ASTM F3517-21 - Standard Practice for Movement Tests When Using an Exoskeleton

1.1 This practice provides a structure for documenting test methods used to evaluate exoskeleton success criteria during a requested movement task and to ensure the movements can be completed to the criteria specified by the test requestor. The practice describes movement tasks, such as walking, running, transitioning, crawling, climbing, jumping, and combinations thereof, while not wearing and wearing an exoskeleton and while not handling or handling loads. The practice does not describe all movement tasks, types, or methods. Instead, this standard provides exoskeleton manufacturers and users with example movement test procedures for common movement tasks and a method to record movement and test parameters so that movement tasks can be replicated. The practice includes designs for a movement apparatus, and the appendix provides design details.

1.2 The test requestor shall provide input to the evaluation and provide the evaluation method, which may come from another standard, and should include, for example: precision, statistical validity, population selection criteria, and environmental conditions.

1.3 Output of the evaluation, that is, success criteria, are provided by the requestor. Movement tests may include success criteria for the user, such as: move to a goal, continuously move, or combinations thereof.

1.4 User movements may contain single or multiple joints.

1.5 Movements may include the user being within or outside of the exoskeleton during the test and may include the exoskeleton moving the user, or the user moving the exoskeleton, or combinations thereof.

1.6 If possible, tests using real or artifact test spaces and loads should be replicable and performed under environmental conditions representative of a real-world movement implementation.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are not precise mathematical conversions 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.

1.8 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.

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.