The Role of Eco-Driving and Wearable Sensors in Industry 4.0

This study investigates the relationship between drivers’ electrodermal activity (EDA) and their eco-driving behaviours through real-time monitoring. Electrodermal activity, a physiological marker of sympathetic nervous system arousal, reflects emotional and cognitive states, providing a valuable window into drivers’ internal experiences. EDA and driving data were collected for 48 trips from 10 different drivers. Cluster analysis and the Pearson correlation coefficient was used to uncover potential patterns between driver EDA and their driving behaviour as measured using a driving score. The results follow the Yerkes-Dodson Law. Driving performance increase with EDA arousal, but only to a point. The investigation has implications for enhancing road safety, as it contributes to our understanding of how drivers’ emotional states influence their on-road performance. Additionally, it holds promise for developing innovative in-car systems that can adapt to drivers’ changing emotional states, promoting safer and more comfortable driving experiences. Ultimately, this study bridges the gap between psychophysiology and transportation, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional aspects of driving behaviour.