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Fuzzy-brain in uncharted waters

DSTO's recent unveiling of the world's most sophisticated dynamical 3-D simulator of the human spine and the whole neuro-musculo-skeletal system has caused waves within scientific circles.

Dr Vladimir Ivancevic

Developed by DSTO scientist, Dr Vladimir Ivancevic, the model challenges existing theories of biomechanics and promises to be the most accurate predictor of injury to the spine and associated neuro-muscular tissues.

The Human Biodynamics Engine (HBE) model was developed by Dr Ivancevic to examine the implications of head-mounted loads, such as night vision goggles, on the performance and wellbeing of Australian soldiers.

"The HBE model will radically improve the ability to anticipate the point in time and specific location of potential injuries," he explained.

"It is not only a predictor of spinal injuries, but all neuro-musculo-skeletal injuries, and is much more realistic than any other model in the world."

"This will have many applications including the design of wearable and carried loads, safety assessment of workplace activities, and as a possible alternative to million-dollar crash test dummies," he said.

Dr Ivancevic is now taking his research one step further, introducing a "brain" into the simulator, in what will become the Human Performance Engine (HPE) model.

The HPE model focuses on intelligent human performance, rather than on the prediction of injuries.

"At the moment, HBE does only what you tell it to do - like any other simulator. On the other hand, truly intelligent behaviour means that the simulator makes its own decisions regarding how to react to a given situation, and therefore plan and execute its motion accordingly - without users interfering."

The mechanical complexity of HBE (ten times that of the Honda robot, Asimo) is too high for an artificial "brain" to handle. For the purposes of developing his intelligent human simulator, Dr Ivancevic has to reduce the complexity of HBE so that his adaptive fuzzy-logic brain can cope with it.

Dr Ivancevic explains that the research is high risk. "We are attempting to simulate intelligent human behaviour. This is something that has never been done before. In theory our adaptive fuzzy-logic is strong enough to do it, but in practice - who knows."

Dr Ivancevic is one of many eminent Australian scientists available for interview about their work and science in general during National Science Week. For details visit: www.scienceweek.info.au.

Further information:

Manager, Defence Science Communications (Melbourne)

Ms Edwina Callus
Defence Science Communications

DSTO Melbourne
506 Lorimer Street
Fishermans Bend
Victoria 3207

Phone:

03 9626 7131

Fax:

03 9626 7133

Email:

edwina.callus@dsto.defence.gov.au

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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