【Title】Whole-body Biomechanics - Modeling and Applications 

【Speaker】Dr. Xu Xu, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University. 

【Host】Dr. Zhizhong Li 

【Time】December 13, 2016, 10:00am–11:30am 

【Location】Room N510, Shunde Building

【Abstract】

Biomechanics is an interdisciplinary study that combines the knowledge of engineering, biology, and behavioral science. Under the broader umbrella of biomechanics, occupational biomechanics specifically focuses on minimizing the risk of occupational injuries. This talk will start from an example of integrating an inverse dynamic model and computer interface design to predict low-back injury from field survey video, as muscle overexertion remain the top one reason for occupational injury claims. Because optimization is widely used in biomechanical modeling, examples of applying optimization techniques in shoulder biomechanical modeling will then be demonstrated. In addition, machine learning techniques are also powerful tools for biomechanics study. Therefore, research using machine learning techniques to identify manual distraction during driving will be explained. Due to the applied orientation of occupational biomechanics, some examples of the application of biomechanical modeling will be provided, including applying sensors from the gaming industry for biomechanics studies, as well as virtual exertion in an virtual reality environment for rehabilitation from injuries. The talk will close with the future research plan.

【Brief bio】

Xu Xu earned a B.S. in industrial engineering from Tsinghua University in 2004, and an M.S and Ph.D. in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University in 2006 and 2008. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Department of Environmental Health at Harvard School of Public Health in 2010. From there he worked as a research scientist in Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety. He joined Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University in 2016 as an assistant professor. His research interests are mainly on human factors and ergonomics engineering, occupational biomechanics, optimization-based biomechanical modelling, data mining on human motion data, and musculoskeletal injury prevention.

All interested are welcome!