Glossary of Terms

Advanced vehicle technologies are designed to prevent accidents by actively detecting and responding to potential hazards. These systems include features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, which assist drivers in avoiding collisions through real-time monitoring and automated interventions.

Humanetics offers a full range of active safety solutions that support the development and testing of these advanced systems. From robotic platforms (UFOs) to test management software, our products help ensure these technologies perform safely and reliably. You can explore our full active safety portfolio here.

Evaluation of a vehicle's active safety systems to assess their effectiveness in preventing accidents. This testing involves simulated scenarios, real-world conditions, and controlled environments to measure the performance of technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control.

Humanetics provides the tools and technology to support comprehensive active safety testing. Our robotic platforms, driving robots, and test management solutions help engineers create repeatable, real-world scenarios to validate system performance. Learn more about our active safety testing products here.

Technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and driving convenience by assisting the driver in detecting and responding to potential hazards. These systems include features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, helping to reduce accidents and improve the overall driving experience.

Humanetics supports the development and validation of ADAS technologies with a suite of advanced testing tools. Our solutions—including driving robots, robotic platforms, and scenario control software—enable precise, repeatable testing to ensure ADAS systems perform reliably in real-world conditions. Explore our full range of ADAS testing solutions here. 

A human-like crash test dummy designed to evaluate safety, ergonomics, and impact forces in aerospace environments. It is used in testing cockpit design, restraint systems, and crash safety for aircraft and space vehicles.

Humanetics manufactures a range of aerospace ATDs designed for testing safety, ergonomics, and crash performance in aircraft and space vehicles. These dummies are used in evaluating cockpit layouts, restraint systems, and impact forces. You can learn more about Humanetics aerospace offerings here.

Measurements and characteristics of the human body, such as height, weight, limb lengths, and joint mobility. This data is used in ergonomics, biomechanics, and safety research to design vehicles, protective equipment, and crash test dummies that accommodate diverse body types.

Humanetics provides access to comprehensive anthropometric data through tools like the iSize, supporting the design of safer, more inclusive products. This data helps engineers and designers better understand body dimensions across diverse populations. 

A human-like crash test dummy is used to measure impact forces, injury risks, and safety performance in crash testing and biomechanical research. ATDs are essential for improving vehicle safety, protective gear, and restraint systems in industries like automotive, aerospace, and defense. ATDs are equipped with sensors to measure impact forces, helping engineers improve vehicle safety features to meet regulatory compliance.

Humanetics designs and manufactures a wide range of ATDs used in automotive, aerospace, and other safety testing applications. These dummies help assess injury risk and improve safety system performance in crash scenarios. You can learn more about Humanetics ATD offerings here.

A safety system that automatically detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver does not react in time. Using sensors, cameras, or radar, AEB helps prevent or mitigate crashes by reducing vehicle speed and impact severity.

Humanetics supports the development and testing of AEB systems with tools like driving robots, robotic platforms, and test management software. These solutions help create precise, repeatable scenarios to evaluate system performance. You can learn more about Humanetics AEB testing solutions here.

Are digital representations of human bodies, used in simulations, virtual environments, and design applications. They help visualize body shapes, movements, and ergonomics in industries like apparel, gaming, automotive, and biomechanics.

Humanetics offers digital avatars used in ergonomics and human simulation tools to assess comfort, posture, and reach in virtual environments. These avatars help optimize design for real-world human interaction. You can learn more about Humanetics avatar solutions here.

A specialized crash test dummy designed to simulate human neck and spine movement in rear-impact collisions. It is used to assess whiplash injuries and improve automotive seat and head restraint designs for enhanced passenger safety and optimize headrest and seat designs.

Humanetics manufactures the BioRID ATD, specifically designed to evaluate whiplash injuries in rear-impact crash tests. It plays a key role in assessing seat and headrest performance. You can learn more about Humanetics BioRID offerings here. 

A collection of anthropometric measurements representing diverse human body sizes and shapes. Used in crash test dummy design and vehicle safety testing to ensure protection for all occupants.

Humanetics provides detailed body measurement databases accessible through platforms like iSize, assisting designers and engineers in creating ergonomically optimized and inclusive products. Learn more about our body measurement databases here.

Advanced imaging devices that capture high-resolution, three-dimensional representations of the human body. They use technologies like laser scanning or structured light to accurately measure and analyze body shape, size, movement, and posture for applications in ergonomics, anthropometric research, apparel design, medical diagnostics, and safety testing. 

Humanetics offers advanced 3D body scanning technology for capturing precise body measurements quickly and accurately. Our scanners support ergonomics, apparel design, automotive interiors, and more. You can learn more about Humanetics 3D body scanning solutions here.

Evaluates a vehicle's ability to detect and prevent potential crashes using sensors, braking, and steering systems. It assesses the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, and obstacle detection to prevent or mitigate collisions.

Humanetics provides testing solutions such as robotic platforms, driving robots, and scenario management software to validate collision avoidance technologies reliably. Learn more about Humanetics collision avoidance testing solutions here. 

Are digitally designed human test dummies created using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. They are used in crash testing, ergonomic analysis, and safety simulations to assess human impact and optimize product design in industries like automotive, aerospace, and biomechanics.

Humanetics offers detailed CAD models of ATDs, supporting virtual simulations to predict occupant safety performance in various scenarios. You can learn more about Humanetics virtual models here. 

The use of high-fidelity computer models and virtual testing to predict and analyze vehicle collisions. It helps assess crash dynamics, occupant safety, and structural integrity without physical testing, enabling engineers to improve vehicle safety and design.

Humanetics supports crash simulation with precise virtual ATD models and software solutions, enabling engineers to assess occupant safety performance digitally. Learn more about Humanetics virtual crash test models here.

A system that collects, records, and analyzes data from sensors and instruments in real-time. It is used in various applications, including vehicle testing, crash analysis, and performance monitoring, to measure parameters like speed, force, temperature, and pressure.

Humanetics provides advanced Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) to accurately capture and analyze critical crash test data, aiding in evaluating vehicle safety and compliance. Learn more about Humanetics DAS offerings here. 

Automated systems or mechanical devices designed to control a vehicle's steering, acceleration, and braking for testing, research, or autonomous driving development. They are commonly used in vehicle safety testing, durability assessments, and autonomous system validation. These systems ensure repeatability and accuracy in crash and safety evaluations.

Humanetics manufactures precise driving robots used to automate vehicle maneuvers during active safety testing, ensuring repeatability and accuracy of test conditions. Learn more about Humanetics driving robot solutions here. 

An advanced driver assistance system that automatically intervenes to prevent unintended lane departures or collisions. Using sensors and cameras, ELK detects when a vehicle is drifting out of its lane or approaching the edge of the road and actively steers it back to safety. 

Humanetics offers testing tools like robotic platforms and driving robots that help evaluate Emergency lane-keeping systems reliably under controlled conditions. Learn more about Humanetics ELK testing solutions here. 

A vehicle safety rating system that evaluates crash protection and advanced safety technologies through rigorous crash tests and assessments. It provides star ratings to help European consumers compare vehicle safety and encourages manufacturers to improve occupant and pedestrian protection.

Are regulations set by the U.S. government to ensure the safety, performance, and crashworthiness of motor vehicles and components. Enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these standards cover areas such as crashworthiness, crash avoidance, vehicle structure, and occupant safety systems to enhance road safety.

A systematic evaluation of a product’s design to ensure it meets size (fit), shape (form), and intended purpose (function) requirements. It is commonly used in engineering, manufacturing, and apparel development to optimize performance, usability, and user experience.

Humanetics supports fit-form-function analysis through comprehensive body data, 3D scanning technologies, and digital human modeling software, aiding designers in creating ergonomic solutions. Explore Humanetics offerings for fit-form-function analysis here. 

Are physical or digital models of the human body used in apparel design and manufacturing to ensure proper fit, sizing, and comfort. They help brands create well-fitting garments by representing standardized body shapes and proportions.

Humanetics provides physical fit forms and digital human modeling tools that enable ergonomic assessments and validations of product designs across diverse body types. Learn more about Humanetics fit forms solutions here.

A mathematical representations of force that indicate both magnitude and direction. They are used in physics and engineering to analyze motion, impact forces, and structural stress, such as in crash testing and vehicle safety evaluations.

Humanetics CAE tools help engineers visualize and analyze force vectors, enabling deeper insights into crash scenarios, safety system performance, and occupant safety. Learn more about Humanetics CAE solutions for force vector visualization here.

A detailed computer-simulated representation of the human body is used in crash simulations and biomechanical research. It replicates human anatomy, including bones, muscles, and soft tissues,  to analyze biomechanics, injury risk, and safety in various environments. They are widely utilized in automotive, military, and medical research to improve protective systems, optimize ergonomics, and enhance overall human safety.

Humanetics provides advanced Human Body Models (HBM) for virtual crash simulation and safety analysis, improving vehicle occupant protection strategies. Learn more about Humanetics HBM solutions here.

A crash test dummy standard is used to evaluate vehicle safety and occupant protection in frontal impact collisions. Developed for automotive crash testing, it provides detailed biomechanical data for impact forces and injury risks to the head, neck, chest, and limb, helping improve seatbelts, airbags, and vehicle crashworthiness.

Humanetics manufactures the widely utilized Hybrid III family of ATDs, key to automotive frontal crash safety testing and regulatory compliance worldwide. Learn more about Humanetics Hybrid III offerings here. 

An independent, nonprofit organization that conducts crash tests and safety evaluations to assess vehicle crashworthiness, crash avoidance systems, and occupant protection. It provides safety ratings to help consumers make informed choices and encourages manufacturers to improve vehicle safety.

An advanced driver assistance system that helps prevent unintentional lane departures by gently steering the vehicle back into its lane. Using cameras and sensors, LKA detects lane markings and provides corrective steering or alerts if the vehicle drifts without signaling.

Humanetics offers testing solutions including robotic platforms and driving robots to validate Lane Keeping Assist technologies under controlled and repeatable conditions. Learn more about Humanetics LKA testing solutions here.

A sensor that measures force or weight by converting applied pressure into an electrical signal. It is widely used in industrial, automotive, aerospace, and biomechanical testing to ensure accuracy in force measurement and safety assessments.

Humanetics manufactures precise load cells integrated into ATDs to measure impact forces accurately during crash testing. You can learn more about Humanetics load cell solutions here.

A human-like crash test dummy designed for military applications. It is used to assess the impact of various forces, such as explosions, vehicle crashes, and ballistic impacts, on the human body. These devices help improve soldier safety, develop protective gear, and enhance vehicle survivability by simulating real-world battlefield conditions.

Humanetics designs and manufactures specialized military ATDs to evaluate injury risks and the safety system's effectiveness under military-specific conditions. Learn more about Humanetics military ATD offerings here.

A U.S. government agency responsible for vehicle safety regulations, crash testing, and enforcement. It develops and enforces Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to reduce traffic accidents, improve road safety, and protect motorists and pedestrians.

A global safety rating system that evaluates vehicle crashworthiness and safety features through standardized crash tests and performance assessments. It provides safety ratings to help consumers make informed decisions and encourage manufacturers to enhance vehicle safety. Global programs inlcude ANCAP (Australia), ASEAN NCAP (Southeast Asia), BHARAT NCAP (India), C-NCAP (China), Euro NCAP (Europe), JNCAP (Japan), KNCAP (Korea) Latin NCAP (Latin America and Caribbean), and NHTSA and IIHS (U.S.).

Are vehicle features designed to reduce injury severity during a crash. They include airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, and reinforced structures, working to protect occupants and reduce impact severity.

Humanetics offers a comprehensive range of solutions for testing passive safety systems, including ATDs, sensors, and data acquisition equipment, ensuring occupant protection in crash scenarios. Learn more about Humanetics passive safety solutions here.

Evaluates a vehicle’s ability to detect and prevent collisions with pedestrians. This testing involves assessing active safety systems like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and passive safety features such as hood and bumper designs to minimize injury impact in the event of a collision.

Humanetics provides advanced testing solutions, including robotic platforms and specialized pedestrian targets, to assess pedestrian safety technologies effectively. Explore Humanetics pedestrian safety testing solutions here.

A controlled testing facility where vehicles and their safety systems are evaluated under various real-world conditions. It includes specialized tracks and environments for testing performance, durability, handling, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Humanetics offers comprehensive solutions and management tools for proving ground testing, enabling precise scenario creation and vehicle evaluation for active safety technologies. Learn more about Humanetics proving ground solutions here.

A lightweight, deformable object designed to replicate vehicles, pedestrians, or other road users in safety testing. It allows for the evaluation of collision avoidance and mitigation systems without causing damage to test vehicles.

An advanced crash test dummy designed to provide highly detailed biomechanical data for frontal impact testing. It features improved human-like responses, enhanced sensors, and greater accuracy in assessing injury risks by providing detailed data on impact forces, injury risks, and restraint system effectiveness, improving protection for occupants in high-risk environments.

Humanetics manufactures the THOR ATD, used globally for advanced occupant safety assessments, particularly in frontal and oblique crash scenarios. Learn more about Humanetics THOR ATD offerings here.

Are low-profile testing surfaces designed for vehicle and pedestrian impact assessments. They allow vehicles or test dummies to pass over them with minimal interference, ensuring accurate data collection for crash testing, autonomous vehicle research, and safety evaluations.

Humanetics provides ultraflat overrunnable platforms designed to facilitate realistic, high-speed active safety testing scenarios involving automated vehicles and ADAS systems. Learn more about Humanetics ultraflat platforms here.

Are computer-simulated human test dummies used to analyze impact forces, injury risks, and safety measures in crash testing and ergonomic studies. They enable advanced digital simulations for industries like automotive, aerospace, and biomechanics, reducing the need for physical prototypes.

Humanetics offers virtual ATD models enabling accurate simulations of occupant safety in digital environments, supporting predictive safety analysis and crash scenario evaluations. Learn more about Humanetics virtual ATD offerings here.

Road users who are particularly at risk of being injured or killed in traffic because they are not surrounded by a “protective shell” such as a driver’s cab. E.g. pedestrians and cyclists.

An advanced crash test dummy designed to represent a human occupant in side-impact crash testing. It features high biofidelity and advanced sensors to measure impact forces and injury risks, improving vehicle safety standards worldwide.

Humanetics manufactures the WorldSID ATD, an advanced dummy designed specifically for side-impact crash evaluations, supporting global regulatory compliance. Learn more about Humanetics WorldSID offerings here.