The overall rationale and assumption for the research project presented is this paper is that a fast, easy to use, and reliable procedure to predict and validate manual assembly tasks is of major importance in product and production development processes to ensure high and robust product quality and process performance. A basic condition for the research is the belief that tools with such functionality are currently not available for companies to utilise in their development processes. Hence more research and development is needed in the area. This paper describes the basic concepts and initial steps taken in the recently commenced research project IMMA - Intelligently Moving Manikin. © 2011 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.