ASTM F3523-21 - Standard Test Method for Exoskeleton Use: Confined Space: Horizontal Movement

1.1.1 The purpose of this test method, as a part of a suite of exoskeleton use test methods, is to quantitatively evaluate an exoskeleton’s (see Terminology F3323) performance or safety of usage, or both, by the exoskeleton user (see 1.4) in confined spaces with horizontal user movement.

1.1.2 Exoskeletons shall possess a certain set of allowable exoskeleton user movement capabilities, including user-motion adaptability, to suit operations such as: industrial, military, response, medical, or recreational. Environments in these typical sectors often pose constraints to exoskeleton user movement to various degrees. Being able to pass-through or maneuver, or both, effectively in confined spaces is essential for exoskeleton deployment for a variety of tasks. This test method specifies apparatuses to standardize this confined space task for testing exoskeleton user movement along the horizontal axis.

1.1.3 Exoskeletons shall be able to handle many types of task and terrain complexities. The required movement capabilities include, for example: walking, running, crawling, climbing, traversing gaps, hurdles, stairs, slopes, various types of floor surfaces or terrains, and confined spaces. Standard test methods are required to evaluate whether or not exoskeletons meet these requirements.

1.1.4 ASTM Subcommittee F48.03 develops and maintains international standards for task performance and environmental considerations that include but are not limited to, standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. This subcommittee aims to develop standards for any exoskeleton application as exemplified as in 1.1.2. The F48.03 test suite consists of a set of test methods for evaluating exoskeleton capability requirements. This confined space: horizontal movement test method is a part of the test suite. The apparatuses associated with the test methods challenge specific exoskeleton capabilities in repeatable ways to facilitate comparison of different exoskeleton models or to facilitate application of exoskeleton capabilities to intended tasks.

1.1.5 The test methods quantify elemental exoskeleton use capabilities necessary for sector applications listed in 1.1.2 and perhaps others. As such, users of this test method should use either the entire suite or a subset based on their particular requirements. Users are also allowed to weight particular test methods or particular metrics within a test method differently based on their specific requirements. The testing results should collectively represent an exoskeleton’s overall safety or performance, or both, as required for the task. These performance data can be used: to guide procurement specifications, for acceptance testing, and for training to use exoskeletons intended for specified applications.