Wearables in Cars

Project Overview

The Wearables in Cars initiative studies how wearable devices, including smartwatches and smart glasses, can support drivers without adding unnecessary workload or distraction. The project examines how wearable alerts, displays, and sensing systems can provide timely information about the driving environment while keeping the driver’s attention oriented toward safe vehicle control.

Creative Inquiry Program

This project is linked to Clemson University’s Creative Inquiry (CI) program through PSYC 4980-521. The CI course structure gives students a sustained, team-based way to contribute to the research design, prototype development, driving-scenario planning, data collection, and analysis activities that support the project.

Research

This project includes multiple research topics related to wearable interfaces, driver attention, and transportation safety.

Effects of augmented reality displays on driver situation awareness and takeover performance in conditionally automated vehicles

This study examines whether wearable augmented reality (AR) glasses can support drivers in conditionally automated vehicles when they are engaged in non-driving related tasks and may need to resume control. Using virtual reality driving simulation and eye-tracking measures, the study compares AR display locations with a traditional center-screen display to understand how display placement affects situation awareness, visual attention, and takeover performance.

Smartwatch-based alerts for emergency vehicle awareness

This research explores how smartwatch notifications can help drivers become aware of approaching emergency service vehicles. The work examines whether wearable alerts can provide useful, timely cues without overloading drivers or pulling attention away from the roadway.

Expected Impact

By studying wearable devices in realistic driving contexts, the project aims to inform designs that improve driver awareness while respecting workload, distraction risk, and privacy. The work supports future wearable-assisted mobility systems that are useful, understandable, and safe for drivers.

Funding

• Funding source: Clemson University Creative Inquiry (CI) program.
• Funding status: The project has received intermittent support from the Clemson University CI program.

Project Team

• Dr. Shubham Agrawal
• Dr. Dustin Souders
• Tyler Riley

Related Outputs

Presentations

• Davis, E., D., Merwarth, O., Pallath, H., Patel, J., Patel, M. S,, Viehe, J., Agrawal, S., Souders, D. J., Cruz, J., & Simmons, T. G. (2025, August 18-20). Enhancing driver awareness of emergency service vehicles using smartwatch-based notification system [Poster]. Poster presentation at the 9th Annual Summer Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Showcase, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
• Merwarth, O., Pallath, H., Patel, J., Patel, M. S., Viehe, J., Agrawal, S., Souders, D. J., Cruz, J., & Simmons, T. G. (2025, April 9-11). Enhancing driver awareness of emergency service vehicles using smartwatch-based notification system [Poster]. 20th Annual Focus on Creative Inquiry Forum, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
• Cruz, J., Merwarth, O., Pallath, H., Syed, U., Butler, E., Souders, D. J., & Agrawal, S. (2024, August 20). Enhancing driver awareness of emergency service vehicles using smartwatch-based notification system [Poster]. 8th Annual Summer Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Showcase, Clemson, SC.
• Arredondo, E., Cruz, J., Oriunuta, S., Pallath, H., Pandiri, S., Syed, U., Riley, T., Butler, E., Merwarth, O., Patel, J., Allen, C., Bourini, Z., Alkelani, O., Agrawal, S., & Souders, D. J. (2024, April 4-6). Enhancing driver awareness of emergency service vehicles using smartwatch-based notification system [Poster]. Clemson University 19th Annual Focus on Creative Inquiry Forum, Clemson, SC.