Mixed Traffic ELSI: Next-Generation Perspectives and Interdisciplinary Approaches
摘要
This study investigates the ethical, legal, and social issues/implications (ELSI) of mixed traffic environments, where personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), autonomous delivery robots, and pedestrians coexist in increasingly complex urban spaces. With Japan’s rapid regulatory changes—such as the legalization of electric kick scooters and autonomous delivery robots—new challenges arise in ensuring safety, fairness, and social acceptance. This research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating mechanical dynamics, legal analysis, and social psychology. From a mechanical engineering perspective, the study categorizes PMVs by wheel configuration and control systems, highlighting how dynamic characteristics—such as stability, maneuverability, and user posture—affect road space allocation and safety. Legally, the study addresses gaps in liability frameworks and the need for clearer definitions of responsibility in accidents involving emerging mobility technologies. A unique feature of this research is the inclusion of next-generation perspectives through student-led poster projects, which reveal public knowledge gaps, ethical concerns, and user-centered solutions. These insights inform the development of practical guidelines for equitable road sharing. The study ultimately contributes to responsible research and innovation (RRI) by proposing a human-centered, interdisciplinary framework for designing inclusive, low-carbon mobility systems that prioritize vulnerable users and foster community trust.