Speaker
Description
The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to regulatory mandates for Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) to ensure pedestrian safety at low speeds. While AVAS effectively compensate for reduced propulsion noise, their widespread deployment introduces new challenges for urban soundscapes, particularly when sound design neglects perceptual integration and contextual appropriateness.This study proposes a neuro-acoustic framework for evaluating AVAS sound signatures using electroencephalography (EEG) to capture objective auditory perception. A controlled listening experiment was conducted with 30 participants (15 male, 15 female). AVAS sound signatures were developed and recorded binaurally under multiple operational conditions at both driver and pedestrian positions to ensure spatial realism.Participants were exposed to these stimuli in a laboratory setting, while EEG responses were recorded and analysed across key frequency bands, including Alpha, Theta, Beta, and Gamma. Variations in these bands were used to infer cognitive and affective states such as attention, engagement, stress, and annoyance under different acoustic conditions.The results demonstrate that EEG-based metrics provide a sensitive and objective means to differentiate between AVAS sound signatures beyond conventional acoustic descriptors. Distinct neural response patterns were observed across conditions, highlighting the influence of sound design on perceptual outcomes for both drivers and pedestrians.The study establishes the potential of integrating neurophysiological assessment into AVAS evaluation frameworks. Such an approach can support the development of context-sensitive and perceptually optimised AVAS sounds, enabling manufacturers to move beyond compliance-driven design towards solutions that enhance safety while preserving the quality of urban soundscapes.