Our recent publication introducing a method to capture detailed anatomical data in automotive postures using an Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine was recognized as one of just fifteen Editors’ Choice Papers in the 2025 Richard Skalak Award competition.
Variability in Body Shape, Superficial Soft Tissue Geometry, and Seatbelt Fit Relative to the Pelvis in Automotive Postures—Methods for Volunteer Data Collection With Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging is co-authored by MEA’s Gabrielle Booth, Carolyn Roberts, and Dr. Gunter Siegmund, together with collaborators from the University of Virginia, University of British Columbia, Autoliv Research and Chalmers University.
Published in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, the paper presents a novel methodology to capture information on body shape, superficial soft tissue geometry, skeletal geometry, and seatbelt fit relative to the skeleton in automotive postures using a simulated automobile seating environment built inside an Open MRI machine. This protocol enables researchers to recreate realistic automotive postures, including upright and reclined seating, and generate detailed 3D anatomical data without exposure to radiation, unlike with X-ray or CT scans. The authors observed substantial variability in external body shape and internal anatomy, not only across sexes but also among individuals with similar age, sex, height, and weight. By capturing both gross and subtle aspects of this variability, the method provides the groundwork for future studies aimed at understanding how human differences influence injury risk in vehicle collisions.
Each year, the associate editors of the ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering select a small group of outstanding publications from the previous calendar year as Editors’ Choice Papers. From these, an external committee selects the winner of the Richard Skalak Award, named in honor of a pioneer in the field of biomechanics and bioengineering. The full list of Editors’ Choice Papers appears in the 2025 Annual Special Issue.