ASTM F3474-20 - Standard Practice for Establishing Exoskeleton Functional Ergonomic Parameters and Test Metrics

1.1 This practice provides a recommended approach and a set of options for assessing one or more specific ergonomic parameters with respect to human users of exoskeletons.

1.2 This practice provides functional ergonomic criteria to consider for the design, production, and evaluation of exoskeletons within the domains of industry, military, medical, first responders, and recreational. When designing exoskeletons, natural unassisted human kinematics and kinetics, as well as the resulting strain and fatigue experienced by the user should be salient design parameters. Any changes in the natural unassisted human kinematics and kinetics may impact the exoskeleton’s effectiveness in augmenting user performance. Therefore, the defining principle of this practice is to establish objective measures that can be selected from to assess human kinematics and kinetics, as well as the resulting strain and fatigue experienced by the user within the task context of the exoskeleton’s end use application.

1.3 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.

1.4 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.