Human Motion Capture, Modeling & Simulation

How do Exponent's teams use motion capture, modeling, and simulation to provide you with breakthrough insights?

Simulating real-world scenarios requires expertise in computational modeling, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in real-world crash and incident dynamics, biomechanics, and kinematics. Using robust analytical and software capabilities, including wearable devices like IMUs, Exponent's biomechanical experts create human motion models and simulations for a wide range of applications and industries.

Modeling and simulation capabilities

Our biomechanical engineers use state-of-the-art computer simulation programs, such as MADYMO, to analyze dynamics of the human body under varying impact and crash conditions. We also use 3D Static Strength Prediction Program, OpenSim, Abaqus, MATLAB, and other modeling software to simulate human motion, analyze static and dynamic loads applied to the musculoskeletal system, evaluate injury potential, and perform complex biomechanical finite element analyses. Our experts simulate occupant kinematics from a wide array of vehicle motions and impact types, including rollovers. We use complex accident histories obtained from crash tests, collision simulations, and accident reconstructions to determine the kinematics of single and multiple occupants and to evaluate injury.

Our modeling and simulation experience also includes analyzing human motion in incidents not involving motor or personal vehicles, including trips, slips, falls, diving injuries, and human/machine interactions. For example, we have simulated falls down stairs, falls from height, falls on mass transit vehicles, and injuries resulting from agricultural and industrial accidents, among others.

State-of-the-art motion capture studio

Exponent's optical motion capture studio uses sophisticated camera systems and software to accurately track everything from the mechanics of a basketball throw to position-referencing systems for robots. Exponent's optical motion capture studio combines commercial, off-the-shelf tools with camera rigs and customized features to give clients dependable motion tracking data. Whether you're conducting biomechanics studies on gait analysis under stress or pinpointing the precise position of robotic machines in manufacturing settings, our system's state-of-the-art tracking functionality combined with Exponent's multidisciplinary expertise provide breakthrough product insights.

Our studio is built on infrared camera hardware and software from OptiTrack and includes OptiTrack Prime 17W cameras with a maximum capture rate of 360 Hz and a dedicated server processor for near-real-time rigid body and skeletal tracking in three-dimensional space. Exponent's bespoke, application-specific data parsing and post-processing software allow for processing of vast quantities of data and comprehensive motion measurements.