Humanetics launches Europe-wide body measurement survey

Humanetics has started SizeEUROPE, a cross-border anthropometric survey in Germany and France to build a current reference dataset for Europe's population. The project aims to improve design for vehicles, workplaces, medical devices, apparel and other products by replacing decades-old body measurement data.

Why it matters: - Many body measurement datasets used in product design are decades old and no longer reflect Europe's current population. - SizeEUROPE aims to give industry and researchers a modern dataset for safer, more ergonomic and better-fitting products. - The survey could affect design across automotive, aerospace, healthcare, apparel, furniture and personal protective equipment.

What happened: - Humanetics launched SizeEUROPE, a Europe-wide scientific anthropometric survey, on July 16, 2026. - Data collection has started in Weiterstadt near Darmstadt, Germany, and Lille, France. - Humanetics plans to add more locations across Europe as the project continues. - The project is recruiting adult volunteers at the first scanning sites.

The details: - SizeEUROPE is designed to create a new anthropometric reference dataset representing today's European population. - The survey uses standardized methods and a representative sampling strategy. - The project will create a harmonized dataset so body measurements and body shapes can be compared across European populations. - Contact-free 3D body scanners capture more than 150 body measurements and each participant's body shape in a few seconds. - A short questionnaire supplements the scan data. - All data are collected anonymously under internationally recognized standards, including ISO 7250, ISO 8559 and ASTM. - Humanetics says adults of all ages, body shapes and clothing sizes are welcome to participate. - People living near Darmstadt or Lille can book a scanning appointment. - Humanetics is also seeking companies, universities, research organizations and public institutions as project partners. - More information

Between the lines: - The project positions Humanetics as a data provider at the point where product design, standards development and human modeling overlap. - Early partners may gain access to validated data before the final dataset is complete, which could help with development decisions. - The cross-border structure suggests Humanetics wants a more comparable European baseline than older country-by-country datasets provide.

What's next: - Humanetics will expand scanning sites across Europe. - The company will keep recruiting volunteers and project partners as the dataset grows. - The finished reference dataset is expected to support ergonomics research, standards work and product innovation across multiple industries. - Humanetics says early supporters can incorporate new insights during the project, not only after it ends.