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PUBLICATIONS

Test Methods for Exoskeletons – Lessons Learned from Industrial and Response Robotics

Published

Author(s)

Roger V. Bostelman, Tsai H. Hong

Abstract

Exoskeletons are devices that can assist the human wearer's limbs to provide functional, normal or amplified human capabilities. Recent research on exoskeletons has dramatically increased. However, measurements of these devices have yet to show long-term safety and other effects on humans. Safety standards now allow, through risk assessment, both manufacturing and wearable robots to be used, although performance standards for both systems are still lacking. Much can be learned from industrial and response robot safety and performance, research and standards activities that can cross-over into the exoskeleton arena. For example, ongoing research to develop standard test methods to assess performance of manufacturing robots and emergency response robots can inspire similar test methods for exoskeletons. This chapter first lists exoskeleton performance metrics and standards for collaborative industrial robots, response robots, and also physical assistance robots (i.e., exoskeletons). Then it describes measurements of joint axis rotation location using an industrial robot simulating a human arm, as well as mobile manipulator and response robot test method developments that could also apply to exoskeletons. These methods and others are then integrated into recommendations for exoskeleton test methods.
Citation
Wearable Exoskeleton Systems: Design, Control and Applications
Publisher Info
The Institution of Engineering and Technology - Michael Faraday House, Stevenage, Herts., -1
Pub Type
Books

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1049/PBCE108E_ch13

Keywords

exoskeleton, cross-industry, industrial robot, response robot, artifact, standards
Manufacturing, Robotics in manufacturing and Metrology

Citation

Bostelman, R. and Hong, T. (2018), Test Methods for Exoskeletons – Lessons Learned from Industrial and Response Robotics, The Institution of Engineering and Technology - Michael Faraday House, Stevenage, Herts., -1, [online], https://doi.org/10.1049/PBCE108E_ch13 (Accessed April 25, 2024)

Created March 1, 2018, Updated November 10, 2018