ASTM F3243-21 - Standard Practice for Implementing Communications Impairments on A-UGV Systems

1.1 This practice considers impairments of communications within an automatic, automated, or autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (A­UGV) system during task execution. An A-UGV system typically uses communications between an A-UGV and fixed system components and resources, such as off-board control, job and fleet scheduling, infrastructure equipment interactions, or cloud-computing programs for tasks. Communications impairments can cause an A-UGV operation to change in various ways that can include delays or failure to complete the task.

1.2 This practice is designed for applying known communications impairments to an A-UGV system in conjunction with A-UGV task testing. It is designed to create similar changes in communications that can possibly cause task performance limiting effects that are often experienced by an A-UGV system in different environments.

1.3 This practice is intended to simulate impairments that may be present during the operation of an A-UGV system. This practice can be used, for example, by a manufacturer to indicate that system performance was tested to be robust against specific test communications impairments. The tests are not intended to test situations that should be eliminated during system installation, for example, a duplicate internet protocol (IP) address on the network.

1.4 This practice only describes communications impairments. It does not specify an A-UGV task. The A-UGV task should be a defined ASTM International test method or task description in similar detail.

1.5 This practice defines methods to record communications impairment types and extents while the A-UGV is stationary or performs a task. Temporal or spatial extents in which communications impairments occur include the timing, duration, location within the task, or other triggered events. Examples for implementing common communications impairments are provided.

1.6 This practice is not intended for:

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 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. Safety standards for A-UGVs (for example, ITSDF B56.5, ISO 3691-4) should be followed.

1.9 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.