Gerald Ackner

Prof. Gerald Ackner is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Furtwangen, based at the Tuttlingen campus. His research focuses on human factors in automated driving systems, driver behavior analysis, and human-machine interaction (HMI) design. He specializes in optimizing driver assistance systems, collision warning strategies, and visual attention management in automotive interfaces. His work bridges cognitive science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on improving road safety through better understanding of driver-system interactions.

Key research interests include:

• Design and evaluation of proactive voice assistance systems in automated vehicles
• Reduction of unnecessary collision alarms through adaptive assistance strategies
• Analysis of non-driving task engagement in highly automated environments
• Development of LED-based visual attention guidance systems

His publications from 2016-2025 consistently address challenges in automated driving safety, with a thematic focus on:

• Driver-vehicle interface design
• Collision avoidance system efficacy
• Driver behavior under automation
• Human perception vs. system perception discrepancies

He participated in the interdisciplinary UR:BAN-MV research project, contributing to urban mobility HMI design and driver behavior prediction. His work reflects a commitment to both theoretical and applied research in automotive human factors.