Human Dynamics Modeling: The Digital Biomechanics Laboratory

An advanced human simulation system could serve as a digital biomechanics laboratory in which simulated humans perform useful tasks under novel conditions. It will allow us to measure loads, forces, and energy levels in humans that are difficult if not impossible to obtain any other way. It could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of clothing, footwear, equipment or movement strategies. Rapid evaluation cycles using simulation will shorten the product development and acquisition cycle. To test the design and effect of equipment on human performance, we must be able to simulate realistic, life-like behaviors such as running, walking, crawling, and throwing. Physics-based simulation provides the data and flexibility we need in an experimental tool. However, physical simulations need control systems to produce coordinated behavior. There are currently no general techniques for designing control systems for life-like human motion. We propose a novel control design method for complex human behaviors. Our approach combines the life-like motion of recorded human data with the flexibility and rigor of physics-based simulation. We will apply this control design technique to the simulation and control of dynamic running. The resulting simulation will produce life-like human running and physical data suitable for analysis. The simulation will accommodate changes in running speed, incline, and backpack weight and produce data regarding the forces, loads, and energy of the virtual subject. BENEFITS: Companies that produce equipment for athletes, soldiers, or civilians could use an advanced human simulation systems as a means of rapidly designing and valuating products for human use. Combining simulation of the individual with group level simulation and control could provide means of analyzing how group performance is affected by equipment or logistics.