The dynamic load carrying manikin 'NICK' is a system consisting of an instrumented dummy to simulate the influence of load carrying systems while walking. With the help of various sensors, the movements, forces and torques, pressure distribution, and belt tension can be assessed.

The NICK manikin can be used to:

• Evaluate forces and moments in all three directions for the detection of loads and asymmetries;
• Identify zones with increased pressure and interaction forces on the skin/product interface
• Develop new samples or compare samples with earlier prototypes, competing products on the market;

• Simulate customized, real-life scenarios to assess the performance under actual conditions of use.
   

Oberhofer, K., Wettenschwiler, P. D., Singh, N., Ferguson, S. J., Annaheim, S., Rossi, R. M., & Lorenzetti, S. (2018). The influence of backpack weight and hip belt tension on movement and loading in the pelvis and lower limbs during walking. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics, 2018, 4671956 (8 pp.). DOI

Wettenschwiler, P. D., Lorenzetti, S., Ferguson, S. J., Stämpfli, R., Aiyangar, A. K., Rossi, R. M., & Annaheim, S. (2017). Loading of the lumbar spine during backpack carriage. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, 20(5), 558-565. DOI

Wettenschwiler, P. D., Annaheim, S., Lorenzetti, S., Ferguson, S. J., Stämpfli, R., Psikuta, A., & Rossi, R. M. (2017). Validation of an instrumented dummy to assess mechanical aspects of discomfort during load carriage. PLoS One, 12(6), e0180069 (15 pp.). DOI

Wettenschwiler, P. D., Stämpfli, R., Lorenzetti, S., Ferguson, S. J., Rossi, R. M., & Annaheim, S. (2015). How reliable are pressure measurements with Tekscan sensors on the body surface of human subjects wearing load carriage systems? International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 49, 60-67. DOI

Wettenschwiler, P. D., Lorenzetti, S., Stämpfli, R., Rossi, R. M., Ferguson, S. J., & Annaheim, S. (2015). Mechanical predictors of discomfort during load carriage. PLoS One, 10(11), e0142004 (14 pp.). DOI