Human Acceptance of Autonomous Systems
Speaker: Sina Nordhoff, Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis.
Title: Human Acceptance of Autonomous Systems.
Time: Thursday, Oct 30th, 2025, 2:00-3:00 pm.
Location: E2-506 or Zoom.
Abstract: This seminar explores how society engages with autonomous transportation systems, focusing on automated vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Dr. Sina Nordhoff will present research on human acceptance, trust, and safety, emphasizing that public confidence and social readiness are essential alongside technological progress. Drawing on theoretical models, real-world applications, and extensive empirical data, including over 220 interviews and 40,000 surveys, Dr. Nordhoff will identify key factors shaping acceptance, such as socio-demographics, personality traits, perceived risks and benefits, and the effects of misuse or miscalibrated trust. The seminar will highlight how ethical considerations, societal norms, and regulatory frameworks influence deployment. Attendees will gain insight into how this work can guide policymakers, industry, and communities in ensuring responsible, equitable, and safe implementation. Dr. Nordhoff will also briefly discuss future research directions.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Sina Nordhoff is a leading expert in the field of human factors and user acceptance of new and emerging transportation technologies. She holds a Ph.D. from Delft University of Technology and is affiliated with the University of California, Davis. Dr. Nordhoff specializes in electric vehicles and automated vehicles (AVs), focusing on how to responsibly integrate these innovations into society. Her research spans theoretical models, empirical studies, and real-world applications, involving over 220 interviews and 40,000 analyzed surveys. She has developed innovative frameworks to understand human acceptance, trust, and safety, addressing critical issues such as misuse, trust miscalibration, and cyber-physical attacks. Dr. Nordhoff’s research is published in top-tier journals and has garnered significant attention from policymakers and industry leaders. Her work aims to inform the design, deployment, and regulation of these technologies to ensure they are safe, equitable, and socially beneficial. Dr. Nordhoff’s current research agenda includes pioneering efforts in interdisciplinary theory development, safety assessment, and understanding cognitive measurements. Her overarching goal is to bridge the gap between technological advancements and societal well-being, creating a future where transportation benefits all members of society.
