Japanese manufacturer Toyota announced late last week is has a new version of what it calls Total HUman Model for Safety (THUMS), a virtual human model which will help the carmaker better understand the effects of an accident to the internal organs.
In use for quite some time now, the model has reached version 4.0. Compared to previous versions, which had only bones and the brain (which only allowed measurements in terms of bone fractures and severed ligaments), this one come complete with internal organs.
Created as an adult male of average build, THUMS features medically accurate organs, helping the carmaker get detailed measurements of the internal structure of the human body, as well as 14 times more information about the effects of the crash than in the previous version.
Of course, you might wonder how would a computerized graphic of what happens inside the body during a crash could help an automaker. After all, there’s little they can do to prevent internal organs damage…
Toyota on the other hand believes it can do at least one thing: better design seatbelts and airbags.
THUMS, which has been created with the help of research institutes, including universities, will not be used exclusevely by Toyota. The model, still subject to some improvements, will be sold by the carmaker starting this autumn to other automotive players as well.
The virtual male will also get a spouse in the near future, as a female version is being planned. Additionally, another male, of large build, will also be developed.
In use for quite some time now, the model has reached version 4.0. Compared to previous versions, which had only bones and the brain (which only allowed measurements in terms of bone fractures and severed ligaments), this one come complete with internal organs.
Created as an adult male of average build, THUMS features medically accurate organs, helping the carmaker get detailed measurements of the internal structure of the human body, as well as 14 times more information about the effects of the crash than in the previous version.
Of course, you might wonder how would a computerized graphic of what happens inside the body during a crash could help an automaker. After all, there’s little they can do to prevent internal organs damage…
Toyota on the other hand believes it can do at least one thing: better design seatbelts and airbags.
THUMS, which has been created with the help of research institutes, including universities, will not be used exclusevely by Toyota. The model, still subject to some improvements, will be sold by the carmaker starting this autumn to other automotive players as well.
The virtual male will also get a spouse in the near future, as a female version is being planned. Additionally, another male, of large build, will also be developed.