Project Team

Dr. Bochen Jia is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and his research focuses on occupational issues related to worker capacity changes due to modern risk factors. He is currently working on quantifying the impacts of exoskeletons on worker performance and safety using digital human modeling technology. He is particularly interested in understanding the ability and limitations of human modeling technology in assessing various human-exoskeleton interactions. Dr. Jia is currently working as a task-group leader at ASTM International Standards Organization to lead the efforts of establishing a practice to guide the proper use of digital human models in the design and evaluation of exoskeleton devices in both occupational and nonoccupational settings. Armed with strong research advantages for the automobile industry in Michigan, his research efforts also extend to ergonomic issues associated with occupant behaviors under complex driving conditions with advanced technologies, such as connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. He is working on understanding occupants’ in-vehicle physical activities during prolonged driving.

At the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Jesudara, a prospective PhD student, conducts research on computer vision as a tool for biomechanical analysis. He is currently employed by Hitachi America as an intern for their connected vehicle R&D division. He is currently interested in using computer vision techniques to examine various human-exoskeleton interactions in order to comprehend the potential and constraints of human modeling technology.

Darlington Egeonu is presently a doctoral student in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Michigan Dearborn. His research interests center on employing digital human modeling and computer vision technology to simulate the application of exoskeleton devices, which offer support for injured and recovering workers. Additionally, his research extends to the field of ergonomic risk assessment, where he is developing a comprehensive strategy for the timely and non- invasive evaluation of physical workloads in the workplace, utilizing AI technology.