Anthropometrics and Ergonomics Assessment in the IMMA Manikin

Abstract

Digital Human Modeling (DHM) tools are useful for simulating human work and proactively evaluating ergonomic conditions. IMMA (Intelligently Moving Manikin) is a project that aims to develop software that combines digital human modeling and path planning. The work in the IMMA project is divided into a number of work packages that gradually increases the complexity of the problem. This poster paper regards both the functionality for ergonomics assessment and consideration of anthropometric diversity in the DHM tool being developed. Reviews of current DHM tools and interviews with DHM users and ergonomics specialists were done to clarify problems, needs and opportunities when working with anthropometrics and ergonomics evaluations. Interviews showed that simulations and following evaluations are almost solely based on static postures and with few human models. The main reason for this is claimed to be complex and time consuming processes when creating and evaluating simulations. Both the review of current DHM tools and the interviews confirmed that there is an evident need for more time-dependant evaluation methods and a better coverage of the intended users’ diversity. Attained knowledge from the analysis of current DHM tools and interviews are used to create work processes and two specific modules intended to be implemented in the new IMMA DHM tool. Key issues for the modules are ease of use and flexibility. The overall objective with the IMMA DHM system is to offer a tool that support faster and more correct ergonomics analyses.