ASTM F3582-22

5.1?Exoskeletons are being used in the industrial/occupational, military, response, medical, and recreational sectors to enhance safety and effectiveness of the user to perform tasks. Traversing gaps is a component of many tasks that someone would do with an exoskeleton. For example, an exoskeleton may be used to help a worker in building construction where gaps in ground surfaces are prevalent. In the military, and other similar environments, soldiers using exoskeletons may traverse gaps along paths carrying loads. Fig. 1 shows examples of gaps typically found in various environments in which persons using exoskeletons may be required to step over gaps. The testing results of exoskeletons shall describe, in a statistically significant way, how reliably the exoskeleton is able to support tasks within the specified types of environments, confinements, and terrains, and thus provide sufficiently high levels of confidence to determine the applicability of the exoskeleton to a given task.

5.2?This test method addresses exoskeleton safety and performance requirements expressed by manufacturing, medical, emergency responders, military, or other organizations requesting this test. The safety and performance data captured within this test method are indicative of the test exoskeletons and the exoskeleton users capabilities. The safety and performance data from these tests are essential to guiding the procurement and deployment decisions of exoskeleton purchasers and users.

5.3?The standard test setup and apparatus (see Section 6) is specified to be easily fabricated. This facilitates evaluation and replication of gap tests by exoskeleton sectors. The standard test setup and apparatus can also be used to support training (see Practice F3444/F3444M) and to establish proficiency of exoskeleton users, as well as provide manufacturers with information about the usefulness of their exoskeleton(s) for tasks.

5.4?Although the test method was developed for the sectors listed in 5.1, it may be applicable to other operational domains.

1.1?Purpose:?

1.2?ExoskeletonThe exoskeleton shall be used as intended by the manufacturer to perform the test described in this test method. If the exoskeleton is not designed for gaps traversing and the test requestor intends to use the exoskeleton to perform a gaps test (for example, for research, development of gaps-capable use by a manufacturer, gaps training as in military applications), appropriate manufacturer approvals should be sought prior to performing the test method.

1.3?Performing LocationThis test method shall be performed in a testing laboratory or at a site that represents the place where the exoskeleton will be used.

1.4?UnitsThe 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.

1.5?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.

1.6?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.