The Ivace+i is funding Europe’s largest database of digital children’s models developed by IBV, using state-of-the-art body scanning technology
The Instituto de Biomecánica (IBV) currently has the largest database of digital models of the child population in Europe, developed from 3D scans of more than 8,000 digital models of children aged between 0 and 14.
This development, part of the ANT-INFANTIL project and funded to the tune of 220,000 euros by the Ivace+i’s Innovation Unit, uses state-of-the-art body scanning technology developed by the Technology Centre itself.
The aim of this research is to help companies working in the children’s product sector to improve the design, fit, safety, ergonomics, comfort, ease of use and durability of children’s products, thereby also improving the safety and well-being of children.
This morning the Regional Secretary for Industry, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Felipe Carrasco, visited the Instituto de Biomecánica to learn about “this project, which puts the Valencian Community at the forefront of research and is an example of how public-private cooperation can be beneficial to society”.
Felipe Carrasco emphasised “the dynamic role” of technology centres while stressing that “we need to continue aligning the R&D system with the realities of production and to convert that research into economic growth and quality jobs”.
The only models currently available are digital models based on data from the adult population. There are no specific models for children, and companies that design or manufacture products for children suffer from a lack of scientific criteria to ensure the development of ergonomic products.
Javier Sánchez, the Managing Director of the IBV, highlighted “the international recognition that the IBV has in this field of research” and referred to “the important work of technology centres in transferring results to our business fabric, contributing to its transformation and making it more competitive and sustainable”.
Several leading companies in the design and development of children’s products in the Valencian Community have worked with the IBV in this project, including GARVALÍN (children’s footwear), RASÁN (children’s sports), AVAILAND (baby carriers) and MUYDEMI (children’s clothing), as well as ASEPRI, the Spanish Association of Children’s Products.
Saving time and money
The availability of digital models that simulate the behaviour, dimensions and shape of boys and girls at different stages of their growth is a great help for companies developing this type of product, especially in the design, validation and marketing phases.
The results of this research will enable companies in the sector to optimise size ranges and patterns, achieve better results in 3D product design programmes, with the resulting savings in the time and cost of producing prototypes.
It will also help reduce product returns and provide science-based information to improve fit, safety, ergonomics and comfort.
Saving time and money
The availability of digital models that simulate the behaviour, dimensions and shape of boys and girls at different stages of their growth is a great help for companies developing this type of product, especially in the design, validation and marketing phases.
The results of this research will enable companies in the sector to optimise size ranges and patterns, achieve better results in 3D product design programmes, with the resulting savings in the time and cost of producing prototypes.
It will also help reduce product returns and provide science-based information to improve fit, safety, ergonomics and comfort.
