The UK's National Highways agency is employing virtual reality simulations to determine whether low-flying drones intended for motorway monitoring will distract drivers. The tests, conducted in London, Manchester, and Birmingham over a month, involve participants navigating a simulated highway at 70mph while drones fly overhead.
Simulation Details
The VR experience, created by MXT for National Highways and engineering firm Arup, aims to assess the impact of drones flying at altitudes of 10 to 20 metres. These smaller drones are expected to capture more detailed information than current larger drones, which operate at about 50 metres, and are roughly ten times cheaper. The agency plans to deploy them by early 2027.
Participants are initially told they are taking part in a standard road safety simulation. Only after the test are they informed about the drones and asked to rate any distraction. The simulation measures heart rate, pupil dilation, gaze direction, speed, and steering control.
Test Results and Global Interest
About half of the 120 regular drivers and 19 heavy goods vehicle drivers noticed the drones, but few considered them hazardous. Callum Brown, senior adviser on airspace standards at National Highways, called the tests cutting-edge and a world first for national application. Ewan Murdoch of Arup noted interest from Australia and the US for similar methodologies.
One participant, Kevin McKeown, 49, found the VR jarring but not distracting, supporting the drones if they improve safety. The tests suggest that while drones are noticeable, they are not perceived as dangerous, paving the way for their use in road maintenance globally.
