Rumpfführung

Rumpfführung (literal translation: trunk guidance or hull guidance) is a term used in several German-speaking technical fields to denote the control, guidance, or stabilization of the main body part of a system — the trunk in humans or the hull in vessels, or the primary body of a machine.

In naval architecture and shipbuilding, Rumpfführung describes the procedures and fixtures used to keep the hull true to its designed geometry during construction, fitting, and testing. This includes the use of alignment references (keel, frames), jigs and supports, and measurement methods to monitor straightness and symmetry. Proper rumpfführung influences structural integrity and hydrodynamic performance.

In biomechanics and rehabilitation, Rumpfführung refers to methods for guiding the trunk during movement to improve posture, balance, and gait. Therapies may involve manual guidance, sensor-based feedback, or assistive devices to enhance proprioception and motor control of the torso.

In robotics and vehicle dynamics, the term may denote control strategies that stabilize or coordinate the torso or center of mass relative to the rest of the system, improving balance, efficiency, and maneuverability. This can involve software control, exoskeletons, or passive design features.

The term is not uniformly standardized and can be used differently across disciplines. When encountered, it typically points to a guiding or stabilizing function associated with the main body segment of a larger system.