1.1.1 The purpose of this test method, as a part of a suite of exoskeleton use test methods, is to quantitatively evaluate an exoskeleton’s (see Terminology F3323) performance or safety, or both, of usage by the exoskeleton user (see 1.4) for gaps.

1.1.2 Exoskeletons shall possess a certain set of allowable exoskeleton user movement capabilities, including user-motion adaptability, to suit operations such as: industrial/occupational, military, response, medical, or recreational. Environments in these typical sectors often pose constraints to exoskeleton user movement to various degrees. Being able to step over gaps, as intended by the user or test requestor, while using an exoskeleton is essential for exoskeleton deployment for a variety of tasks. This test method specifies test setup, procedure, and recording to standardize this gaps task for testing exoskeleton user movement.

1.1.3 Exoskeletons need to function as intended, regardless of types of tasks and terrain complexities (for example, carpet, metal, masonry, rock, wood). Required movement capabilities may include, for example: walking, running, crawling, climbing; traversing gaps, stairs, slopes, various types of floor surfaces or terrains, or confined spaces, or combinations thereof. Standard test methods are required to evaluate whether or not exoskeletons meet these requirements.

1.1.4 ASTM Subcommittee F48.03 develops and maintains international standards for task performance and environmental considerations that include but are not limited to, standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. This subcommittee aims to develop standards for any exoskeleton application as exemplified as in 1.1.2. The F48.03 test suite consists of a set of test methods for evaluating exoskeleton capability requirements. This gaps test method is a part of the test suite. The setup, procedure, and apparatuses associated with the test methods challenge specific exoskeleton capabilities in repeatable ways to facilitate comparison of different exoskeleton models or exoskeleton capabilities to tasks. Not all exoskeletons may have the capabilities needed to use this test method.

1.1.5 This test method tests for generic gaps-traversal exoskeleton capability, with straight paths and no test course curves, obstacles, or other complexities not described herein (see 4.6). This test method is considered the basis for exoskeleton gaps capability testing.

1.1.6 The test methods quantify elemental exoskeleton use capabilities necessary for sector applications listed in 1.1.2 and perhaps other applications. As such, users of this standard should use either the entire suite or a subset based on their particular requirements. Users are also allowed to weight particular test methods or particular metrics within a test method differently based on their specific requirements. The testing results should collectively represent an exoskeleton’s overall safety or performance, or both, as required for the task. These performance data can be used: to guide procurement specifications, for acceptance testing, and for training to use exoskeletons intended for specified applications.