VW Optimizes Ergonomic Integrity with Dassault Systemes DELMIA Human

Dassault Systèmes (DS) (NASDAQ:DASTY) (Paris:DSY), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, announced that its DELMIA Human software is being used by Volkswagen AG to ergonomically design its human assembly line functions. The software’s prototyping capability provides communication between designers, engineers and operators to maximize the efficiency and speed of human motion in a manufacturing situation. To eliminate the potential for physical injury to line workers, possible work stoppage or vehicle quality issues, Volkswagen thoroughly analyzes all human movement to assure ergonomic integrity and prevent situations which could compromise manufacturing efficiency. For example, through simulation it can be discovered that it is difficult for an assembly line worker to reach a bolt and tighten it at the required line speed. The work station layout and process can then be re-configured prior to its implementation on the plant floor. "DELMIA Human gives me the ability to simulate the work environment on the computer to ensure ergonomic suitability before implementing in real life,” explains Maileen Zander, an ergonomics consultant for Volkswagen’s vehicle projects. "Since the system simulates many standard positions and one can also expand the body posture library, one is spared from having to manually model every new position. DELMIA Human is an essential tool for my work. Without the true-to-life simulation, we would be unable to verify our findings in the early planning phase.” DELMIA Human provides process and resource plan definition. Zander uses DELMIA Human to create human CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, called manikins, which can then realistically simulate the complex task procedures at each station. Of the 65 moveable human body parts, 49 can be highlighted with individual colors. Certain body parts and areas like the spine, chest area, lumbar region or pelvis can be blocked or activated in the simulation. Objects can be added to the manikin, such as a hardhat that automatically moves with every motion. The field of vision also adjusts dynamically to the manikin’s movements. The manikin not only moves autonomously, it also can walk on reference surfaces. In addition, DELMIA Human contains functions for climbing stairs and ladders, whereby the body automatically moves in synch with the limbs used. The human models can grasp objects within their reach, and the projected effort required for a certain activity when an individual is in a particular body position can be determined. The results achieved by Volkswagen so far are most positive and have made the leap from computer simulation to bona fide implementation; pre-assembly of the doors for the Golf’s successor model was ergonomically optimized. About Volkswagen The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. In 2006, the Group increased the number of vehicles delivered to customers to 5.734 million (2005: 5.243 million), corresponding to a 9.7 percent share of the world passenger car market. The Group is made up of eight brands from six European countries: Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Each brand has its own character and operates as an independent entity on the market. The product range extends from low-consumption small cars to luxury class vehicles. In the commercial vehicle sector, the product offering spans pick ups, busses and heavy trucks. Information about Volkswagen is available at http://www.volkswagenag.com. About DELMIA DELMIA is a premier brand for digital manufacturing solutions, focused on two unique software applications that can be used to streamline manufacturing processes. DELMIA Automation provides solutions to digitally design, test and validate the control of a machine, workcell, or entire factory line and DELMIA PLM provides the process and resource capability to enable continuous creation and validation of manufacturing processes as related to the product throughout the entire product lifecycle. DELMIA serves industries where the optimization of manufacturing processes is critical, including automotive, aerospace, fabrication and assembly, electrical and electronics, consumer goods, plant, and shipbuilding sectors. Information about DELMIA is available at http://www.delmia.com. About Dassault Systèmes As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product - SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design - DELMIA for virtual production - SIMULIA for virtual testing - ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes is listed on the Nasdaq (DASTY) and Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) stock exchanges. For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.