Computer aided tools of ergonomics and system design

Anthropometric digital human models are well established and used in order to get a better design of human-adapted machines. By the application of electronics and computer operated machines. nearly arbitrary design of controlling and operating the technical equipment seems possible. So more and more the question arises: What is operable by the human operator and what leads probably to a disaster due to much stress. By applying systems ergonomic rules, this can be avoided to a far extent. In order to consider these rules already in an early state of development. it seems useful to incorporate such rules in digital human models. By this procedure, cognitive human models will be created. The combination of such models with anthropometric digital human models will lead to the possibility to carry out virtual experiments under the condition of computer aided design. So. in the future, more ergonomic knowledge will be considered by this new technique. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals. Inc.