Humanetics Precision Metal Works history

1968: Sam Alderson introduces the VIP series, the first dummy specifically designed for automotive testing.

1970: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, established.

In 1971, features of the VIP series along with parts from Sierra Engineering were incorporated by General Motors into the Hybrid I, offering improved biofidelity and greater repeatability of results.

— Steve Goldner, Senior Project Engineer, with Humanetics Since 1973.

1978: NHTSA administers the first 35 mph frontal crash test.

1979: NHTSA contracts with the University of Michigan Transportation Institute to produce a new side impact dummy, a Hybrid II-type design with a new thorax.

1981: Samuel W. Alderson is granted a patent, titled Anthropomorphic Dummy for Use in Vehicle Crash Testing.

1983: The Supreme Court rules against the Reagan Administration and orders NHTSA to review the case for air bags.

1985: NHTSA promotes seatbelt use with its “You Could Learn a Lot From a Dummy” campaign, featuring fictitious crash-test dummies “Vince” and “Larry.”

The project continues until 1987.

1988: Chrysler becomes first United States auto maker to make driver side air bags standard equipment.

In 1990, Alderson Research Laboratories and Humanoid Systems merged to form First Technology Safety Systems (FTSS).

1993: Automakers are required to begin phasing in of passenger air bags in cars and light trucks.

Child models were introduced to the series beginning in 1994.

1995: First prototype of THOR is developed, the next-generation Test device for Human Occupant Restraint.

1996: First Technology Safety Systems develops the FT-Arup™ FE-Model Series, a highly precise and detailed finite element crash test dummy computer model.

1997: First Technology Safety Systems (FTSS) and Denton ATD work with industry participants to begin developing a new globally accepted side impact dummy called “WorldSID”, which was based on a 50th% male size.

In 1999, Humanetics acquired the dummy development and manufacturing business of TNO Automotive, Europe's leading and largest dummy company, creating the first truly global dummy development and manufacturing company.

2001: NHTSA adds a crash avoidance rating, measuring the risk of vehicle rollover.

2004: WorldSID made its official debut in June 2004 at a meeting of the Working Party on Passive Safety at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

In December 2005, FTSS was acquired by Honeywell.

In March 2006, Honeywell announced they were selling FTSSS to a private equity firm.

In 2008, Christopher O’Connor, a retired United States Army colonel and former General Electric Co. executive with an engineering background became CEO of FTSS.

In 2009, Humanetics was formed by Chicago private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital Ltd.

In December 2013, Wynnchurch Capital Ltd sold STH to San Francisco-based private equity company Golden Gate Capital.

In 2014, the company began producing heavier dummies with a higher body mass index to more accurately replicate crash results involving heavier humans.

In February 2015, STH acquired FronTone GmbH, an Austrian manufacturer of safety-test equipment.

In February 2017, STH acquired Fibercore Limited, a British manufacturer of specialty optical fibers.

2018: Humanetics acquires DSD Testing to play a major role not only in crash testing, but in crash-avoidance testing.

In January 2019, Humanetics and several automakers and suppliers including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Zoox, Faurecia and Autoliv formed the Advanced Driving Systems Consortium, to develop seating standards that the NHTSA can use for autonomous vehicles.

In July 2020, STH renamed itself as Humanetics Group.