MS-11 Anthroengineering, a Mechanical Perspective

Michael A Berthaume, London South Bank University
John C Brigham, Durham University

Traditionally, anthropology and engineering have developed and operated in isolation, but recent advances in interdisciplinary research, supporting new, novel ways of thinking, has encouraged the two fields to work together to address significant questions within and across fields. The combination of cutting edge engineering techniques, such as multibody dynamic and finite element analysis, with advanced biological principles, such as functional bone remodelling and evolutionary adaptation, has undoubtedly benefited the field of mechanics. Within mechanics, anthroengineering has revolutionized our understanding of human and primate biomechanics, and played significant roles in the development of user centred design and the quantification/interpretation of biomedical human biological variation. This symposium serves two purposes: to formally introduce anthroengineering to the field of engineering and discuss its role in mechanics. Despite successes, the full utility of an integrated anthroengineering approach has not yet been realized. We further seek with this symposium to extend the foundational work by discussing how to move forward approaching questions of mechanical interest from an anthroengineering perspective.