Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Montage Automotive — © iStockphoto
Die von uns entwickelten Methoden und Algorithmen dienen dazu, dynamische Bewegungen von Arbeitenden in der Pro- duktion besser als bisher ergonomisch zu bewerten. Wir schauen uns speziell Mon- tagetätigkeiten in der Automobilindustrie an.

The methods and algorithms developed by us are used to asses dynamic motions of workers in production w.r.t. ergonomic aspects better than before. We are especially looking at assembly activities in automotive industry, like the assembly of an engine shown in the picture.

Digital Human Models and Human-Machine Interaction

Solutions for Motion Simulations

Numerous high-end products are still – and will probably continue to be – manufactured by people. Wherever skill, intelligence and experience are essential for high product quality, people are involved. This applies not only to manufacturing, but also to the use of products such as vehicles, mobile machinery, sports or medical technology. How a person solves a control or movement task has a significant influence on the physical strain – and therefore on comfort, safety and quality.

The digitalization of the product development process requires suitable simulation tools. On the one hand, models are needed that depict human work activities so realistically that the influence of the »human factor« on product quality can be reliably assessed. The ergonomic design of workstations also plays an important role: it helps experienced employees to stay healthy – and at the same time contributes to ensuring product quality.

On the other hand, simulation tools are needed that realistically depict people as operators of products in order to optimize their efficiency and ease of use. Digital evaluations reduce the number of physical prototypes required and thus speed up the development process.

The calculation of dynamic movements requires a human model with extended biomechanical functionalities. We develop our EMMA simulation software for such applications. This is the case, for example, when occupants are simulated during a driving manoeuvre, when closing a tailgate or when walking with prostheses. — © Fraunhofer ITWM
Dynamic human model EMMA: Software for simulating human movements. Example: Closing a tailgate on a car.

Human Models for the Digital Factory

Our digital human model IPS IMMA can be used to simulate human-machine interactions during assembly work. The IPS IMMA software module offers fast and efficient algorithms for easy evaluation of the ergonomics of assembly processes. The simulated movements of the IPS IMMA manikin are based on a biomechanical model that depicts human range of motion. There are no collisions with your own body or the environment – the movements are designed to be as comfortable as possible. We optimize »biomechanical comfort functions« that make it possible to reliably predict human movements even for completely new scenarios.

Active Dynamic Motion Models

A human model with extended biomechanical functionalities is required for the calculation of dynamic movements, where external influences such as forces or accelerations also need to be compensated for. This is the case, for example, when occupants are simulated during a driving maneuver, when closing a tailgate or when walking with prostheses.

We are developing our EMMA simulation software for such applications. The human model in EMMA is a multi-body model similar to that in IPS IMMA. The main differences are the inclusion of drive elements, which reproduce the characteristics of the human muscular system and thus ensure realistic force generation, and a mathematical methodology for predicting active movements.

A deeper insight into the functionalities of EMMA can be found here or under the research projects EMMA-CC and EMMA4Drive.

Example Projects

DYMARA

In the joint project DYMARA we develop a digital human model (manikin) with detailed modeling of skeletal muscles and fast numerical algorithms.

EMMA-CC

The main objective of the project is the development of an enhanced digital human model (DHM) for ergonomic assessment of realistic dynamic motions.

EMMA4Drive

In order to understand the expectations of customers of autonomous vehicles, to strengthen their trust and to prove safety, new digital tools are needed. In the EMMA4Drive project, a dynamic human model is being created for this purpose.

Digital Human Models and Human-Machine Interaction

Human Models for the Digital Factory

Active Dynamic Motion Models

IPS IMMA

EMMA