Digital Human Modeling Simulation Results and Their Outcomes in Reality: A Comparative Study within Manual Assembly of Automobiles

Document Number: 2009-01-2292

Date Published: June 2009

Author(s):
Roland Ortengren - Chalmers Univ. of Technology
Dan Lamkull - Volvo Car Corporation
Lars Hanson - Lund Univ

Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine to what extent ergonomics simulations of manual assembly tasks correctly predict the real outcomes in automotive assembly plants, and if recommended measures originating from ergonomics simulations are considered. One hundred fifty-five ergonomics simulation cases done by nine simulation engineers at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg were used in the study. The evaluations of the ergonomics conditions in reality of the cases were done by six professional ergonomists working in the company. The results show that digital human modeling tools are useful for providing designs for standing and unconstrained working postures as well as for the design of various auxiliary devices and their needed space for movements. The study also identifies areas that require additional development in order to improve the digital human modeling tools' ability to correctly predict a work task's real outcome. Moreover, a better feedback of product and process changes, and a more careful order description to the simulation engineers, would improve simulation results in current and future projects.

File Size: 667K
Product Status: In Stock

Included in: V118-6

See other papers presented at Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering Conference and Exhibition, June 2009, Gothenburg, SWEDE, Session: Design Processes

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