Digital ergonomics and digital work planning in university education: experiences from Germany and Austria

Abstract

The publication presents an overview of the use of digital human models (DHM) in academic education at five exemplary universities in Germany and Austria. In addition to the presentation of different human models, the integration of them into the respective lectures is discussed. The teaching concepts of the individual courses of the universities, exercise examples and scenarios are presented. Experience shows that the active and independent use of digital ergonomics tools gives students pleasure and motivates them to deal intensively with complex tasks in terms of time and content. Feedback is consistently positive over all the involved lectures and universities. As a consequence of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, universities significantly increased online and blended learning. Based on the experience with the use of digital human models, the paper derives recommendations for future developments. Practical Relevance To sustain global value chains, companies are increasingly planning trans-regionally adapted products and production processes. Tools for digital ergonomics contribute to increasing competitiveness by using prospective working methods. Companies increasingly need experts with the corresponding know-how. Firmly anchoring the topic of digital ergonomics in relevant subjects of university teaching is therefore a prerequisite for this transfer of trained graduates.

Keywords: Digital ergonomics; Digital factory; Digital human modeling; Ergonomic product and production planning; Human factors; University teaching.

Fig. 1

Application examples for RAMSIS in the practical course (a–c) (TUM Chair of Ergonomics, Fleischer 2022) and for emaWD in the Ergonomics practical course and Digital Ergonomics seminar (d–f) (imk automotive GmbH ; TUM Chair of Ergonomics, Knott 2022) Anwendungsbeispiele von RAMSIS im Rahmen und emaWD des praktischen Kurses (a–c) im Ergonomie-Praktikum und Seminar Digitale Ergonomie (d–f)

Fig. 2

Application examples for emaWD version 1.9.7 in the exercise Process Ergonomics (a, b) and for the exercise Digital Human Models (Product Ergonomics) with CharAT Ergonomics (c–e) Anwendungsbeispiele von emaWD Version 1.9.7 in der Übung Process Ergonomics (a, b) und für die Übung Digital Human Models (Product Ergonomics) mit CharAT Ergonomics (c–e)

Fig. 3

Initial scenario of use case a ski binding assembly in Process Simulate b Fan cowl in emaWD version 2.0 Ausgangsszenario des Anwendungsfalls a Skibindungsmontage in Process Simulate b Fan cowl in emaWD version 2.0

Fig. 4

Best practice examples a ski on conveyor belt in emaWD version 2.0 b fan cowl on turntable in Process Simulate Beispielhaftes verbessertes Szenario a Ski auf Förderband in ema WD Version 2.0 b Fan cowl auf Drehtisch in Process Simulate

Fig. 5

Work Packages for Virtual Design of E‑Scooter Production Arbeitspakete für den virtuellen Entwurf einer E-Scooter Production

Fig. 6

TWI Role Play Video and Coaching KATA Mentor/Mentee Utilizing emaWD version 1.9.7 TWI Rollenspiel Video und Coaching KATA Mentor/Mentee unter Verwendung von emaWD Version 1.9.7

Fig. 7

Work system model of a battery assembly line using emaWD version 1.9.4 Simulationsmodell einer Batterie Montage Linie unter Verwendung von emaWD Version 1.9.4

Fig. 8

Example of a student’s presentation for results of ergonomic improvements with emaWD Beispiel aus einer Studentenpräsentation, mit den Ergebnissen der Ergonomieverbesserung mit emaWD