An avatar has started work at Ford. His name is Santos and he's a virtual worker capable of not just simulating motion, but able to record the actual stresses and strains of working on a production line - stretching, lifting and reaching. Santos can walk, talk and even answer questions. Santos has been heralded by ergonomists as a breakthrough in digital modeling.
Santos started life at the University of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Defense Virtual Soldier program, aimed at reducing physical strain on soldiers in the field.
Santos’ move from the virtual battlefield to the virtual assembly line is the latest step in Ford’s efforts to improve ergonomics at its manufacturing plants.
Santos will improve on Ford's existing use of digital avatars already in use to test ergonomics and safety on the assembly line. He can perform a specific task and tell experts what the effects will be over months or years - will that task cause back pain or other stresses or injuries.
More information on this fascination workplace ergonomics initiative can be found at the Santos Human website.
