Virtual ergonomics refers to the art and science of solving ergonomic problems early on in the product lifecycle management, at key junctures where humans are involved. It allows for the acceleration of product development through ergonomic analysis techniques even as we ensure that product specifications are perfectly aligned with human usability requirements. For example, it could help design safe workplaces in a factory environment leveraging the virtual world – bringing about clear outcomes such as worker wellbeing, productivity, and reduction in muscular-skeletal disorders in the real world.
The State of Virtual Ergonomics Adoption
Globally, both academia and the engineering community are eager to leverage virtual evaluation using purpose-built tools for computer-aided ergonomics (CAE) and digital human modeling (DHM). After all, as trailblazing engineer Allan Kay mentioned, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” .” To that end, the 3DS team outlined the objective of virtual ergonomics as: to bridge the world of 3D and ergonomics by providing relevant and useful ergonomics guidance to product and workplace designers with low ergonomic background in order to help them take quick and efficient decisions to reach their design goals.
Recent advancements in technology allow virtual ergonomics applications to be implemented rapidly and at scale, giving every engineering role the opportunity to contribute their ideas and aid the development process. The Ergonomic Workplace Design | DELMIA demo illustrates how one can get started with virtual ergonomics.
3 Ingredients to Democratize Virtual Ergonomics
The true potential of virtual ergonomics lies in its widespread utilization, overcoming the challenges of initial training, CAD/CAE/DHM software procurement, and cross-functional collaboration. To achieve this, one must:
- Talk the user talk – The process must be reimagined from the user’s point of view and they should be able to get started with design and development with minimal introductory hassle.
- Optimized utilization of time – By democratizing virtual ergonomics, users will have to spend less time manoeuvring digital manikin postures. This time can be redirected to improving the workplace/product design as needed.
- Ergonomic guidance – Ergonomic guidance for engineers with a non-ergonomic background will effectively remove barriers to entry and democratize adoption.
With these three ingredients in place, organizations can look forward to a more democratized approach to virtual ergonomics, where expertise isn’t limited to academic discussions but finds real-world implementations as well.
The original blog is authored by Julie Charland and to read the blog in detail, please visit the DELMIA Blogs platform
To know more, please register with our DELMIA Ergonomics Community here and enjoy complimentary membership.
