Ergonomics
Human-machine interaction, particularly in the work place is becoming increasingly important. Ergonomic research can now be carried out in the work place on-site, for example, ambulant measurement systems can be taken to assembly lines. The sensors are lightweight and portable; therefore do not interfere with normal work. Subjects can perform normal work activities, while motion is recorded from a distance, meaning that the researcher can assess movement without having to enter the work area.
Xsens products are ideal for observing human-machine interactions, facilitating improvement of ergonomics of e.g. cars, planes, desk environments or assembly line workers.
Motion trackers can be used inside or behind objects without data loss, this is a major advantage over other motion capture systems. For example, in the automotive industry, man-machine interaction can be captured while entering, sitting and exiting a vehicle. Tests can also be carried out while the test subject drives, over potentially long distances. This enables analysis of posture-change over time, as well as reactions to real-life scenarios and evaluation of change of posture while reaching for various controls. These situations are extremely difficult to record with systems requiring free line-of-sight.
Depending on the complexity of the measurements, Xsens provides a series of products, the xbus kit and MVN studio enable analysis of multiple segments needed for movement and posture analysis. MVN contains 17 sensors, enabling analysis of 23 body segments, with an additional “prop” sensor which can be placed on a moveable control, which can also be incorporated into analysis. The MVN suit ensures that sensors and cables are packed tidily away, preventing movement restriction for the users while maintaining accuracy of results based on the biomechanical model, used for MVN Studio. Additionally, the MVN suit, or MTx sensors can be worn under normal clothing, again highlighting that the system can be used in real world environments. Furthermore, MVN studio enables multiple person capture.
