Digital biomechanics – model-based evaluation and optimization

The biomechanical interaction of physical assistance systems (including exoskeletons) with the human musculoskeletal system is crucial to their function. Body-worn systems should be understood in terms of both application and person orientation to ensure ergonomics and effectiveness. Individual musculoskeletal human models help in this regard, as they can be used to approximate the biomechanical properties of the human body and objectify the effects of the assistance system. For this purpose, the models are adjusted based on real-world movement and load data recorded in the laboratory or field of potential usage.

The biomechanical strain changes determined from the model-based analysis  provide an objective basis for evaluating the assistance system, e.g. for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders or object assessment. 

Furthermore, the modeling approach can be used to carry out systematic and quantitative optimization of the mechanical design. The long-term goal is to use biomechanical models to develop application- and person-optimized assistance systems.

We support you with:

• Biomechanical analysis of movement scenarios at your premises
• The conception, implementation, and evaluation of measurements in the motion laboratory at Fraunhofer IPA
• The conception, development, and design optimization of physical assistance systems