The Evolution of Crash Test Dummies: Ensuring Road Safety with Chris O’Connor

In this episode of the Reimagined Mobility Podcast, we sit down with Chris O'Connor, President and CEO of Humanetics, to explore the critical yet often overlooked world of crash test dummies and automotive safety. Chris delves into the evolution of crash test dummies from the 1950s to today, highlighting the advancements in technology that have made cars safer. We discuss the importance of both passive and active safety features, the role of digital twins in vehicle testing, and the future of mobility safety. This insightful conversation sheds light on the intricate details of vehicle safety testing and the ongoing mission to reduce road fatalities.

 

Chris O’Connor is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Humanetics - a global industrial technology business focused on putting human well-being at the center of industrial design. Humanetics’ most iconic technology is the crash test dummy, but it’s full and growing solution portfolio includes crash test systems, virtual crash test dummies used in crash simulation, the world’s largest database of 3D body scans, ergonomic design software, custom sensors used in mission critical environments and laser micromachining. Humanetics serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, energy, semi-conductor and industrial sectors. It employs over 1000 employees across 26 international locations.  

 

In 2010, Mr. O’Connor led the acquisition and merger of two safety technology companies to form the modern-day Humanetics and since then has significantly grown the core business through organic growth and further acquisition. Humanetics has been the pioneer and global market leader in the design and manufacturing of crash test dummies, used by aerospace and automotive engineers, since 1952. Its fastest growing services are in the development of software simulation models for virtual safety testing, used to design and test conventional and autonomous vehicle safety. 

 

During his leadership, Mr. O’Connor has led seven successful acquisitions that expanded Humanetics beyond crash safety. The impact of the Humanetics’ solutions can be seen and used everywhere around us. Its products are critical to the performance of systems for civil infrastructure, energy, oil & gas, medical and electronics and telecommunications; its sophisticated inclusion pump sensors ensure patients receive proper medication dosages; and oil-drilling rigs are safe for operators and the environment. Its state-of-the-art optical fibers allow for advanced navigation of military jets, UAVs and guided missiles, while its custom sensor solutions protect pilots and passengers in military and commercial aircraft.  

 

Prior to Humanetics, Mr. O’Connor held senior leadership positions at TRW (now ZF), Martin Marietta and General Electric. In addition Chris is a retired Colonel in the US Army, and a graduate of the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College. 

 

Mr. O’Connor is a two-time recipient of Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award as winner in 2012 for Michigan & Northwest Ohio and again in 2018 as a National Finalist.

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