The United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), an organization composed of DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation, recently joined the Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) program partnership at the University of Iowa with a $1.5 million contract for manufacturing ergonomics research.

At UI, a team of 35 researchers is advancing state-of-the-art performance in computerized human modeling and simulation. Their work with USCAR will be aimed at helping the U.S. automakers use computer representations of people, called "digital humans," to design safer and more ergonomically acceptable manufacturing plants.

The partnership will address three large projects:

* A study of the strength and fatigue limits of automotive manufacturing plant workers.
* The development and integration of ergonomics tools into "Santos" – VSR's computer representation of a human.
* The advancement of the field of predictive mathematics, also referred to as "Predictive Dynamics," to enable Santos to predict such variables as his own walking speed and direction while carrying various loads and while mathematically predicting various postures.


“We are excited to be partners in innovation with the Virtual Soldier Research program in pursuing a better understanding of the human component within automotive manufacturing,” said Allison Stephens, chair of USCAR’s Ergonomics Task Force and technical specialist in Ford’s Vehicle Operations Manufacturing Engineering Department.

“We are proud to have Ford, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors join the program as partners through USCAR,” said Karim Abdel-Malek, CCAD and VSR director and UI professor of biomedical and mechanical engineering. “Their shared vision in our quest to develop the most advanced human simulation system will add significant value to our efforts.”

Initiated by VSR researchers, the use of Predictive Dynamics within Santos has already made a significant impact on the field of human motion prediction. The tool makes it possible to accurately calculate walking and running motions for digital humans, when given such variables as body size, strength, weight, load-carrying abilities and clothing.

UI researchers say human simulation can revolutionize existing technology by reducing the amount of physical prototypes made and providing new tools for simulating safety issues in manufacturing and assembly plants. "The Santos human model is poised to make a significant impact in the fields of manufacturing, ergonomics, safety, rehabilitation, assembly and more," Abdel-Malek said.

The VSR program was established in 2003 to conduct basic and applied research aimed at creating the most advanced human simulation tools. While the program was first aimed at the military, it has grown very rapidly over the past three years. The VSR program has active partnerships with the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command Center, Caterpillar, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Rockwell Collins. Including the recent USCAR funding, more than $11 million in external funding has been allocated to VSR in the past three years.

VSR researchers include faculty, staff, scientists, engineers, clinical researchers and graduate students from fields including engineering, gaming, psychology, biomechanics, human factors, computers, optimization and industrial design. Additional information can be found at: www.digital-humans.org.

Founded in 1992, the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) is the umbrella organization for collaborative research among DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation. The goal of USCAR is to further strengthen the technology base of the domestic auto industry through cooperative research and development.

For more information, visit USCAR’s Web site at www.uscar.org

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Source: United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR)