Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard will be used to quantitatively evaluate the maneuverability, repeatability, and accuracy of an automatic unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) when docking at defined locations in confined areas. ASTM’s committee on driverless automatic guided industrial vehicles (F45) developed the standard.

“The purpose of this standard is to provide a test method for determining the capability of a mobile robot, an A-UGV, to position itself accurately and repeatably with respect to its environment,” says ASTM International member Sam Reed. “Manufacturers, installers, and users will be able to use the standard as an acceptance test for consumers or as validation for manufacturers.” 

This standard will soon be published as F3499.

“Robots play a key role in manufacturing and will play an even bigger role when looking to the future, says Reed, a systems engineer at OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies. “During the COVID-19 epidemic, there have been large disruptions of global supply chains. Robots can help alleviate these issues.” 

Reed notes that the F45 committee encourages all interested parties to participate in its standards developing activities.  

“We are always looking for more input from manufacturers, installers, and consumers, as well as the general public,” says Reed. “The next step for this standard is to increase the scope to incorporate fleets of robots instead of a single robot.” 

Watch a video about ASTM’s committee on driverless automatic guided industrial vehicles.

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