What is a 3D digital twin and how is it used in ergonomics?
But who is this strange character regularly photographed on the Moovency website and social networks? A new competitor in tyre manufacturing? No, it’s not him! It’s simply the 3D digital twin generated by KIMEA.
We take a closer look at this essential feature for quantifying MSD risks.
Definition
The aim of the digital twin is to create a digital double of an object, building or person. It is a kind of virtual copy of the physical world. This makes it possible to identify problems and understand how a complex system works.
A brief history of the digital twin
It all began in the 1960s, with the conquest of space. Because people dreamt of reaching for the stars, they began to build spacecraft, vehicles capable of withstanding extreme external conditions for long periods of time, while still having to carry heavy loads.
So, to guarantee the strength of these vehicles and space stations, digital twins were created. By simulating physical reactions and monitoring systems, the digital twins make it possible to assess the integrity of the vehicle in these extreme conditions.
In fact, the astronauts on the famous Apollo 13 mission were saved by this twin concept. We know the story: the oxygen tanks on their rocket – Saturn V – exploded in mid-flight… a long way from Earth, since they were already more than 300,000 km away! But what is less well known is that it was thanks to the equivalent of the digital twin that the engineers on Earth were able to devise a strategy for powering the rocket without exhausting the small quantities of energy remaining.
Source : developpaper.com
Today, digital twins have been democratised and are used in a wide range of sectors, including industry, where they can be used to improve product efficiency, anticipate the stages in the product life cycle and organise the activities of an entire production chain.
The digital twin in ergonomics
In the case of ergonomics, the digital twin is an aggregate of data that reflects as closely as possible the gestures and postures filmed. It facilitates access to data, particularly kinematic data such as joint angles.
When capturing operators’ movements, KIMEA creates a 3D digital twin of the operator in real time. Ergonomists can thus see a digital silhouette come to life on their screen, moving at the same pace as the operators.
“This makes it possible to work much faster than with a conventional method,” explains Pierre Plantard, co-founder of Moovency. Thanks to the 3D camera and the pair of connected gloves, the risk of MSDs is instantly calculated and a risk analysis report is automatically generated.
“Our technique also has the advantage of eliminating a major error variable in MSD detection: the subjectivity of the assessor”, adds Pierre Plantard.
Standardised assessment using software provides an objective and neutral result. What’s more, Kimea can also measure changes in MSD risk at each point in a work sequence, providing a dynamic view of MSD risk, unlike the static posture assessments still carried out with traditional tools.
Finally, the twin integrates all the necessary biomechanical data. It can be personalised according to the person’s history (weight, height, loads, etc.). With the digital twin, ergonomists and prevention specialists can measure the areas of the body at risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
So, are you ready to create your own digital twin?