Exoskeletons and Exosuits Research and Standard Test Methods

Exoskeleton Safety and Performance Test Method Development

ASTM Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits was formed in 2017 to develop voluntary consensus standards for exoskeletons and exosuits. Subcommittees address safety, quality, performance, ergonomics and terminology for systems and components during the full life cycle of the product – from before usage, to maintenance, to disposal – including, security and information technology considerations. The activities cover industrial, emergency response, medical, military and consumer applications covering passive and active systems, enhancing and decreasing effects systems, as well as systems with physical and cognitive integration.

The Committee, currently with a membership of approximately 130, meets face-to-face two times a year, with approximately 50 members attending over two to three days of technical meetings typically in February and June. F48 standards will be published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 15.08. F48 has 6 technical subcommittees that may also virtually-meet monthly (see  Current Meetings) to develop and maintain standards:

• F48.01 Design and Manufacturing
• F48.02 Human Factors and Ergonomics
• F48.03 Task Performance and Environmental Considerations
• F48.04 Maintenance and Disposal
• F48.05 Security and Information Technology
• F48.90 Executive
• F48.91 Terminology

Further information on F48 subcommittees and F48's portfolio of approved standards and Work Items under construction are available at: https://www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/F48.htm