Digital human modeling and workplace evaluation: Using an automobile assembly task as an example

This study proposes a method of conducting workplace evaluations in the digital environment for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. For visual presentation, we apply a digital human modeling system to the workplace virtual dynamic simulation. Then, we use captured workplace motion data for ergonomics evaluation, including biomechanics analysis and posture analysis. By integrating dynamic simulation and ergonomics evaluation, it enables the system designer to visualize and improve workplace design in the digital space. The method has been applied to evaluate automobile assembly tasks and some ergonomic improvements have been implemented.f (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.