What Influences Public Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles? A New Study Co-Authored by Łukasiewicz – ITECH Researchers
The paper, entitled Does fear of technology shape social acceptance of autonomous vehicles in Poland? Conclusions from cross-sectional study using structural equation modelling was published in Scientific Reports, part of the Nature Portfolio.
Patrycja Didyk, Ewa Kawiak-Jawor PhD; Marta Miedzińska and Dominik Zieliński contributed to the development of the study’s methodological framework, its implementation and statistical analysis, as well as to drafting and editing the article.
Fear of Technology Does Not Necessarily Lead to Its Rejection
The study was conducted in November 2024 using a computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) survey on a nationwide sample of 1,057 adults living in Poland. The results were analysed using structural equation modelling, which made it possible to examine the relationships between technology anxiety, perceptions of the usefulness of autonomous vehicles, opportunities to test them, observing them in operation, and concerns about data privacy.
The findings show that fear of technology does not directly lead to the rejection of autonomous vehicles. It does, however, shape how potential users assess new solutions. People with higher levels of technology-related anxiety pay particular attention to their practical usefulness, ease of use, and opportunities to test them in advance and observe how they work.
The strongest factor driving acceptance of autonomous vehicles was the belief that the technology would deliver tangible benefits and be easy to use. The opportunity to try the vehicle first-hand and learn how it works by observing other users also played an important role.
The study also shows that attitudes towards autonomous mobility in Poland remain mixed. While 58% of respondents had heard of autonomous vehicles, only 35% expressed a positive view of them. A similar proportion, 34% – viewed them negatively, while 31% had yet to form a clear opinion.
Experience First, Acceptance Follows
The study’s findings are relevant to public institutions, local authorities and organisations developing autonomous mobility technologies. According to the authors, simply providing information about technical specifications or safety levels may not be enough to build public trust.
Pilot programmes, public demonstrations and opportunities to test new solutions safely may prove to be more effective. Communication should focus on their practical benefits, such as improving safety, making mobility more accessible for older people and people with disabilities, and allowing passengers to use travel time for other activities. It is also essential to communicate transparently about how users’ data are collected, used and protected.
Collaboration Between Institutes of the Łukasiewicz Research Network
The introduction of innovative technologies can raise concerns and encounter public resistance. We believe that research into public acceptance conducted at Łukasiewicz – ITECH can play an important role in supporting the successful deployment of new technological solutions and increasing the likelihood of their adoption by both the market and end users.
The publication is an important outcome of the collaboration between Łukasiewicz – ITECH and Łukasiewicz – PIMOT. The research was conducted as part of the project “Research into Autonomous Vehicle Perception Systems in the Context of Road Safety at Intersections”, implemented by Łukasiewicz – Automotive Industry Institute.
The project received funding from the state budget under the Minister of Science and Higher Education’s “Science for Society II” programme.
The publication was authored by Michał Wróblewski, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor at Nicolaus Copernicus University; Patrycja Didyk; Patryk Szwajkowski; Ewa Kawiak-Jawor PhD; Dominik Zieliński; Marta Miedzińska; Martyna Poziomska; and Karol Zielonka, PhD, Eng.
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