Thesis worker - AI-supported data analysis tool for human factors research

Introduction

Driving simulator studies produce valuable information about how people interact with vehicles and driving systems. We are looking for two master’s students to explore how researchers can make better use of data from simulator tests. The students will focus on different but connected parts of the challenge: human factors research needs and software development.

As students, you will become part of our human factors team, which conducts user studies and works closely with professional truck drivers. You will also collaborate with the team developing our truck simulator, and your work will contribute directly to our ongoing activities.

Background

After a simulator test, researchers need to review and interpret the collected data in relation to the research questions, and consider what the findings mean for future research and development. This process can be time-consuming, and there is currently no structured approach that can be used across studies. As a result, the analysis process often has to be developed from scratch each time. AI could help make this work more efficient by supporting data processing, analysis, summarisation and visualisation.

For such support to be useful, it needs to include both the needs of human factors research and the opportunities and limitations of data processing.

Purpose

The aim of these two related thesis projects is to investigate how AI-supported analysis could help the human factors team work with driving simulator data. The projects will address the topic from complementary perspectives and create a data handling system and a user interface for human factor researchers.

Assignment

The two projects will be connected through a shared theme and collaboration with the human factors team. The students will work individually with their own focus area, and their work will come together in a shared application prototype.

Project 1: HMI and research needs

This project may include:

• Exploring how simulator data is currently used to study driver behavior in the simulator
• Reviewing previous projects to identify recurring questions and potential future needs
• Identifying the user needs of the human factors researchers
• Defining requirements and recommendations for an analysis tool
• Create and evaluate a useful HMI design for data analysis tool/application

Project 2: Data analysis application and software development

This project may include:

• Exploring the types, formats and structure of data collected in driving simulator studies
• Identifying suitable approaches for importing, storing, processing and visualizing simulator data
• Designing and developing a prototype application to help human factors researchers explore and analyze simulator data
• Investigating where AI could support the analysis workflow, for example by helping researchers summarize or interpret data
• Evaluating the prototype with researchers and identifying opportunities for further development

TRATON is in a partnership with OpenAI and the students will have access to Codex and other relevant tools as well as needed tokens/credits.

The students will coordinate their work and share relevant findings, while each project will have its own research question and thesis.

Candidate Profiles

We are looking for two master’s students:

• One student with a background in interaction design, cognitive science, psychology, human factors or a related field, and an interest in human behaviour and research methods.
• One student with a background in computer science, software engineering, data science or a related field, and an interest in developing data-driven applications. Experience with programming and working with data is important. An interest in AI, data visualisation and user-centred software development is an advantage.

Both students should be curious, analytical and interested in collaborating across disciplines. An interest in transport, driving or simulator research is an advantage.

Practical Information

• Number of students: 2
• Scope: 30hp
• Start date: 2026-01-18 (can be changed)
• Location: Södertälje

Contact persons and supervisor

Viktor Wåhlin, Manager, +46760522890, viktor.wahlin@scania.com
Johanna Vännström, Supervisor, +46700863605, johanna.vannstrom@scania.com
Andreas Absér, Supervisor, +46700810500, andreas.abser@scania.com

The Application

Your application should include a CV, cover letter and transcripts.

A background check may be conducted for this position. We conduct interviews on an ongoing basis and may close recruitment earlier than the stated date.