Humanetics Supports CATARC to Advance Understanding of Occupant Behavior in AEB Scenarios
Research explores the potential of BioRID in pre-crash and integrated safety testing
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan –The China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) with the support of Humanetics has established exploratory research to better understand occupant behavior under Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) conditions. The study investigates the applicability of the BioRID dummy, widely recognized for rear-impact (whiplash) testing, in evaluating occupant kinematics during pre-crash braking events.
As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) continue to evolve, the interaction between pre-crash interventions and occupant positioning has become a critical area of focus. In particular, AEB systems can significantly influence occupant posture prior to impact, with implications for both injury risk and restraint system performance.
Through a series of controlled test scenarios, CATARC evaluated occupant out-of-position behavior and assessed the biofidelity of the BioRID dummy under AEB conditions. Humanetics provided technical expertise and support throughout the research.
Initial findings indicate that the spinal response of the BioRID dummy under AEB conditions shows similarities to human volunteers exhibiting muscle activation. Compared to fully relaxed occupants, the dummy demonstrates slightly higher stiffness, resulting in somewhat reduced forward displacement. These observations contribute valuable insight into how current physical test devices may be applied in emerging integrated safety scenarios.
“This exploration reflects the growing importance of understanding the full sequence of events leading up to a crash,” explains Dr. Zhenwen (Jerry) Wang, Chief Technology Officer and Director of Project Management of Safety.“As pre-crash systems like AEB become more prevalent, the industry must consider how occupant position evolves and how that affects protection strategies.”
While the BioRID dummy was originally developed for rear-impact evaluation, the results of this study demonstrate its applicability in pre-braking rear-end collisions. Meanwhile, in the future, we will continue to optimize the neck structure of the dummy to achieve better biometric fidelity, ensuring the advancement of dummy technology.
Humanetics and CATARC will continue to encourage with industry stakeholders to advance knowledge in this area and support the development of robust, data-driven approaches to integrated safety assessment.
About Humanetics (Website: https://www.humaneticsgroup.com/)
Humanetics is an Industrial technology group, and a leading provider of safety systems, crash test dummies (ATDs), simulation software (RAMSIS), CAE models, human body models, complete line of passive & active safety SW & testing solutions, precision sensors, fiber optics and laser material processing solutions. The group is organized into three divisions (Safety, Digital and Sensors) focused on precision engineering and software development that puts humans at the heart of industrial design. The group has over 1100 employees located in facilities worldwide, with our global corporate headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA.
About CATARC
The China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) is a leading automotive research and testing organization dedicated to advancing vehicle safety, standards development, and innovation within the global mobility ecosystem.
For information, please contact:
Barney Loehnis, CMO, Humanetics
[email protected] +1 203 246 1397
Barney Loehnis
Barney is the President of Humanetics Sensors & Chief Marketing Officer, leading our Sensor group and marketing growth programs, strategic communications, and customer experience design. He has led marketing and digital transformations in Europe, Asia and the USA in B2B, B2C and agency sectors, for clients like IBM, VW, Huawei, Qualcomm and Mercer Consulting. Barney is a British and American citizen, a bad runner and avid cook.