respond to autonomous vehicles, revealing that local driving culture influences how cyclists expect cars to communicate. The research suggests future self-driving systems may need to adapt their signals based on regional behaviors.
CycleARcade will be presented at CHI 2025 and was recognized with an Honorable Mention for its contribution to human-computer interaction research.
🌀 Remix Reality Take:
Spatial computing isn’t just about immersion — it’s about safety. AR systems like CycleARcade point to a future where digital overlays augment human instincts, creating new communication layers between people and intelligent machines on the move.
Source: University of Glasgow News
