Meet Oscar, just your average run of the mill 170-lb steel, plastic, and aluminum mannequin. Patented by Cyberdyne in 1962 with the intent of being the basis for their Terminator program…err patented by GM in 1962 as their “Comfort Dimensioning System”, Oscar is used to test the interior dimensions for optimal comfort.

With a CPU and a layer of synthetic skin Oscar is ready to go hunt down Sarah Connor and end human existence as we know it, but not before making sure our car seats are comfortable.

GM used Oscar to develop the interior design of the new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu for maximum comfort. Using 18 removable parts with a mechanically hinged hip, Oscar is able to move and flex for engineers looking to find the necessary measurements such as back angle, headroom, steering wheel position, etc. for the interior of a car. Human X-rays were used to develop the shape and size of Oscar to create the most accurate interpretation of an average person.

Aside from mimicking average sized humans, Oscar’s build can change from a 5th percentile female at 108-lbs to the 95th percentile male at 270-lbs (note: at higher than the 95th percentile a man will be larger than 95% of all men and 5th percentile female will be smaller than 95% of women). This versatility allows for GM to be able to see how people of all sizes and shapes can fit into various designs and allows them to make more efficient and comfortable designs. These designs are then incorporated into new vehicles like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. To see more about Oscar check out media.gm.com or go see him box in the movie “Real Steel” with Hugh Jackman which premiers on Oct. 7, 2011 (just kidding).