Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS)
To reduce fatalities and the societal burden of crash injuries, engineers, clinicians, and researchers are seeking new ways of bolstering the safety of our roads and vehicles. One emerging tool in this effort is the use of computerized human body models. A key example is the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) developed by Toyota Central Research and Development Labs.
Virtual models can be designed with detailed human anatomy like major organs, and can include blood vessels, ligaments, tendons and muscles. These models will not only be used to improve vehicular safety systems, but may also help manufacturers streamline costs incurred in the design cycle.
Automobile crashes are a major but often overlooked public health problem in the United States. They are responsible for roughly 40 thousand deaths each year, and are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 19 in this country.