With the THUMS, Toyota presented the first virtual crash test dummies worldwide in 2000. This does not make "real" crash tests redundant, but the virtual human body models make it possible to run through many more variants - and at considerably lower cost. Only for the final verification real dummies (and real cars) need to be used.
The simulations take into account differences in gender, age and physique. With the sixth generation, which was introduced in 2019, different postures and human organs can be reproduced even better - including brain and muscles. Compared to physical crash test dummies, injuries can be analyzed in more detail because the virtual models can be shaped more accurately and are also more durable.
More than 100 automobile manufacturers, suppliers, universities and research institutes worldwide use the THUMS. The virtual models help in the (further) development of safety technologies such as seat belts, airbags and vehicle structures, which - among other things - also influence the risk of injury to pedestrians. Independent crash test organisations are currently considering the use of THUMS in future vehicle safety assessments.
With the free availability, more developers will be able to access the software in the future, which should not only increase road safety. The usefulness of the software itself could also continue to increase as users can independently make improvements to the virtual models and share the results with others.
More information https://www.tytlabs.com/
Related articles:
Refined virtual human models complement crash test dummies
Smart dummy facilitates pedestrian detection system design and test
