ASTM F48 Formation and Standards for Industrial Exoskeletons and Exosuits

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Occupational Safety
• Wearable Technology

Background:

• Exoskeleton technology adoption in industries is hindered by a lack of established product standards and certifications.
• Exoskeletons, while not traditional personal protective equipment (PPE), share wearable characteristics and are of interest for workplace injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the ASTM International F48 consensus standards committee for exoskeletons.
• To describe the organization and current activities of the ASTM F48 committee.
• To highlight the role of standards and certifications in facilitating exoskeleton adoption.

Main Methods:

• Review of the organizational structure of ASTM International F48.
• Description of the committee's ongoing activities and focus areas.
• Analysis of the impact of standards on technology adoption in industrial settings.

Main Results:

• The establishment of ASTM International F48 as a dedicated committee for exoskeleton standards.
• Identification of key areas of focus for the committee, including manufacture, deployment, and use.
• Recognition of the potential for standards to address barriers to exoskeleton technology adoption.

Conclusions:

• Consensus standards and certifications are crucial for enhancing the adoption of exoskeleton technologies in the workplace.
• ASTM F48 is actively working to develop these essential standards.
• Standardization efforts are expected to promote safer and more widespread use of exoskeletons for injury prevention.