Motion Sickness May Challenge Autonomous Driving
KIT researchers are developing systems that can detect motion sickness in passengers at an early stage and help reduce discomfort
Many people are familiar with the problem: nausea during long car journeys. With autonomous driving, motion sickness could affect even more people in the future. Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are investigating how autonomous vehicles can detect symptoms early and reduce discomfort. What affects passengers today could become a challenge for almost everyone once autonomous driving becomes widespread.
Eva-Maria Knoch from the Institute of Vehicle System Technology at KIT is researching the causes of motion sickness and possible countermeasures with her team: “Anyone can be affected by motion sickness. With autonomous driving, we will all become passengers. As a result, factors that increase the likelihood of motion sickness may become more prevalent.”
Sensors Detect Symptoms Early
Motion sickness is caused by conflicting sensory inputs, that is, when the brain can no longer properly reconcile signals from the eyes, the sense of balance, and the body. “Common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches. In an autonomous vehicle, this may happen more frequently because occupants will no longer focus their attention on the road but instead read, work, or watch movies,” says Knoch. “We are working on detecting changes in well-being at an early stage using sensors.”
The solutions include virtual horizons displayed on screens that visualize vehicle movements and help passengers stay oriented. Temperature and ventilation could also be adjusted to improve comfort, says Knoch: “Autonomous driving works in principle. The technical implementation is feasible. The real challenge is to develop autonomous vehicles in a way that allows people to use them comfortably, safely, and according to their individual needs.”
mex, September 22, 2026