OVERVIEW

The analysis of human movement and gestures is important in mechanical engineering every time that a human machine interaction is involved. Examples are, the lifting of weights, the use of supportive devices to reduce working loads, the interaction with walking aids, the exposure to vibrations and noise. The approach to characterize such situations includes measurement techniques to reconstruct the movement and to measure the external forces, and models to obtain information about quantities inside the human body that are not directly measurable.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Ability to understand the biomechanical aspects of a human gesture, including the interaction with machines and devices, and to apply an appropriate biomechanical model.
• Ability to design and manage measurement systems pertaining to humans and their interaction with machines.
• Ability to assess operators' exposure to mechanical agents such as vibration and noise, with reference to current regulations.
• Ability to identify movement aids and evaluate their effectiveness

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Student will familiarize with systems and methods for measurement and modelling of human movement and interaction with machines and devices. These competences will be applied to practical test cases including the use of working aids. She/he will be able to assess the human exposure to vibrations and noise, considering current regulations and standards. Management of a project in team including tasks integration and deadlines keeping.

TEACHING METHODS

Combination of lectures and laboratory activities

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Overview of the Musculoskeletal System
Measurements in biomechanics (kinematics and dynamics)
Development of articulated-body biomechanical models, starting with the musculoskeletal system, to study motion in the plane and hints of three-dimensional modeling
Use of simulation environments dedicated to mechanics and biomechanics
Human-machine interaction - local and general description
Safety aspects: operator exposure to vibration and noise

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Legnani G., Palmieri G., Fassi I. Introduzione alla biomeccanica dello sport, Città Studi,2018
• Winter, D A Biomechanics and motor control of human movement, 3rd ed., Wiley 2009
• Muller B, Wolf S I (Eds), Handbook of Human Motion, Springer Nature, 2018
• Mc Ginnis, P.M. Biomechanics of Sport and exercise, Human Kinetics, 2013

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination is based on:

• The discussion of a technical project realized by small groups of students (3-4) regarding the study of a test case such as a working gesture, the interaction with a machine or the evaluation of exposure to noise and vibrations in a particular case. Students can submit a document or they can present the activity by a slide show. A discussion is possible on specific aspects of the work.
• An open question regarding the methodological aspects considered in the course, during standard lectures or lab sessions.

Students with SLD, disability or other regularly certified special educational needs are advised to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, in compliance with the course objectives, take into account the individual learning requirements.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Evaluation will consider the ability to synthesize the course information in order to apply studied methods to the specific test case. Besides that, ability to think critically will be evaluated considering the discussion of obtained results and possible future developments.

The open question aims to evaluate methods comprehension. A proper engineering / biomechanical language and terminology is required.