The application of biomechanical data in new product developent

Much of the current research activity in The Rehabilitation Engineering Unit of The Brunei Institute for Bioengineering is concerned with the development of assistive systems and devices for elderly and disabled people. In this paper we discuss the application of computer models to the above work, in particular considering the mechanics of the system, which includes both client and assistive device. Powerful computer software packages exist which are capable of modeling complicated mechanisms with defined motions and degrees of freedom. Within such systems specially constructed manikins can be used to model humans and their biomechanics, leading to the possibility of analysis of kinematics and forces. It is also possible through the application of Finite Element Analysis software to model limbs, prostheses and orthotics.