Ramsis - The leading cad tool for ergonomic analysis of vehicles

Abstract

Early integration of ergonomics in the vehicle design process requires appropriate CAD tools. 15 years ago, the German car industry developed a new, three-dimensional tool for computer-aided ergonomics and occupant packaging, called RAMSIS. Its goal was to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional human templates, as well as to provide methods for predicting driver postures and comfort. The core of RAMSIS is a highly accurate three-dimensional human model that can be made to simulate occupants with a large variety of body dimensions and based on anthropometry databases from around the world. Extensive research was conducted on driver postures and comfort, which resulted in a probability-based posture prediction model. No subjective manikin manipulation by the user is necessary, so that fast, realistic and consistent analysis results are ensured at all times. An assessment of comfort allows designers to optimize packages with respect to driver comfort early in the design process. RAMSIS offers a number of other analysis tools, for example for vision, reach, force and seat belt studies. Over the years, new research projects have resulted in more sophisticated RAMSIS functions, such as a force-based posture and comfort prediction model, seat belt certification, compatibility with full body laser scanners, simulation of the interaction between seat and occupant and simulation of ingress and egress. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.