Proactive ergonomics and virtual ergonomics within Manufacturing Department at Volvo Car Corporation.

Paper in proceeding, 2007

This paper covers the main reasons for proactive ergonomics and the use of Digital Human Model tools (DHM tools or manikin tools) in the automotive manufacturing industry. The tools are applied in the design, modification, visualization and analysis of human workplace layouts and/or product interactions. The paper explains why the manikin is used during the manufacturing development process, from the earliest phase to start of production. Setting early ergonomic requirements aims at several goals simultaneously: preventing work related musculoskeletal disorders, creating good assembly premises, attaining good quality work and keeping costs as low as possible. The paper also mentions important prerequisites for a successfull use of DHM tools. Furthermore, the paper stresses the needs for methods able to assess motions and cost/benefit calculations connected to results from ergonomics analysis.