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Objectives of VSR
To
develop a new generation of digital humans comprising realistic human models
including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, and intelligence in real-time. VSR's
philosophy is based on a novel optimization-based approach for empowering these digital
humans to perform, un-aided, in a physics-based world. Our objective is to
test digital mockups of products and systems before they are built, thus reducing
significant costs and time associated with making prototypes. We are a group of 36
researchers from all kinds of disciplines that have come together to create a digital
human called SantosTM.
About
VSR
The VSR program is an independent program within the Center for Computer-Aided Design of
the College of Engineering at The University of Iowa. We conduct 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. |
 Who is Santos?
Santos, an intelligent avatar with
realistic biomechanical abilities, functions in a powerful human modeling and simulation
environment, the Santos environment.
Santos
conducts human factors studies in design relevant to training, production, or performance
needs of real-world realistic system addresses rigorous biomechanics, gait, motion
prediction, and related issues. Santos, like not other digital human simulation solution,
acts intelligently and autonomously to allow humans to safely and effectively understand
human performance in and response to many scenarios.
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Visit the Santos web page
Santos was built from the ground
up, using state-of-the-art technologies, and continues to grow in dynamic capabilities and
intelligent behaviors through integration of AI, design optimization, and physics-based
modeling. The Virtual Soldier Research (VSR) program team at The University of Iowa is
developing Santos.
The
mathematical model of a skeleton for Santos is developed based on the Denavit-Hartenberg
method for kinematic and dynamic analysis. Optimization code is used to determine postures
that are governed by various human performance measures (objective functions) and
constrained by the restrictions imposed by the skeleton, physical constraints, and
environmental constraints. This code must be as fast and efficient as possible in an
effort to provide real-time simulations. |
