3rd Ergomechanics®Conference: Experts from the scientific community and industry discussed spine health for the driver’s workplace

Amberg, September 29, 2017 - At the 3rd Ergomechanics®Conference held on September 26, 2017 in Amberg, Germany, renowned experts discussed the latest findings from spine research and solutions for improving spine health at the driver's workplace and in mobility applications. The speakers at the conference organized by automotive and commercial vehicle components supplier Grammer included ergonomics experts from international universities in the United States, the Netherlands and Germany and from automotive and commercial vehicle companies such as John Deere, KION, Liebherr, BMW, Audi and Grammer. A total of around 200 people took part in the Conference including Grammer's customers, research and development partners as well as representatives of industrial compensation societies, trade unions and the press.

Diverse presentations
Dr. Michael Borbe, Vice President Global R&D at Grammer AG, opened the Conference with the motto 'Collaboration for healthy and active seating': 'This innovative triangle of cooperation between medicine, OEMs and Tier1 suppliers will generate added value for all parties concerned and ultimately lead to products offering the final customer comfort and ergonomic seating. In addition, autonomous vehicles will call for new types of scientifically based passive and active comfort functions that will produce sustained benefits only via a multidisciplinary approach.'

The key note speech was held by Dr. med. sci. Margareta Nordin, who talked about the significance of back pain, one of the most widespread illnesses afflicting the world's population, which severely impacts one out of three people.

Nordin reported that all research showed that regular movement was the most important form of prevention and treatment of back problems and that promoting active sitting by means of appropriately designed seats and interiors was showing promising results.

Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Wilke, the deputy director of the Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics and head of spine research at the University of Ulm was among the other speakers. He presented the latest findings from research into the function and biomechanics of the spine, reporting that recent research had added considerably to what was known about the spine and increasingly offered the knowledge for rating effects on the spine in detail.

Citing specific examples such as the Synchro Seat for fork-lift seating systems, the Dualmotion armrest and the Medium multifunctional armrest, Dr. Susanne Frohriep from Grammer's ergonomics department explained how theoretical findings have been used for developing practical solutions. 'A carefully developed solution can substantially ease the physical strain on the driver. The focus is always on ensuring the best possible support for the spine during activity at the driver's workplace.'

Focus on autonomous driving
In addition to approaches for relieving strain on the spine in the driver's seat, autonomous driving also featured prominently in many presentations. With the growing automation of driving, additional activities and functions such as 'infotainment' will grow in importance for the driver. These changes involve new requirements with respect to posture, the integration of control units and the optimization of driver seats. These are all challenges which must be addressed by industry. Even in the preliminary stage of 'continuous monitoring' of a self-driving vehicle, it will be possible for displays, instruments and the driver's workplace to be rearranged. The solution must permit the transition from a relaxed posture to an active one within the shortest possible space of time, in order to be able to respond in special situations. A further fact that was highlighted was that the best functions and settings were of little use if drivers were unable to adjust them to their individual needs and parameters. Furthermore, it was stated to be fundamentally important to offer scope and incentive for movement while the driver is seated in the vehicle.

At the end of the Conference, the presenters joined in a discussion with the audience on the findings gained and the challenges facing researchers and industry on the one hand and customers on the other.

Conference highlights the growing importance of ergonomics in the automotive sector
Said Dr. Susanne Frohriep from Grammer's Ergonomics Department: 'The high number of participants at our Ergomechanics® Conference shows that spine health at the driver's workplace and increasingly also at the driver's seat itself is arousing very strong interest. As a leading international producer of seat systems, we are particularly committed to encouraging collaboration and information exchange between research and industry to gain crucial expertise for the development of innovative products.'

Company profile

Located in Amberg, Germany, Grammer AG specializes in the development and production of components and systems for automotive interiors as well as suspension driver and passenger seats for onroad and offroad vehicles. In the Automotive Division, we supply headrests, armrests, center console systems and high-quality interior components and operating systems to premium automakers and automotive system suppliers. The Commercial Vehicle Division comprises seats for the truck and offroad seat segments (tractors, construction machinery, forklifts) as well as train and bus seats. With over 12,000 employees, Grammer operates in 19 countries around the world. Grammer shares are listed in the SDAX and traded on the Frankfurt and Munich stock exchanges via the electronic trading system Xetra.

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