Digital test assembly of truck parts with the IMMA-tool - an illustrative case

Optimization of Productivity and Worker Well-Being by Using a Multi-Objective Optimization Framework

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSWorker well-being and overall system performance are important elements in the design of production lines. However, studies of industry practice show that current design tools are unable to consider concurrently both productivity aspects (e.g., line balancing and cycle time) and worker well-being related aspects (e.g., the risk of musculoskeletal disorders). Current practice also fails to account for anthropometric diversity in the workforce and does not use the potential of multi-objective simulation-based optimization techniques. Accordingly, a framework consisting of a workflow and a digital tool was designed to assist in the proactive design of workstations to accommodate worker well-being and productivity. This framework uses state-of-the-art optimization techniques to make it easier and quicker for designers to find successful workplace design solutions. A case study to demonstrate the framework is provided.

Challenges in interaction modelling with digital human models - A systematic literature review of interaction modelling approaches

Digital human models (DHM) allow for a proactive ergonomic assessment of products by applying different models describing the user-product interaction. In engineering design, DHM tools are currently not established as computer-aided ergonomics tools, since (among other reasons) the interaction models are either cumbersome to use, unstandardised, time-demanding or not trustworthy. To understand the challenges in interaction modelling, we conducted a systematic literature review with the aim of identification, classification and examination of existing interaction models. A schematic user-product interaction model for DHM is proposed, abstracting existing models and unifying the corresponding terminology. Additionally, nine general approaches to proactive interaction modelling were identified by classifying the reviewed interaction models. The approaches are discussed regarding their scope, limitations, strength and weaknesses. Ultimately, the literature review revealed that prevalent interaction models cannot be considered unconditionally suitable for engineering design since none of them offer a satisfactory combination of genuine proactivity and universal validity. Practitioner summary: This contribution presents a systematic literature review conducted to identify, classify and examine existing proactive interaction modelling approaches for digital human models in engineering design. Ultimately, the literature review revealed that prevalent interaction models cannot be considered unconditionally suitable for engineering design since none of them offer a satisfactory combination of genuine proactivity and universal validity. Abbreviations: DHM: digital human model; CAE: computer-aided engineering; RQ: research question.