A virtual reality platform developed by EADS Innovation Works, to assess the ergonomics of aircraft and space vehicles during their design phase, could be heading for wider commercial applications outside the EADS group.
French management association MEDEF has awarded its "Coup de Coeur" prize to EADS Innovation Works and partner Optis, in recognition of a partnership that hopes to sell the RHEA (realistic human ergonomic analysis) technology globally.
RHEA helps designers and ergonomists take the place of a pilot, crew member, passenger or technician to experience their different tasks. They can explore technical solutions by interacting directly with the full-scale 3D digital mockup, via special goggles, a helmet-mounted display or as an avatar - an artificial figure with human dimensions.
With RHEA they can work in real time with what they see, checking every component or change in design at its true size.
RHEA is being used on the Airbus A350 programme and by EADS's Eurocopter and Astrium divisions.
Source: Flight International
