About us:   We are an independent research group within the Center for Computer Aided Design at The University of Iowa.  Initially funded by the US Army, the VSR program has grown very rapidly to include major partnerships in several industries including defense, construction, automotive, and manufacturing. We conduct basic and applied research for creating new technologies dealing with digital human modeling and simulation.  We are a group of 35 people (faculty, staff, scientists, engineers, clinical researchers, and graduate students) that have come together to create this new technology.  The objective is to create human-like life on the computer, virtual humans/soldiers that can walk, behave, and talk like we do, yet are able to answer questions in the virtual world. Rather than building a vehicle, a tank, or a weapon system, we allow the virtual soldier to experience the product in the virtual world, thus providing feedback without building a prototype.  Our Vision:  is to advance the state of the art in human modeling and simulation by conducting research in areas where we at The University of Iowa can add significant value, and by integrating technologies adapted from Hollywood and Game industries.

Our Strengths: built on over 16 years in modeling and simulation, 14 years in multi-body dynamics, and 10 years in robotics, our areas of expertise include the following:

• Kinematics and Dynamics of Human Motion

• Optimization-based posture and motion prediction (our claim to fame!)

• Real-time and Multi-objective Optimization

• Physiology-based human performance measures

• Biomechanics, human Factors, and ergonomics

• Dynamic strength and fatigue modeling

VSR conducts research aimed at creating human-like figures in physics-based environments that are interactive and intelligent.  These humans can predict postures and motions, and can execute tasks autonomously responding to questions such as: Can you do this task?   When will you be tired?  They respond to real human actions and are sent to places where the real human cannot go. Our vision is to deploy these human avatars into vehicles, systems, products, as well as on military "virtual" battlefields to try out new equipment and tell us whether we have designed them well.  We certainly welcome anyone who wants to help.

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