Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM
EMMA-CC
© Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre Chalmers
Mit dem Tool »EMMA-CC« werden anstrengende industrielle Bewegungsabläufe ergonomischer.

© Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre Chalmers

Ergonomic Workplace Simulation with IPS IMMA – Human Models for Digital Assembly Planning

Virtual Human Models in Industry 4.0: Ergonomics and Motion Analysis with IPS IMMA

With our IPS IMMA software package, human movement sequences can be realistically simulated – for example in assembly planning. The tool combines biomechanically sound posture predictions with recognized ergonomic assessments. This allows workstations and processes to be designed more ergonomically from the outset and reduces health risks for employees.

Flexible components such as cables or hoses can also be included in the simulation – in combination with IPS Cable Simulation.

For dynamic motion sequences in which acceleration and inertia also play a role, the supplementary simulation software EMMA is being developed at the Fraunhofer ITWM.

Highlights – IPS IMMA Enables

  • the simple creation and validation of assembly procedures
  • automatic positioning of manikins by means of automatic posture calculation without manual joint angle specification
  • posture prediction taking into account joint moments, viewing directions, external forces and environmental interactions
  • an ergonomics evaluation using so-called »manikin families« to analyze different body sizes and proportions in one step
  • simulation of fitting processes
  • testing visibility, accessibility (including tool use) and lifting or assembly forces
  • consideration of flexible components (e.g. cables and hoses)

Optimal Movement Planning with a Biomechanical Multi-Body Model

At the heart of IPS IMMA is a biomechanical multi-body model based on a simplified human skeletal structure. It consists of 82 bone segments that are connected by joints and have a total of 162 kinematic degrees of freedom.

The users instruct the manikins to interact with the environment using an intuitive instruction language, e.g. grab a component and assemble it. The software then automatically calculates a suitable posture or movement in the background. There is no need to laboriously adjust individual joint angles. Based on the biomechanical multi-body model, human-machine interactions are automatically calculated in the simulation environment in such a way that they not only avoid collisions.

When planning movement, IPS IMMA takes into account

  • the balance of all forces and moments in the model
  • kinematic restrictions
  • external contact forces
  • postural comfort
Cost-effective due to virtual modeling: Simulation tool enhances ergonomy of industrial workplaces.
© Industrial Path Solutions Sweden AB
Cost-effective due to virtual modeling: Simulation tool enhances ergonomy of industrial workplaces.

The results of such a movement simulation can then be analyzed with the software according to ergonomic criteria. IPS IMMA also allows the simultaneous calculation of several manikins with different anthropometrics (i.e. body measurements such as height, weight, proportions) – this allows statements to be made at a glance about ergonomic stresses for differently built people within a target group.

Augmented Reality Meets Ergonomics: New Perspectives in the Virtual Reality Lab

In our Virtual Reality Laboratory, IPS IMMA is linked with augmented reality applications. The use of AR methods facilitates the ergonomic evaluation of work processes. It can also be used to develop training concepts to train workers in new work processes.

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