1. |
- Blomé, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
Visualisation of Human Characteristics in Vehicle and Health Care Product Development
- 2007
-
In: SIGRAD 2007 Conference Proceedings. - Linköping : Linköping University Electronic Press. - 1650-3686. - 9789173939904 ; , s. 31-34
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of the research project described in this paper is to improve the efficiency of product development processes by exchanging knowledge and experiences about user centred design methods and technologies between the two branches: vehicle and health care industries. The health care industry can benefit from visualisation and simulation tools that include computer manikins, a physical representation of the human, and the vehicle industry can benefit from manikins having personal characteristics, which has proven to be successful in the health care industry.
|
|
2. |
- Bäckstrand, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
-
Reduce of ergonomics design flaws through virtual methods.
- 2007
-
In: Proceedings of the 39th annual Nordic Ergonomic Society Conference, Lysekil, Sweden, October 1-3, CD-ROM.. - : Nordic Ergonomics Society.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A work method for product and production system development that includes virtual methods for ergonomics analysis is presented and argued.The proposed work method is described and illustrated with an example,which the authors believe shows how a virtual work method can contributeto a better workplace design, and thereby, if utilised, would have prevented some of the design flaws that existed in the actual final product design in the example. This paper will also present the outcome, gain, and setbacks thatare connected to the use of virtual work analysis methods within a design process.
|
|
3. |
- Högberg, Dan, et al.
(author)
-
Industrial customisation of digital human modelling tools
- 2008
-
In: International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics. - 1741-5403 .- 1741-539X. ; 3:1, s. 53-70
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Computer aided visualization and simulation enables early evaluation of important design parameters of future products and production systems. Typically, humans affect the system performance, and in order to achieve the expected system efficiency ergonomics needs to beconsidered in the design process in addition to the more technical or logistical matters. Hence, there is a call for ergonomics to be a natural part of the product and production development process,also at virtual stages. Three examples of the development of DHM (digital human modelling) based company-specific ergonomics evaluation methods and work processes are portrayed, argued anddiscussed. These illustrate the use of DHM tools for performing static work and occupantpackaging analyses, as well as customizing activities made for the implementation of the tools in companies’ work processes. This is followed by a discussion of future needs of DHM tools including the call for ergonomics methods for evaluating full work cycles.
|
|
4. |
- Högberg, Dan, et al.
(author)
-
Representing the elderly in digital human modelling
- 2008
-
In: The 40th annual Nordic Ergonomic Society Conference, NES 2008, Reykjavík, Iceland, August 11-13.. - Kópavogur : Vinnuvistfræðifélag Íslands.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Digital human modelling (DHM) tools have been introduced in industry, mainly in automotive, aerospace and industrial engineering, to facilitate a proactive and efficient consideration of ergonomics in the design process. The employment of DHM tools in the health care sector calls for customisation work to be carried out in order to make the tools fit the design activities. The human model, i.e. the computer manikin, needs to be modified since it has the characteristics and appearance of an able healthy young or middle-aged human, but the resident or patient is frequently an elderly person with impairments of some kind. This paper suggests concepts and structures for assigning the computer manikins characteristics of the elderly. These changes are made by the modification of anthropometric and joint range of motion data in the DHM tool, and by assigning narrative descriptions to themanikins and more age-corresponding appearances. The objective is to define a manageable number of representative manikins that will support a proactive and user-centred design process in the health care industry, and in other types of design processes for the elderly, or in an inclusive design context.
|
|
5. |
- Högberg, Dan, et al.
(author)
-
Towards Dynamic Ergonomics Analysis of Work Sequences in Virtual Environments
- 2007
-
In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (2007 FAIM), Philadelphia, USA, June 2007. - 9781427620927 - 142762092X ; , s. 581-588
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Computer aided visualization and simulation enables early assessment of important design parameters of future products and production systems. Typically, humans affect the system performance, and in order to achieve the expected system efficiency ergonomics needs to be considered in the design process in addition to the more technical or logistical matters. Hence, there is a call for ergonomics to be a natural part of the product and production system design process, also at virtual stages. This paper portrays and discusses two cases where company-specific ergonomics guidelines were implemented into digital human modeling systems for performing static work analyses. Albeit useful, the approach of evaluating static postures gives a reduced picture of the actual situation since the work usually involves a series of movements and tasks. A recently commenced research project aims to enhance knowledge on how to estimate accumulated ergonomic load over time. This knowledge is eventually to be implemented in DHM tools to support objective ergonomics analysis of complete work sequences in virtual environments.
|
|
6. |
- Berlin, Cecilia, 1981, et al.
(author)
-
Corporate-internal vs. national standard - A comparison study of two ergonomics evaluation procedures used in automotive manufacturing
- 2009
-
In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 39:6, s. 940-946
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Manufacturing corporations sometimes use corporate-internal procedures to evaluate and monitor the ergonomic status of the workplace. This article describes an industrial case study in the Swedish automotive sector, where an internally developed evaluation procedure was compared with a procedure based on a Swedish national standard provision. It was found that the national standard procedure tended to give more severe ratings and statistical support shows that the two evaluation procedures are not equivalent. The ability of the methods to identify body segments at risk was also compared. The quantitative comparison was followed up with interviews, where the influence of professional tasks and objectives became evident, as well as the fact that evaluation criteria are quantified differently by the two procedures. The main finding is that unforeseen differences in analysis procedure, criteria of acceptability and levels of detail can cause use-related difficulties for different professional groups when methods are used interchangeably. Relevance to industry: Industrial corporations wishing to monitor ergonomics consistently are advised by the authors to ensure that ratings from internal evaluations are interpreted the same way by all involved personnel, and that they at least have criteria levels equivalent to those of a national standard. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
7. |
- Berlin, Cecilia, 1981, et al.
(author)
-
National Standard vs. Corporate-Internal Ergonomics Evaluation - an Industrial Case Study
- 2008
-
In: The 40th annual Nordic Ergonomic Society Conference, NES 2008, Reykjavík, Iceland, August 11-13.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In Sweden, industrial corporations are required to actively monitor and improve the working environment for their employees according to the provision AFS 1998:1, a document that offers guidelines for maintaining a healthy physical working environment, chiefly by ensuring healthy working postures. This provision was purposely formulated in a very general, nonspecific manner in order to be relevant for a large variety of industries.At certain industrial corporations, corporate-internal procedures for evaluating and monitoring the ergonomic status of the workplace have been developed, usually in order to takeconsideration of the specific conditions of that industrial application. The protocol, method,execution and presentation of the evaluation results may vary. Also, the decision regarding which personnel should carry out the evaluation becomes a poignant question. In this article, which describes a Swedish industrial case study in the automotive sector, a corporate-internal method with a highly specified input protocol was used to evaluate theergonomic status of a production line. At the time, the evaluation was carried out by factory personnel with specific training in using the method. Months later, the same factory segment was re-evaluated by two professional ergonomists from an occupational health service, thistime using the AFS 1998:1 provision as a basis.The article makes an attempt to compare the two methods, finding some similarities and also some interesting differences. However, the main research questions that arise from this work concern the difficulties of choosing the right evaluation method for a large, complex industrialsystem; not only do different evaluation methods tell us different things at different levels of detail, but they also require very different competencies from the persons who perform the evaluation.
|
|
8. |
- Blomé, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
Identifying time-consuming human modelling tool activities
- 2006
-
In: SAE Technical Papers. - 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States : SAE International. - 0148-7191 .- 2688-3627.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to identify and measure time-consuming human modelling tool activities. Five human modelling tool users at Volvo were observed for five days each. The results showed a wide distribution of both indirect and direct working tasks, as well as non-value added tasks such as waiting time. Most of the activities identified appear to be necessary to perform human modelling simulations of high quality. However, the time distribution could be questioned to some extent. There are many activities associated with communication, including a variety of contacts and meetings, where there appears to be potential to increase efficiency.
|
|
9. |
- Blomé, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
Structured time observation of human modelling tool users' activites.
- 2006
-
In: In: Proceedings of 16th Triennial World Congress on Ergonomics, International Ergonomics Association, 2006, July 10-14, Maastricht, The Netherlands..
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Most statements regarding human modeling tools efficiency are based on perceived time. No structured timeobservation of task activities performed by a simulation engineers working with the tools are previous performed.The aim of the study is to identify digital human modelling tool users’ activates and measure the time distributionof the activities. Furthermore, measured time distribution is compared with users perceived time distribution.Five simulation engineers at Volvo were observed for five days each. The simulation engineers’ activities can becategorised in twelve groups. The direct value added work and the indirect value added work important for a newintroduced tool were of similar size as direct value added work for a vehicle disassembly worker. Waiting time, theresimulation is out of control e.g. waiting for information from colleague and computer processor, was perceived muchlonger compared to measured time.The human modelling tool seems to have matured and most of the activities identified seems to be necessary to perform human modelling simulations of high quality; however the time distribution could to some extend be questioned. There are a lot of activities associated with communication, i.e. different kinds of contacts and meetings. Therefore it appears to be a potential to increase efficiency with respect to communication.
|
|
10. |
- Bokrantz, Jon, 1988, et al.
(author)
-
A Methodology for Continuous Quality Assurance of Production Data
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings - Winter Simulation Conference. - 0891-7736. ; 2016-February, s. 2088-2099
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High quality input data is a necessity for successful Discrete Event Simulation (DES) applications, and there are available methodologies for data collection in DES projects. However, in contrast to standalone projects, using DES as a day-to-day engineering tool requires high quality production data to be constantly available. Unfortunately, there are no detailed guidelines that describes how to achieve this. Therefore, this paper presents such a methodology, based on three concurrent engineering projects within the automotive industry. The methodology explains the necessary roles, responsibilities, meetings, and documents to achieve a continuous quality assurance of production data. It also specifies an approach to input data management for DES using the Generic Data Management Tool (GDM-Tool). The expected effects are increased availability of high quality production data and reduced lead time of input data management, especially valuable in manufacturing companies having advanced automated data collection methods and using DES on a daily basis.
|
|
11. |
- Bokrantz, Jon, 1988, et al.
(author)
-
Data Quality Problems in Discrete Event Simulation of Manufacturing Operations
- 2018
-
In: Simulation. - : SAGE Publications. - 1741-3133 .- 0037-5497. ; 94:11, s. 1009-1025
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High-quality input data are a necessity for successful discrete event simulation (DES) applications, and there are available methodologies for data collection in DES projects. However, in contrast to standalone projects, using DES as a daily manufacturing engineering tool requires high-quality production data to be constantly available. In fact, there has been a major shift in the application of DES in manufacturing from production system design to daily operations, accompanied by a stream of research on automation of input data management and interoperability between data sources and simula- tion models. Unfortunately, this research stream rests on the assumption that the collected data are already of high qual- ity, and there is a lack of in-depth understanding of simulation data quality problems from a practitioners’ perspective. Therefore, a multiple-case study within the automotive industry was used to provide empirical descriptions of simulation data quality problems, data production processes, and relations between these processes and simulation data quality problems. These empirical descriptions are necessary to extend the present knowledge on data quality in DES in a prac- tical real-world manufacturing context, which is a prerequisite for developing practical solutions for solving data quality problems such as limited accessibility, lack of data on minor stoppages, and data sources not being designed for simula- tion. Further, the empirical and theoretical knowledge gained throughout the study was used to propose a set of practi- cal guidelines that can support manufacturing companies in improving data quality in DES.
|
|
12. |
|
|
13. |
- Keyvani, Ali, 1978, et al.
(author)
-
Considerations for aggregation of motion-captured files in structured databases for DHM applications
- 2013
-
In: DHM 2013, Second International Digital Human Modeling Symposium.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- One way of enhancing motion simulation in digital human modeling (DHM) tools is to use data-driven methods which are based on real motion data. In spite of the availability of motion captured datasets which are offered for different purposes by commercial and research institutes, aggregation and integration of these motions in a unified and structured database system is not straight forward. Lack of this integration, limits the availability of existing data and causes DHM tools not to be able to use the data efficiently. Also for the researchers, comparison and analysis of data get very hard if not impossible. When searching for a specific motion pattern, it is optimal if the stored data in the database can be directly compared, analyzed and then retrieved if necessary. This study highlights several sources of incompatibility among motion capture files which shall be considered when implementing a comprehensive data management system for manipulating motion captured data. Subsequently, these incompatibilities are analyzed in more detail and necessary considerations and possible solutions are proposed in order to overcome the integration obstacles.
|
|
14. |
- Keyvani, Ali, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Schema for Motion Capture Data Management
- 2011
-
In: Lecture Notes in Computer Science. 3rd International Conference on Digital Human Modeling, ICDHM 2011. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg. - 1611-3349 .- 0302-9743. - 9783642217982 ; , s. 99-108
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A unified database platform capable of storing both motion captured data and information about these motions (metadata) is described. The platform stores large motion captured data in order to be used by different applications for searching, comparing, analyzing and updating existing motions. The platform is intended to be used to choose a realistic motion in simulation of production lines. It is capable of supporting and handling different motion formats, various skeleton types and distinctive body regions in a uniform data model. Extended annotating system is also introduced to mark the captured data not only in the time domain (temporal) but also on different body regions (spatial). To utilize the platform, sample tests are performed to prove the functionality. Several motion captured data is uploaded to the database while MATLAB is used to access the data, ergonomically analyze the motions based on OWAS standard, and add the results to the database by automatic tagging of the postures.
|
|
15. |
- Keyvani, Ali, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Using methods-time measurement to connect digital humans and motion databases
- 2013
-
In: Lecture Notes in Computer Science. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg. - 0302-9743 .- 1611-3349. - 9783642391811 ; 8026:Part 2, s. 343-352
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To simulate human motions in DHM tools, using techniques which are based on real human data is one promising solution. We have presented a solution in this study to connect motion databases with DHM tools. We have showed that using a motion database with MTM-based annotations is a promising way in order to synthesize natural looking motions. A platform consists of a Motion Database, a Motion Generator, and a DHM tool was introduced and tested. The results showed successful application of the presented platform in the designed test case. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.
|
|
16. |
|
|
17. |
- Laring, Jonas, 1951, et al.
(author)
-
Simulation for manufacturing engineering (ViPP)
- 2005
-
In: SAE Technical Papers. - 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States : SAE International. - 0148-7191 .- 2688-3627. ; Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering Symposium
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this project is to develop methodologies and supportive tools to handle introduction and administration of ergonomics simulation tools for manufacturing engineering. The main result will be a web-based handbook for effective use of digital human modelling tools inside companies and between suppliers and companies. ViPP is divided in three parts: Part A: Studies will be done with the purpose to advise on proper content of input data and on method for assessment of simulations' results. Part B: Studies will be done in order to check reliability of used digital human tools: (1) intra- and inter-individual differences concerning simulation results, (2) vision analysis and (3) the importance of the digital human model appearance/representation on simulation results. Part C: A handbook will be written on virtual production planning for pre production engineers, designers and decision makers. Copyright © 2005 SAE International.
|
|
18. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
A comparative study of digital human modelling simulation results and their outcomes in reality : A case study within manual assembly of automobiles
- 2009
-
In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 39:2, s. 428-441
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to examine to what extent ergonomics simulations of manual assembly tasks correctly predict the real outcomes in the plants and if recommended measures originating from ergonomics simulations are taken into consideration. 155 ergonomics simulation cases were used in the study and all cases were performed by nine simulation engineers at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The evaluations of the ergonomics conditions of the simulated tasks were done by six professional ergonomists working at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The results show that digital human modelling tools (DHM-tools) are useful for the purpose of providing designs for standing and unconstrained working postures. Furthermore, the design of various auxiliary devices and their needed space for movements is a prevalent use of DHM-tools. However, the study also identifies areas that require additional development in order to further improve the digital human modelling tools' possibility to correctly predict a work task's real outcome, i.e. hand access, push pressure and pull forces, leaning and balance behaviour and field of vision. Moreover, a better feedback of product and process changes and a more careful order description of simulation cases to the simulation engineers would lead to improved simulation results in current and future projects.Relevance to industry: DHM-tools are increasingly the major means used to perform ergonomics analyses of manual assembly tasks in the automotive industry, but there is still a need for improvements of the tools. It is of great importance to disseminate end users' experiences of the use of different DHM-tools so these can be developed and applied in a more efficient way.
|
|
19. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
A comparative study of digital human modelling simulation results and their outcomes in reality: A case study within manual assembly of automobiles
- 2008
-
In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8219 .- 0169-8141. ; 39, s. 428-441
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to examine to what extent ergonomics simulations of manual assembly tasks correctly predict the real outcomes in the plants and if recommended measures originating from ergonomics simulations are taken into consideration. 155 ergonomics simulation cases were used in the study and all cases were performed by nine simulation engineers at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The evaluations of the ergonomics conditions of the simulated tasks were done by six professional ergonomists working at Volvo Car Corporation in Gothenburg. The results show that digital human modelling tools (DHM-tools) are useful for the purpose ofproviding designs for standing and unconstrained working postures. Furthermore, the design of various auxiliary devices and their needed space for movements is a prevalent use of DHM-tools. However, the study also identifies areas that require additional developmentin order to further improve the digital human modelling tools’ possibility to correctly predict a work task’s real outcome, i.e. hand access, push pressure and pull forces, leaning and balance behaviour and field of vision. Moreover, a better feedback of product and process changes and a more careful order desription of simulation cases to the simulation engineers would lead to improved simulation results in current and future projects.Relevance to industry:DHM-tools are increasingly the major means used to perform ergonomics analyses of manual assembly tasks in the automotive industry, but there is still a need for improvments of the tools. It is of great importance to disseminate end users’ experiences of the use of different DHM-tools so these can be developed and applied in a more efficient way
|
|
20. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966
(author)
-
Computer Manikins in Evaluation of Manual Assembly Tasks
- 2006
-
Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Time to market is a critical success factor in todays business environment. The challange is to reduce the development cycle without sacrificing the performance and quality of products and production systems. With the short-lived products of todays competetive global markets most of the engineering has to be done before the start of the production and simultaneous with product development simultaneous engineering.Any use of computer software to solve engineering problems is called computer-aided engineering, and has become one of the most important tools for simultaneous engineering. Fast, high quality computer graphics now allow us to render lifelike images of people performing a multitude of tasks within various computer aided engineering programs. Thus it now is possible to position and move manikins to predict the performance capabilities of designated groups of people within a computer rendered environment. Digital human modelling tools have been introduced in industry to facilitate a faster and more cost efficient design process. Most of the tool users are in the fields of automotive and aerospace engineering. The tools are applied in the design, modification, visualization and analysis of human workplace layouts and/or product interactions.Focus of research within ergonomics simulation has primarily been related to improve the simulation tools with more enhanced functionalities resulting in better and more accurate posture and motion algorithms and biomechanical models. Considerably less research has been conducted to investigate the needs of organizations and end users and their experiences of using the digital human modelling tools.The aim of the research in this thesis is to enlighten the importance of some of the features which can make the manufacturing simulation results more realistic and increase their credibility. Two studies are presented. The aim of the first study was to investigate whether different appearances of manikins in detail levels and genders influence the observers ergonomics posture evaluations, as well as to see if the evaluations differ between the three working disciplines: manufacturing managers, simulation engineers and ergonomists. The primary aspect addressed by the second study was whether repeated simulation results achieved by using a posture prediction tool were more uniform than results achieved by manual manipulating of all body angles. The uniformity was compared both among users and within users. Another aspect addressed was time needed to carry out a simulation case when using a posture prediction tool or not.Results from the first study show that manufacturing managers and simulation engineers were influenced by the appearance whereas ergonomists showed no significance in being influenced by the appearance of the manikins. Moreover, only the ergonomists could distinguish between the different workpostures used in the study. These were different in workload and classified according to the OWAS-system. Results from the second study show that the use of a posture prediction tool, in such complex tasks as the study included, neither reduced time needed to fulfill a simulation, nor differences within or among simulation engineers, at least not significantly. Differences in simulation results often originate from the different assumptions the simulation engineers have of the task when positioning the manikins. The differences could be minimized by a more careful order description and by such activities as simulation engineering days at assembly plants and by bringing the people working with human simulation tools together in the organization.
|
|
21. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966
(author)
-
Computer Manikins in Evaluation of Manual Assembly Tasks
- 2009
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Digital human modelling (DHM) tools have been introduced in industry to facilitate a faster and more cost efficient design process. The research in this thesis is directed towards the DHM-tool-users’ needs and the objective is to identify difficulties and shortcomings, and identify requirements for improving the output of DHM-simulations.The research is directed towards both the tool functions and the processes related to the use of the tools. Five studies are presented in the thesis.In the first study three examples of the development of DHM-based company-specific ergonomics evaluation methods and work processes are portrayed. These illustrate the use of DHM-tools for performing static work and occupant packaging analyses, as well as customizing activities made for the implementation of the tools in companies’ work processes. This is followed by a discussion of future needs of DHM-tools including the call for ergonomics methods for evaluating full work cycles.The second study shows that DHM-tools correctly predict ergonomics issues for standing and unconstrained working postures. However, for more complex and constrained working postures the tools must be used with caution to prevent an unlikely working posture from being the result/outcome of an ergonomics simulation. The third study confirms that posture differences are found in simulation results between users who carry out identical simulation cases. However, humans are different and tasks are carried out differently. Thus, simulation engineers should preferably simulate and visualize a number of different strategies when analysing work tasks. The fourth study illustrates how the appearance of a manikin used when showing and visually evaluating ergonomics conditions makes a difference. Knowledge in ergonomics and/or experience of making visual ergonomics posture evaluations decreases the appearance modes’ influences on the observers. The fifth study exemplifies a method where time sensitive wrist exposure data are extracted from a manikin’s wrist movements. The results show that the exemplified method makes it easy to compare simulations with data from avaliable field studies. However, to be able to use the data to predict prevalence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders additional research is needed to understand the different exposure-dimensions’ (position, velocity, rest) importance as epidemiological risk factors.
|
|
22. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
Consistency in figure posturing results within and between simulation engineers
- 2006
-
In: SAE Technical Papers. - 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States : SAE International. - 0148-7191 .- 2688-3627.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents the results of an effort to compare figure posturing results within and between simulation engineers. The simulation engineers simulated four manual tasks. Alternately they used a posture prediction tool, and alternately they were only allowed to apply manual adjustments of the body angles. The simulation engineers repeated each task six times and always with at least six days between each occasion, to minimize the subject's rememberance of how she/he carried out the cases. Results show that the use of a posture prediction tool, in such complex tasks as the study includes, neither reduces needed time to fulfill a simulation, nor differences within or between simulation engineers. Differences in simulation results often originate from the different assumptions the simulation engineers have of the task when positioning the manikins. The differences could be minimized by a more careful orderer description and by such activities as simulation engineering days at assembly plants and by bringing the people working with human simulation tools together in the organization. Copyright © 2006 SAE International.
|
|
23. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
DHM - Evaluation Tools.
- 2008
-
In: Handbook of Digital Human Modeling: Research for Applied Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering (Human Factors & Ergonomics). Vincent. G. Duffy (Ed.). Taylor & Francis, CRC Press.. - 0805856463
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This chapter will only briefly describe the most commonly used evaluation tools for physical work loads, body postures, reach abilities and fields of vision integrated in different Digital Human Modelling Software (DHMS). We try to do so in a way that is neither too specific to any particular DHMS nor so generic that all evaluation tools, more or less integrated in DHMS, are covered. The continuation of this chapter is structured according to the different tool sets that are available in the most commercial DHMS. We have chosen to divide the tool sets into three groups: 1) Quantitative evaluation tools, 2) Semi-quantitative tools and 3) Tools for discomfort, anthropometry, human performance and cognition. The main focus of this chapter is addressed to group one (quantitative evaluation tools), whereas group two and three are less extensive.
|
|
24. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
DHM in Automotive Manufacturing Applications
- 2008
-
In: Handbook of Digital Human Modeling: Research for Applied Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering. Duffy, V.G. (Ed.). Taylor & Francis, CRC Press.. - 0805856463
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This chapter covers the main reasons for the use of Digital Human Modelling tools in the automotive manufacturing industry. The focus is entirely on physical digital human modelling, not on cognitive digital human modelling. Important aspects regarding work process and organization are covered as well as how companies deal with some identified shortcomings. The chapter also describes how fewer physical prototype vehicles has made it necessary to find new methods for training of operators adapted to the new conditions. Finally, also an example of a simulation case from the order of the case to the result presentation is given.
|
|
25. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
Digital Human Models' Appearance Impact on Observers' Ergonomic Assessment
- 2005
-
In: SAE Technical Papers. - 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States : SAE International. - 0148-7191 .- 2688-3627.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this paper is to investigate whether different appearance modes of the digital human models (DHM or manikins) affect the observers when judging a working posture. A case where the manikin is manually assembling a battery in the boot with help of a lifting device is used in the experiment. 16 different pictures were created and presented for the subjects. All pictures have the same background, but include a unique posture and manikin appearance combination. Four postures and four manikin appearances were used. The subjects were asked to rank the pictures after ergonomic assessment based on posture of the manikin. Subjects taking part in the study were either manufacturing engineering managers, simulation engineers or ergonomists. Results show that the different appearance modes affect the ergonomic judgment. A more realistic looking manikin is rated higher than the very same posture visualized with a less natural appearance. Therefore, it is important to educate human simulation tool users to always combine visualizations (pictures) with an objective ergonomic evaluation method.
|
|
26. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
Proactive ergonomics and virtual ergonomics within Manufacturing Department at Volvo Car Corporation.
- 2007
-
In: Proceedings of the 39th annual Nordic Ergonomic Society Conference, Lysekil, Sweden, October 1-3, CD-ROM.. ; , s. 6-
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper covers the main reasons for proactive ergonomics and the use of Digital Human Model tools (DHM tools or manikin tools) in the automotive manufacturing industry. The tools are applied in the design, modification, visualization and analysis of human workplace layouts and/or product interactions. The paper explains why the manikin is used during the manufacturing development process, from the earliest phase to start of production. Setting early ergonomic requirements aims at several goals simultaneously: preventing work related musculoskeletal disorders, creating good assembly premises, attaining good quality work and keeping costs as low as possible. The paper also mentions important prerequisites for a successfull use of DHM tools. Furthermore, the paper stresses the needs for methods able to assess motions and cost/benefit calculations connected to results from ergonomics analysis.
|
|
27. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966
(author)
-
The daily use of manikins within the manufacturing department at Volvo Car Corporation – working methodology, developments and wanted improvements.
- 2005
-
In: In: Proceedings of 37th Annual Conference of Nordic Ergonomics Society, October 10-12, Oslo, Norway. - 8299574714 ; , s. 86-90
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes the daily use of manikins (computerized human models) within the manufacturing department at Volvo Car Corporation. The paper explains how the manikin is used during the manufacturing development process, from the earliest phase to start of production, and gives examples of which questions that can be answered by using computerized human models. The paper also enlightens limitations in the software/technique and also raises the importance of participatory ergonomics and multidisciplinary work groups when simulating ergonomics.
|
|
28. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
The influence of virtual human model appearance on visual ergonomics posture evaluation.
- 2007
-
In: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-9126 .- 0003-6870. ; 38:6, s. 713-722
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study was to investigate whether the appearance of virtual human models influences observers when judging a working posture. A task in which a manikin is manually assembling a car battery was used in the experiment. In total, 16 different pictures were presented to the subjects. All pictures had the same background, but included a unique posture and manikin appearancecombination. 24 subjects consisting of manufacturing managers, simulation engineers and ergonomists were asked to rate and rank the pictures. The results showed that the virtual human model appearance influenced subjects when they rated pictures one by one: a more realistic manikin was rated higher than the identical posture visualized with a less natural appearance. This appearance effect was notseen when subjects ranked the pictures while looking at all of them at the same time. The study demonstrates that the human modelling tool used when showing and visually evaluating results makes a difference. To minimize subjective effects, a combination of visualizations and objective ergonomic assessment methods is recommended.
|
|
29. |
- Lämkull, Dan, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
Uniformity in manikin posturing: A comparison between posture prediction and manual joint manipulation
- 2008
-
In: International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation. - 1742-5549. ; 1:2, s. 225-243
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents the results of a comparison of manikin posturing within and between simulation engineers. Five simulation engineers were asked to simulate and visualize four manual assembly cases. They repeated each task six times, three times with a posture prediction tool and three times with manual adjustment of the body angles. The results show that the posture prediction tool was not used in an optimal manner. Although the prediction tool was quick at suggesting a likely posture, the simulation engineers were reluctant to consider a simulation task completed until the manikin’s posture was realistic in all aspects, not only in the configurations for the major body joints postures but also for fingers, wrists and feet. This fine tuning of fingers is performed with manual manipulation of joints and cancels out the time gained with the posture prediction tool. The fine tuning does not affect the results in objective evaluation methods. Therefore, a lower acceptance level of correctness among managers, simulation engineers and ergonomic specialists is desired, or a shift from visualization to simulation is necessary. Manikin postures differ between simulation engineers. A posture variation exists and this variation in working behaviour should be accepted and simulated. However, simulation engineers also need more extensive knowledge of how workers actually behave on the assembly line; study visits are thus recommended. A shift is also recommended from simulations and visualizations of normal working behaviours to that of ergonomically correct behaviours. This comparison of manikin posturing within and between simulation engineers is an attempt to understand the use of the tool in a practical sense. The comparison indicates that if a posture prediction tool is to be beneficial for the whole organisation, all disciplines involved in the use of manikins must accept simulation results with postures containing some non-cosmetic elements. It is not until such an acceptance is achieved that the successful use of a posture prediction tool will become a reality.
|
|
30. |
|
|
31. |
- Ng, Amos, et al.
(author)
-
Optimal Maintenance Resources Allocation Using Automated Simulation-based Optimisation and Data Management
- 2015
-
In: ASIM - Simulation in Production and Logistics. - 9783839609361
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper introduces a Streamlined Modeling and Decision Support (StreaMod) approach in which input data management, simulation model generation/update and simulation-based optimization are synergistically integrated into a largely automated process. The aim of this automated process is to support decision making related to the optimal maintenance resources allocation that could improve the performance of production/logistic systems.
|
|
32. |
- Rönnäng, Magnus, 1971, et al.
(author)
-
Task-related Field of View Parameters
- 2004
-
In: SAE 2004 Transactions Journal of Aerospace and proceedings of the 2004 SAE Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering Symposium. - 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA, United States : SAE International. ; 2004
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In a manufacturing context it is of great importance that the assembly worker has a clear view of what he is doing, or the quality of the work will be suffering. Most human simulation software includes functionality to display the manikin's field of view. Most manikins also give the user the possibility to choose different settings for the field of view, such as sight areas (e.g., in eMHuman/ Ramsis two settings of field of view are available; ±15º, ±50º). This makes it possible to consider different properties of the fields of view (e.g., foveal versus peripheral). However, current human simulation tools do not give any type of recommendation for field of view settings, which in turn set high demands on the manikin users' knowledge about human vision and can lead to erroneous decisions. This paper sets the scope for future research in order to be able to show what a human actual look at and what he sees in a certain context. The research should aim towards a sight module not primarily described with degrees or distances, but instead related to the task, operator and environment characteristics that are being simulated.
|
|
33. |
- Salunkhe, Omkar, 1990, et al.
(author)
-
Review of Current Status and Future Directions for Collaborative and Semi-Automated Automotive Wire Harnesses Assembly
- 2023
-
In: Procedia CIRP. - : Elsevier. - 2212-8271 .- 2212-8271. ; 120, s. 696-701
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Wire harnesses are vital for any modern automotive vehicle. They control the basic functions in a vehicle, for example, windshield wipers and critical functions such as sensors, cameras, and autopilot functions. Thus, the quality of wire harness assembly is highly important. Today, wire harnesses are usually assembled manually, which creates unergonomic and tedious working conditions for operators. Traditional and collaborative industrial robots have been identified as possible solutions to overcome challenges faced by operators in this type of assembly. The international research community has proposed many solutions for automating the assembly of wire harnesses in automotive vehicles but despite these solutions, the industry has not been able to adopt a method to automate this assembly process fully or partially. This paper presents a review of findings on robot-assisted wire harness assembly processes based on a systematic literature review. Specifically, the assembly of wire harnesses in Electric Vehicles (EVs). The state-of-the-art review focuses on solutions to improve unergonomic work situations and ensure the quality of assembly operations. Best practices and reasons for the lack of extensive implementation in automotive final assembly systems are described. Further, the paper presents suggestions based on success stories where the automation of the wire harness assembly in automotive vehicles has been realised by leveraging human-centred automation solutions. Based on the findings, this paper identifies the research for future study. The findings also indicate that there is already technology that can support the automation of wire harness assembly processes in EVs but it is crucial to identify the human aspects and the role of humans in the assembly of wire harness assembly process.
|
|
34. |
- Subramaniyan, Mukund, 1989, et al.
(author)
-
An algorithm for data-driven shifting bottleneck detection
- 2016
-
In: Cogent Engineering. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2331-1916. ; 3:1, s. 1-19
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Manufacturing companies continuously capture shop floor information using sensors technologies, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning systems. The volumes of data collected by these technologies are growing and the pace of that growth is accelerating. Manufacturing data is constantly changing but immediately relevant. Collecting and analysing them on a real-time basis can lead to increased productivity. Particularly, prioritising improvement activities such as cycle time improvement, setup time reduction and maintenance activities on bottleneck machines is an important part of the operations management process on the shop floor to improve productivity. The first step in that process is the identification of bottlenecks. This paper introduces a purely data-driven shifting bottleneck detection algorithm to identify the bottlenecks from the real-time data of the machines as captured by MES. The developed algorithm detects the current bottleneck at any given time, the average and the non-bottlenecks over a time interval. The algorithm has been tested over real-world MES data sets of two manufacturing companies, identifying the potentials and the prerequisites of the data-driven method. The main prerequisite of the proposed data-driven method is that all the states of the machine should be monitored by MES during the production run.
|
|
35. |
- Wang, Hao, 1996, et al.
(author)
-
A systematic literature review of computer vision applications in robotized wire harness assembly
- 2024
-
In: Advanced Engineering Informatics. - 1474-0346. ; 62
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the current automotive industry, human operators perform wire harness assembly manually, which causes significant quality, productivity, safety, and ergonomic problems. Robotic assembly is a critical facilitator in addressing these problems. However, it remains challenging to implement for robotizing the assembly of wire harnesses. Wire harness assembly is a specific scenario of deformable linear object manipulation. Robotizing this assembly task demands robots to flexibly adapt their actions to the dynamically changing industrial environment based on robotic perception results. Existing research suggested the significance of robotic visual perception in the robotic assembly of wire harnesses. Implementing computer vision techniques is fundamental to enabling robots’ visual perception capabilities. Nonetheless, the industry has yet to introduce vision–based solutions to robotize wire harness assembly fully or partially. Through a systematic literature review, this article identifies fifteen scientific publications in vision–based robotized wire harness assembly. The results show various computer vision applications regarding wire harness components and assembly operations studied in previous research. Nevertheless, this article recognizes two significant challenges for computer vision applications in robotized wire harness assembly: (1) fulfilling production requirements on robustness and practicality and (2) exploiting the intrinsic physical features of wire harnesses for visual recognition. This article also advocated five prospective research directions toward more efficient and practical vision-based robotized wire harness assembly: (1) developing learning-based vision systems to exploit intrinsic features and multi–modality data of wire harnesses; (2) adapting vision systems proposed for robotizing assembly operations in manufacturing wire harnesses; (3) assessing the practicality, robustness, reliability, and sustainability of vision systems; (4) inquiring vision–based human–robot collaboration; and (5) exploring new product designs for facilitating visual recognition.
|
|
36. |
- Wang, Hao, 1996, et al.
(author)
-
Overview of Computer Vision Techniques in Robotized Wire Harness Assembly: Current State and Future Opportunities
- 2023
-
In: Procedia CIRP. - 2212-8271. ; 120, s. 1071-1076
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Wire harnesses are essential hardware for electronic systems in modern automotive vehicles. With a shift in the automotive industry towards electrification and autonomous driving, more and more automotive electronics are responsible for energy transmission and safety-critical functions such as maneuvering, driver assistance, and safety system. This paradigm shift places more demand on automotive wire harnesses from the safety perspective and stresses the greater importance of high-quality wire harness assembly in vehicles. However, most of the current operations of wire harness assembly are still performed manually by skilled workers, and some of the manual processes are problematic in terms of quality control and ergonomics. There is also a persistent demand in the industry to increase competitiveness and gain market share. Hence, assuring assembly quality while improving ergonomics and optimizing labor costs is desired. Robotized assembly, accomplished by robots or in human-robot collaboration, is a key enabler for fulfilling the increasingly demanding quality and safety as it enables more replicable, transparent, and comprehensible processes than completely manual operations. However, robotized assembly of wire harnesses is challenging in practical environments due to the flexibility of the deformable objects, though many preliminary automation solutions have been proposed under simplified industrial configurations. Previous research efforts have proposed the use of computer vision technology to facilitate robotized automation of wire harness assembly, enabling the robots to better perceive and manipulate the flexible wire harness. This article presents an overview of computer vision technology proposed for robotized wire harness assembly and derives research gaps that require further study to facilitate a more practical robotized assembly of wire harnesses.
|
|
37. |
- Wegner, Diana, et al.
(author)
-
Digital Human Modeling Requirements and Standardization.
- 2007
-
In: 2007 Digital Human Modeling for Design and Engineering Conference and Exhibition, June 12-14, Seattle, Washington, USA..
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper will initiate a discussion on automotiveindustry requirements and associated standardization ofdigital human modeling software (DHMS) as applied tomanufacturing operations. Industry benefits ofstandardization are vast, making it difficult to identify and provide an exhaustive list. High value benefits will belisted for the purpose of this discussion. Industry usersof DHMS will benefit by the standardization of anapplication programming interface, classification ofanthropometry and simulation data translation. A list ofhigh value standardization goals will be provided for thepurpose of this discussion. Two examples ofstandardization goals include 1) a reduction in the timeand cost required to integrate research results intocommercial software and 2) improved simulation datatransfer and linkages between DHMS to simplify the useof multiple tools when analyzing a single problem. Thispaper will provide an introduction to and proposal forstandardization of DHMS. It will introduce the concept ofa digital human modeling (DHM) architecture. It will alsoinclude a proposal on areas of standardization for futurediscussion.
|
|
38. |
- Örtengren, Roland, 1942, et al.
(author)
-
Digital Human Modeling Simulation Results and Their Outcomes in Reality : A Comparative Study within Manual Assembly of Automobiles
- 2009
-
In: SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars - Mechanical Systems. - : SAE International. - 1946-3995 .- 1946-4002. ; 2009
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)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. 155 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 modelling 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 modelling 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.
|
|
39. |
- Örtengren, Roland, 1942, et al.
(author)
-
Digital human modeling simulation results and their outcomes in reality: A comparative study within manual assembly of automobiles
- 2009
-
In: SAE Technical Papers. - : SAE International. - 0148-7191 .- 2688-3627. ; 2009
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)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. 155 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 modelling 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 modelling 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. Copyright © 2009 SAE International.
|
|