Standardization News

ASTM International’s robotics, automation, and autonomous systems committee (F45) has proposed a test method (WK86916) for disturbance rejection testing of legged robots.

“Our goal is to develop detailed testing methods and measurements that can accurately evaluate the locomotion stability of a legged robot (i.e., walking without falling-over),” according to ASTM member Bowen Weng. “The primary objective is to ensure the robot's performance is safe and compatible enough to interact with humans in commercial and industrial environments.”

According to Weng, Technical Specialist at Transportation Research Center Inc., designers, manufacturers, researchers, regulatory bodies, and consumers should find this proposed standard to be most useful. “With the proposal as a start point, they can work together to form a community-wide consensus on the appropriate capability of legged robots in terms of disturbance rejection.” 

Weng believes that the improved automation through legged robots supports Goal Nine: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by facilitating health care and education.

Interested parties, including members of the legged robot community (industry, academia, or third-party agencies), are encouraged to join in the development of this standard. The committee is particularly interested in participants who can help validate proposals and methods using their own experience with robot systems.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. JOIN ASTM.