Simulations of ergonomic assembly: Ergonomic evaluation using the digital human modelling tool IMMA
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Production engineering (MPPEN), MSc
Publicerad
2020
Författare
Bogojevic, Leonard
Söderlund, Henrik
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
In regards to the vast amount of work-related injuries in today’s industries, the way
to assess and understand ergonomics as we know it, needs to change. Musculoskeletal
disorder as result of bad workplace design and ergonomics is one of the leading
causes of work-related injuries. This is especially true for the manufacturing sector
and the automotive industry. CEVT, among other stakeholders in the industry, is
taking initiative to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and is looking towards
simulations and digital tools as a possible solution.
On behalf of CEVT, this thesis elucidates the implementation and validation of
an automated ergonomic assessment within the digital human modeling software
IMMA. The ergonomic evaluation method KIM III was selected as the most appropriate
method for implementation regarding CEVT’s needs. The implementation
led to an automated ergonomic assessment, providing a PDF report based on the
manikins’ posture and additional input data from the user. The implementation was
validated against manual KIM III assessments conducted by a CEVT ergonomist
and was proven successful.
The developed methodology of the thesis has been structured to fulfill the aims
of the study and reach an implementation of a full evaluation assessment into the
DHM tool IPS IMMA. The focus has been to verify and obtain high validity of
the implemented function, which could be achieved after undergoing a vast benchmarking
and screening process. The benchmarking and screening process were the
result of quantitative and qualitative data analyses and presented the most suitable
ergonomic assessment method to be implemented in IPS. The method may be
adapted to evaluate the relevance and suitability of ergonomic assessment methods
into DHM software.
This thesis further addresses the need of future research within the field of virtual
reality and motion capture as a way of better understanding the motion and behaviour
of assembly workers. Furthermore, future development of digital twins as a
way of better understanding the reality of the problem as well as the development
of simulation based ergonomic assessment methods is discussed.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Automotive, DHM, Ergonomic assessment methods, Ergonomics, IMMA, , IPS, Musculoskeletal disorders, Simulations