Diploma in Applied Biomechanics and Exos Selection
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in applied biomechanics and exoskeleton selection: 8 modules covering functional anatomy and biomechanics, ergonomic workstation assessment, types of industrial exoskeletons, instrumented biomechanical measurement, musculoskeletal simulation, exoskeleton selection and fitting, safety and the regulatory framework, and a final project, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Applied Biomechanics and Exos Selection — studying from South Africa
Robotics and automation are growing in South African manufacturing, mining and logistics, where companies seek to improve productivity and safety. Automotive plants, food processors and mining operations use industrial robots, programmable logic controllers and process automation systems. Universities such as Stellenbosch and the University of Pretoria research robotics and control theory. Engineers in this field combine electrical, mechanical and software skills to design and integrate automated systems.
Fees for South Africa: R 33 400 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any South African body. Professional engineering registration in South Africa is through ECSA, which assesses accredited training and experience. Whether a private SEIUM qualification is recognised is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm acceptance before enrolling.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in robotics and automation?
Manufacturing, mining, logistics and automation integrators in South Africa often value applied skills in control systems, programming and integration. A private qualification may support your CV, particularly with practical projects, but it is not state-recognised. Its value depends on each employer's view, so ask potential employers how they would assess it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from South Africa without a student visa. Master's programmes require 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor. Fees can be paid in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible. Check time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM directly.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the biomechanics of manual tasks in industrial settings.
Assess ergonomic risk with the NIOSH, REBA and OCRA methods.
Distinguish types of exoskeletons and their operating principles.
Design instrumented biomechanical measurement protocols.
Simulate human-exoskeleton interaction with musculoskeletal models.
Select the right exoskeleton for each workstation and user.
Apply safety regulations and ethical considerations to implementation.
Who it's for
- Industrial ergonomists.
- Occupational health and safety technicians assessing manual handling risks.
- Biomechanics engineers.
- Exoskeleton specialists supporting deployments on the shop floor.
- Methods and time engineers redesigning workstations.
- Occupational health managers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter the automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- ISO 11228-1 (manual handling: lifting and carrying)
- ISO 11226 (evaluation of static working postures)
- ISO 13482:2014 (personal care robots: safety)
- ISO 11228-3 (handling of low loads at high frequency)
- ISO 12100:2010 (safety of machinery: risk assessment)
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery (EU machinery safety regulation)
- ASTM F3323 (terminology for exoskeletons and exosuits)
- OpenSim
- Siemens Jack
- Xsens MVN Analyze
- Noraxon MR3
- Visual3D
8 modules
1.1The musculoskeletal system and key joints1.2Kinematics of the spine, shoulder and knee1.3Kinetics: forces, moments and levers1.4Lumbar compression and shear1.5Work-related musculoskeletal disorders1.6Localised muscle fatigue1.7Anthropometry and population variability1.8Segmental biomechanical models1.9Differences by sex and age1.10Workshop: calculating the lumbar moment in a lift
2.1The revised NIOSH lifting equation2.2The REBA and RULA methods2.3The OCRA method for repetitive movements2.4Assessing pushing and pulling with Snook-Ciriello2.5Awkward postures according to ISO 112262.6The BAuA KIM method2.7Video recording and postural analysis2.8Prioritising critical workstations2.9Technical report on ergonomic risk2.10Practical exercise: REBA assessment of an assembly task
3.1Passive, active and semi-active classification3.2Lumbar support exoskeletons3.3Shoulder exoskeletons for overhead work3.4Leg support and wearable chairs3.5Elastic mechanisms and torque curves3.6Actuators, batteries and control3.7Soft exosuits and textiles3.8Physical interfaces and attachment points3.9Market and reference manufacturers3.10Case study: comparison of shoulder exoskeletons
4.1Surface electromyography (sEMG)4.2Normalisation with maximum voluntary contraction4.3Optical and inertial motion capture4.4Force plates and plantar pressure4.5Heart rate and metabolic cost4.6Borg subjective effort scales4.7Designing laboratory protocols4.8Signal processing and filtering4.9Statistics for small samples4.10Lab: sEMG analysis with and without an exoskeleton
5.1Full-body models in OpenSim5.2Scaling the model to the subject5.3Inverse kinematics and inverse dynamics5.4Static optimisation of muscle forces5.5Modelling exoskeleton-human interaction5.6Digital humans in Siemens Jack5.7Model sensitivity analysis5.8Validation against experimental data5.9Limitations of the models5.10Practical exercise: simulation of an assisted lift in OpenSim
6.1Task-exoskeleton compatibility matrix6.2Torque, range and weight criteria6.3Compatibility with PPE and workwear6.4Sizing, fit and individual adjustment6.5Side effects and load migration6.6User acceptance and comfort6.7Short- and long-term field trials6.8Purchasing process and internal approval6.9Maintenance and hygiene of the equipment6.10Case study: selection for a painting workstation
7.1Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery7.2Exoskeletons and personal protective equipment7.3ISO 13482 for personal care robots7.4ISO/TR 23482 validation report7.5ASTM F48 standards on exoskeletons7.6Risk assessment according to ISO 121007.7Health surveillance and prevention7.8Ethical considerations and voluntary use7.9Technical documentation and CE marking7.10Workshop: risk analysis of an active exoskeleton
8.1Description of the workstation and task8.2Initial ergonomic assessment8.3Exoskeleton shortlisting8.4Measurement protocol8.5Analysis of biomechanical results8.6Safety analysis8.7Implementation recommendation8.8Follow-up plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, which makes the programme compatible with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenSim, Siemens Jack, Xsens MVN Analyze, Noraxon MR3 and Visual3D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: electromyographic measurement with and without an exoskeleton, acceptance field trials on an assembly line and musculoskeletal simulation of lifting tasks. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 11228-1, ISO 11226, ISO 13482:2014, ISO 11228-3, ISO 12100:2010, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery, ASTM F3323.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with OpenSim, Siemens Jack, Xsens MVN Analyze, Noraxon MR3 and Visual3D, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer capable of running the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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