Case Study: University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover achieves fast, cost-effective herbarium digitization with Dassault Systèmes DELMIA V6 for Academia

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover - Customer Case Study

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover needed a cost-effective way to digitally capture and document a vast, fragile collection of herbarium pressings (over 500 million specimens worldwide) while addressing worker ergonomics and throughput. To model and optimize this complex process the university partnered with Dassault Systemes and used DELMIA Version 6 for Academia (DELMIA V6) for virtual process and ergonomic simulation.

Dassault Systemes’ DELMIA V6 simulated the end-to-end workflow — from barcode scan to a synchronized CNC rotary table and camera — using digital manikins, MTM and RULA ergonomics analysis to verify reach, movements and timing. The solution enabled a camera that digitizes a sheet in two seconds, supported designing a full loading/unloading workflow to meet a 20‑second target, improved workstation ergonomics and operator productivity, and helped advance the project’s objective of reducing per‑sheet capture costs (from about $20 toward $2).

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover

August Potthast

Head of the Digitale Fabrik Laboratory