ASTM F3218-19 - Standard Practice for Documenting Environmental Conditions for Utilization with A-UGV Test Methods

1.1 When conducting test methods, it is important to consider the role that the environmental conditions play in the Automatic through Autonomous – Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) performance. Various A-UGVs are designed to be operated both indoors and outdoors under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Likewise, end users of the A-UGV will be operating these vehicles in a variety of environmental conditions. When conducting and replicating F45 test methods by vehicle manufacturers and users, it is important to specify and document the environmental conditions under which the A-UGV is to be tested as there will be variations in vehicle performance caused by the conditions, especially when comparing and replicating sets of test results. It is also important to consider changes in environmental conditions during the course of operations (for example, transitions between conditions). As such, environmental conditions specified in this practice are static, dynamic, or transitional, or combinations thereof; with the A-UGV stationary or in motion. This practice provides brief introduction to the following list of environmental conditions that can affect performance of the A-UGV: Lighting, External sensor emission, Temperature, Humidity, Electrical Interference, Air quality, Ground Surface, and Boundaries. This practice then breaks down each condition into sub-categories so that the user can document the various aspects associated with the category prior to A-UGV tests defined in ASTM F45 Test Methods (for example, F3244). It is recommended that salient environment conditions be documented when conducting F45 test methods.

1.2 The environmental conditions listed in 1.1 to be documented for A-UGV(s) being tested are described and parameterized in Section 4 and allow a basis for performance comparison in test methods. The approach is to divide the list of environmental conditions into sub-conditions that represent the various aspects of the major category (for example, sunlight within ambient lighting). Where necessary, this practice also provides guidelines (for example, lighting direction) to document environmental conditions in an existing environment.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are not precise mathematical conversion to imperial 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 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.