Digital Human Research Team

Introduction

Since the establishment of the Digital Human Research Laboratory in 2001, the predecessor of the current Digital Human Research Team, we have been conducting research to create diverse human body models in digital form. These models have been used in combination with CAD models of products to virtually evaluate usability at the early stages of product design. In this original context, the term digital human referred to a computer-generated human body model designed to assess the ergonomic compatibility between humans and products.

Since 2018, our research has expanded into new domains, particularly the application of digital humans within human-centered cyber-physical systems (CPS). By measuring individuals' physical conditions using IoT devices and making predictions based on digital human models, we aim to provide optimal informational and physical support tailored to individual users. To achieve this, digital humans must be constructed to replicate specific individuals within their living spaces, enabling real-time, bidirectional interaction between the physical and cyber spaces. In this evolving context, the digital human is becoming the human digital twin for CPS applications.

We are now conducting world-leading research to realize human digital twins by advancing technologies for human measurement, prediction, and intervention.

History

The Digital Human Laboratory was launched on April 1, 2001. Since then, the organization has undergone several restructurings in 2003, 2010, 2015, and 2018, but we have consistently continued our mission under the name Digital Human. Our core focus has remained on the measurement and modeling of human physical functions and applying those technologies to real-world social challenges.

We aim to further accelerate digital human research and contribute to the creation of a healthy, safe, and sustainable society through the development of high value-added products and services.

Digital Human Research Team Official Website (Notion)