International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), India Online ISSN: 2319-7064 Volume 2 Issue 6, June 2013 www.ijsr.net Digital Human Modeling Approach in Ergonomic Evaluations Viveksheel Rajput 1 , Parveen Kalra 2 , Jaswinder Singh 3 1 Post Graduate Student, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, India 2 Professor, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, India 3 Assistant Professor, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh, India Abstract: Digital human modeling (DHM) reduces the product design and manufacturing task cycle time by eliminating the need to construct physical setup. This paper discusses the current research on digital human modelling, their capabilities and issues generating with the growing demands of technology. With the latest computer technology, human manikin has been modified which can easily simulate and replicate the actual workplace scenario. Anthropometric databases developed which are essential part of any DHMs software are also discussed. Limitations in current DHM model are also discussed. Keywords: Digital human modeling; Ergonomics; Anthropometry 1. Introduction Digital human modeling (DHM) is an ergonomic tool which is used to simulate workplaces in order to solve ergonomic related problems. It is an emerging tool and has been widely accepted by the ergonomists and experts involved in the product design. DHM technology studies different aspects of the human behavior and provides platform for area of new research. It provides 3D visualization of human being involved in activities and gives guidelines that how to do ergonomic analysis and how to design a workstation. It has the capability to solve ergonomic issues and eliminate work related injuries initially in the design phase of the process. Bowman [1] stated that this technology sets a way to initially check the rough designs which further help to eliminate problems related to ergonomics in his research. Human models are invented for the purpose of visualizing the human –workspace interaction in the 3D graphics early in the product design. Digital humans /avatars/ manikin are being incorporated in the software , easily manipulated to see who can reach, fit and so on and also assess for the work related injuries. DHM provides a mean to manipulate or locate manikin / avatar/ operator anywhere in the workspace according to the requirement of the task. Operator must be configured properly to accommodate large anthropometric data and also DHM tools have the capability to simulate different operators with different anthropometric data. We can evaluate human interaction with the machines in his workspace to analyze reach capabilities, visibility, comfort level. Few models are incorporated with dynamics in order to predict motions, required torques and energy consumption as formulated by Kim JH (Dynamics and motion planning of redundant using optimization with application to human motion). Badler and Chaffin et al [2] stated that by using DHM technology and considering it initially in the product design to virtually visualizing the human interaction helps in eliminating the need of physical prototypes and further testing .This elimination will give rise to a reduced cost and shorten time. Hendrick et al [3] and Oxenburgh et al [4] found that activities causing injuries to the workers affect the staff turnover and increase the rate of sick leaves. To compensate this, industries have to rehabilitate and replace the staff which consumes industry resources and cost them a huge amount. This will effect product efficiency and cause disturbances in the industry. Axelsson et al [5] and Eklund et al [6] examined that product quality has degraded to the extent of 30-50% to the total quality resulted from ergonomic related problems. Therefore these tools have been introduced so early in the design process to facilitate an effective production. Porter et al [7] stated that digital human tools assist ergonomists to visualize human vehicle interaction which was earlier done by using physical mock ups which was time consuming and expensive process are now evaluated by DHM tools. Integration of human factors which was earlier carried out in laboratories is replaced by digital humans interacting with machines in virtual environment. With the growing research in this field or technological improvements, a more effective and efficient model would be generated and applicable to design, human workspace analysis, ergonomic evaluation, visualization and modification. 2. Current Research options available in DHM DHM is an emerging tool allow assistance in design, manufacturing and ergonomic evaluation. Though different DHM models are developed with different capabilities still there are common analysis that can be done by using DHM technologies. Here are some common listed capabilities and functions:  The ability to move the manikins in predefined motions  The ability to create customizable 3D manikins  Reach analysis  Posture analysis  Push/Pull analysis  Carrying analysis  RULA based motion (Rapid Upper Limb Analysis) Modifications are still going on in order to develop more robust and efficient DHM model. Kilpatrick [8] made a first attempt to generate a computer model to predict seated postures during manual tasks. There was a provision to scale 156