Virtual Anthropology Lab

Our virtual anthropology lab has the latest technology for cutting-edge 3D virtual modelling and biomechanical analysis. Within these digital walls, we embark on the exploration of anatomical variation, shedding light on how species lived, evolved, and adapted to their environments, offering insights into our past.

Our laboratory stands at the forefront of anthropological research, providing a comprehensive range of tools and resources for studying anatomical variation, biomechanics, and evolutionary studies. It features 3D surface scanners and houses an extensive digital musculoskeletal reference collection comprising scans of mammals, primates, and fossil hominins, yielding invaluable data for comparative analysis.

To facilitate these research endeavours, our high-spec computing setup includes specialised 3D imaging software like Geomagic, Avizo, and Blender for 3D virtual reconstruction of scanned objects (skeletal and material culture). Additionally, we have an in-house 3D printer, enabling the creation of physical models from digital designs.

Researchers also enjoy access to state-of-the-art functional biomechanical modelling tools, including Vox-FE for finite element modelling and SIMM for multibody dynamic modelling, allowing in-depth exploration of the mechanics of anatomical structures. Our lab also hosts various geometric morphometrics research tools, enabling the quantitative analysis of form.

Equipment includes:

3D Object Scanners - Artec Spider and Artec Eva
3D Microscribe 3DX Digitizer
Digital set-up for photogrammetry
3D printing (Z-printer 350)
High-spec computing
3D imaging software (Geomagic, Avizo 3D Pro, Blender)
Functional biomechanical modelling (VOX-FE Finite element modelling software, SIMM Software for Interactive Musculoskeletal Modelling)
Geometric Morphometrics (EVAN, Morphologika, MorhpoJ, Geomorph (R package)