Empty vehicles management may improve the average waiting time for vehicle delivery in the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) network. In this study, original heuristic algorithm of empty vehicle management is presented. The algorithm is tested in several benchmark PRT structures under Feniks simulation environment. The results show that significant improvements of average waiting time may be achieved just because of the multi-parameter analysis of the present network state alone rather than by the predictive use of forecasted demand. The algorithm does not use any central database of demand and location of free vehicles. Instead, it assumes the local exchange of data between stations on their state and expected vehicles. Therefore it seems well tailored to a distributed implementation.

Abstract.Here we present one of the more complex models for studying the stability of driving an electric car with electromechanical differential systems. The purpose of simulation is to choose a structure of the control system for a velocity control on driven wheels (an algorithm of a differential) most appropriate for the driver. This type of goal is particularly important in the case of a disabled driver sitting in a wheelchair. The modeling takes into account both the mechanical and electric structure of the vehicle, and finally the human element -a simple model of human impact on the steer by a wire system. Modeling and simulation have used MBS package (SimMechanics). The results of the simulation have showed the best algorithms of an electromechanical differential for the velocity control of rear drive wheels: with setting a velocity difference or with an average velocity controller in the point A of the centre of a car front axle.

Abstract. The paper presents the issue of modelling the system of the PRT vehicle -track. The PRT -Personal Rapid Transit concept is defined as an innovative transport system composed of small vehicles (3-5 persons) moving on the light infrastructure situated at a height of above 5 meters above the ground. This is a system that combines the features of individual and public transport. An important feature of this system is the implementation of the transport approach known as the 'point to point' rule that is to say between the initial and the final stop the vehicle does not stop at the intermediate stops. The vehicle has no driver. Routing choice and collision avoidance are performed through a complex computer system.

We focused on physiological and muscle tension measures differentiating work according to the level of mental demands. Differences in sustained attention, vigilance and maintaining posture only proved that mental demands were mostly reflected by tension in arm and shoulder girdle muscles and, to a lesser degree, in forearm muscles.

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The subject of this article is the design of a nonstandard steering system in cars. The applied methodology takes into account universal design, ensuring the greatest possible adaptation of the steering system to potential users, and at the same time, thanks to the specific nature of the designed steering device, it also assumes a special approach allowing for individual adjustment of the steering system to the needs and limitations of drivers with lower-limb disabilities. It is implemented through the “custom design” methodology. This article presents the impact of the design features of the multifunction steering wheel on the correctness of driving, as well as the level of load on selected muscles of the upper limbs responsible for operating the steering wheel. The tests were carried out on a dynamic simulator of a motor vehicle using the electromyography (EMG) technique, which enables the measurement of muscle load. A systemic approach to training and verifying the skills of drivers using new HMI solutions is proposed.