Autonomous Vehicles & Augmented Reality – Are We Ready for the Future of Transport?
As technology races ahead, Australia’s legal framework is still playing catch-up. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) and augmented reality (AR) are reshaping global transport systems – from robotaxis in LA and Shanghai to immersive driving simulators in Adelaide. Here in Australia, road rules still require a human driver to always be in control, including keeping hands on the steering wheel1. This legal requirement remains one of the biggest barriers to the widespread adoption of fully autonomous vehicles.
Legislation in Motion
The Australian Federal Government is currently developing the Automated Vehicle Safety Law (AVSL), a national framework to regulate AVs across Australia. This includes provisions for vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, such as robotaxis, and outlines how these vehicles should be repaired, operated remotely, and integrated into existing road networks2.
Public consultation on the AVSL closed on 11 June 2024, with feedback now being reviewed to shape future legislation. The proposed law shifts responsibility for safety from human occupants to the entity best positioned to manage the autonomous driving system – typically the manufacturer or software provider2.
Building Trust Beyond Technology
While legislation is critical, public trust is just as important. A recent study led by UniSA and IMT Atlantique explored how AR can influence confidence in autonomous vehicles. Using a virtual reality driving simulator, researchers tested seven AR visualisations with participants aged 22 to 50. The results? Trust in AVs significantly increased when AR was used to display driving-related information like navigation paths, hazard alerts, and pedestrian detection3.
Interestingly, even non-driving visuals – like interior design enhancements or points of interest – boosted user comfort, though they also introduced risks of distraction. The key takeaway message- AR can help users understand AV decision-making, especially in complex traffic scenarios, but must be carefully designed to balance clarity and cognitive load3.
What About Drink Driving?
As AVs become more capable it does raise the question of drink driving and roadside drug and alcohol testing. If a vehicle can operate without human input, will legal limits apply? Under current laws, yes – it’s still illegal to be over the legal limit while in control of a vehicle, even if it’s in autonomous mode. Future legislation may need to redefine what “control” means in the context of AVs, especially as responsibility shifts to manufacturers and software systems1.
Conclusion
The future of transport isn’t just about innovation – it’s about confidence. As AR and autonomous systems become more integrated into our daily lives, public trust, legal clarity, and user education will be essential to ensure safety and adoption. Australia is making strides, but the journey to a driverless future will require more than just tech – it will demand a cultural and legal shift in how we think about mobility.
As AVs and AR become part of everyday transport, we’re not just reengineering vehicles – we’re rethinking responsibility, safety, and what it means to be a “driver.”