Standardization News

ASTM International’s committee on exoskeletons and exosuits (F48) has published its first two standards, providing consensus terminology (F3323) as well as labeling and other informational requirements (F3358).

“Exoskeletons embody the technological promise of empowering humans to be all they can be,” says committee member William Billotte, a physical scientist at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

As is common in many of ASTM International committees, the first standard establishes terms for industry stakeholders to help provide clarity in communications.  The second standard, according to Billotte, will help manufacturers decide how to label their exoskeletons, providing useful information to people who buy and use them.

“We want to make sure that labels and product information are clear, so that exoskeletons fit people properly, so that they function safely and effectively, and so that people can get the most from these innovative products,” he said. 

The committee on exoskeletons and exosuits was formed in 2017. The committee is working on several proposed standards and welcomes more participation from members of the exoskeleton community. For example, Billotte notes that the committee seeks experts in cybersecurity due to the growing need to secure data, controls, and biometrics in many exoskeletons.

For more information on the committee, please watch this video.

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