Analysis of the 3 D H-point machine in relation to diversity

Report, 2025

This project explores the role and impact of the H-Point Machine (HPM) in vehicle design and crash safety assessment. Through a combination of expert focus group discussions and a targeted review of UN regulations, the project investigates how the use of the HPM -originally designed to represent a 50th percentile male - may influence occupant positioning, ergonomic design, and crash test outcomes. The focus group, comprising of experts from academia, industry, and government research, highlighted challenges in representing different body sizes, especially for smaller occupants such as 5th percentile females. 

The discussions highlighted practical and methodological challenges related to body size variation, seat interaction, and positioning consistency across both physical and virtual testing. The regulatory review mapped the role of the HPM in various UN regulations, identifying areas where its use might contribute to differential effects between men and women. The project underscores the importance of robust methods that account for occupant diversity and supports future development of more inclusive safety assessments, including improved use of simulation tools and occupant variation in test protocols.