A Digital Twin-Based Framework for Biomechanical Ergonomics Assessment in Human–Robot Collaboration
Miehling J, Guertler M, Carmichael M, Khonasty R, Fernandez L, Wartzack S, Löffelmann C (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Book Volume: 6
Article Number: 51
Journal Issue: 2
Abstract
In today’s manufacturing industry, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain among the most prevalent occupational health issues. Collaborative robots (cobots) represent a promising technology to address this challenge. Consequently, ergonomics assessment in human–robot collaboration (HRC) has gained increasing attention in recent years. This study investigates the feasibility of using a coupled digital twin system consisting of a digital human model (DHM) and a cobot digital twin to assess detailed ergonomic parameters such as muscle activations and joint reaction forces in an HRC task. Selected parameters are used to develop an ergonomics map that condenses the effects of human–robot interaction into a single scalar value for each working position in the coronal plane in front of the user. The ergonomics mapping approach is presented, key influencing factors are identified, and critical workspace design implications are discussed.
Authors with CRIS profile
Sandro Wartzack
Chair of Engineering Design (KTmfk)
Christopher Löffelmann
Chair of Engineering Design (KTmfk)
Involved external institutions
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Australia (AU)
Technical University of Denmark / Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)
Denmark (DK)
Australia (AU)
Technical University of Denmark / Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU)
Denmark (DK)
How to cite
APA:
Miehling, J., Guertler, M., Carmichael, M., Khonasty, R., Fernandez, L., Wartzack, S., & Löffelmann, C. (2026). A Digital Twin-Based Framework for Biomechanical Ergonomics Assessment in Human–Robot Collaboration. , 6(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/digital6020051
MLA:
Miehling, Jörg, et al. "A Digital Twin-Based Framework for Biomechanical Ergonomics Assessment in Human–Robot Collaboration." 6.2 (2026).
BibTeX: Download