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

Standard No.

ASTM F3523-21

Release Date

2021

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM F3523-21

Scope

1.1 Purpose: 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. NOTE 1—Additional test methods within the suite are anticipated to be developed to address additional exoskeleton capability requirements, including newly identified requirements, and even for new application domains. 1.2 Performing Location—This test method shall be performed in a testing laboratory or the field where the specified apparatus and environmental conditions are implemented. 1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are not precise mathematical conversions to inch-pound units. They are close approximate equivalents for the purpose of specifying material dimensions or quantities that are readily available to avoid excessive fabrication costs of test apparatuses while maintaining repeatability and reproducibility of the test method results. These values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the 1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F48.03 on Task Performance and Environmental Considerations. Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2021. Published November 2021. DOI: 10.1520/F3523-21. Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 8QLYHUVLW\RI7RURQWR 8QLYHUVLW\RI7RURQWR SXUVXDQWWR/LFHQVH$JUHHPHQW1RIXUWKHUUHSURGXFWLRQVDXWKRUL]HG 'RZQORDGHGSULQWHGE\ &RS\ULJKWE\$670,QW O DOOULJKWVUHVHUYHG :HG'HF*07 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F3523-21 Referenced Document

• ASTM D4276 Standard Practice for Confined Area Entry
• ASTM F3128 Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Schedule 40 Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe with a Cellular Core*， 2023-04-01 Update
• ASTM F3323 Standard Terminology for Exoskeletons and Exosuits*， 2021-12-01 Update
• ASTM F3427 Standard Practice for Documenting Environmental Conditions for Utilization with Exoskeleton Test Methods
• ASTM F3443 Standard Practice for Load Handling When Using an Exoskeleton
• ASTM F3444/F3444M Standard Practice for Training Exoskeleton Users
• ASTM F3474 Standard Practice for Establishing Exoskeleton Functional Ergonomic Parameters and Test Metrics
• ASTM F3517 Standard Practice for Movement Tests When Using an Exoskeleton
• ISO 13482 Robots and robotic devices - Safety requirements for personal care robots

ASTM F3523-21 history

• 2021 ASTM F3523-21 Standard Test Method for Exoskeleton Use: Confined Space: Horizontal Movement