Human Motion Simulation (HUMOSIM)
Established in 1998, the Laboratory for Human Motion Simulation (HUMOSIM) is dedicated to the development of mathematical models for human movement prediction to be used with human visualization software for the purpose of product and workplace design. Creatively and quickly designing ergonomically-friendly and safe environments, such as car and truck interiors and factory and office workstations, requires extensive and accurate human motion data. The best way to create these environments is to fuse biomechanical models with real human movement data. Providing designers and engineers with lifelike computer images of virtual people, and the means to easily depict many different common movements, Human Motion Simulation enables early and fast evaluation of new designs, and helps assure their compatibility with diverse user groups.
- Funding Sources
Research activities at the HUMOSIM Laboratory is funded by industry and government agencies in the form of contracts, and gifts and membership fees. About 50% of funding takes the form of industry contracts for research focused on specific areas of ergonomic interest or need. Current funding in the Laboratory is about $550,000.
- Administrative Staff
The Lab operates under the auspices of the Center for Ergonomics, within the Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering at the College of Engineering. The eight person staff is comprised of senior faculty, faculty associates, research scientists, research fellows, and a support team. An additional seven graduate student research assistants work in the lab.
- Advisory Committees
Industrial partners serve as advisors to direct the focus and steer the research activities, ensuring that HUMOSIM activities address current and future issues of practical importance. Partners meet every six months with HUMOSIM researchers to discuss research activities and priorities. Current partners are: Ford Motor Company, General Motors, International Truck and Engine, Lockheed Martin, DaimlerChrysler, US Army TACOM, UM's Automotive Research Center, and the US Postal Service.
- Research Thrust Areas
Current projects include development and software implementation of the following:
- Motion modeling methods;
- Motion time prediction;
- Head gazing motion prediction;
- Psychophysical effort ratings;
- Shoulder biomechanical stress limits; and
- Body balance limits
- Education and Training
The Laboratory provides an excellent environment for both undergraduate and graduate students to learn about contemporary human motion measurement hardware and software, as well as use models to understand over 50,000 motions in the Laboratory motion library. Over 40 students have worked in the Laboratory over the last four years.
- Commercialization and Patents
HUMOSIM faculty and research scientists develop computer software to provide realistic human-movement predictions for consumer products and industrial tasks. These PC-based software programs are used extensively by industry, government, and academia to generate extensive, accurate human-motion data.
- Industry Membership
Industry partners can become members of HUMOSIM's affiliates program through a contribution of $50,000 annually.
For more information, contact:
Don Chaffin, Director
Laboratory for Human Motion Simulation
University of Michigan College of Engineering
Industrial and Operations Engineering Building
1205 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2117
(734) 763-2245 phone
(734) 764-3451 fax
dchaffin@umich.edu e-mail
http://www.engin.umich.edu/dept/ioe/HUMOSIM/
