This study experimentally analyzed how AR goggles and a backrest affect rider behavior on a standing-type personal mobility vehicle (PMV). We measured a test subject's center of gravity (COG) and head position via motion capture while they rode the PMV. Results showed that displaying a screen with AR goggles shifted the COG toward the hand holding it, increasing fall risk during turns. Additionally, the AR goggles' weight tilted the head forward, and their narrowed field of view induced an unconscious forward-leaning posture, shifting the COG forward. While a backrest offered security, its flexibility and the transmission of vehicle vibrations led to larger COG fluctuations. The study concludes that despite the potential of AR goggles on standing-type PMVs, they pose postural stability risks. This necessitates developing safer vehicle configurations and balance-assisting systems for riders.
Yoshida et al. (Wed,) studied this question.