1.1.1 The purpose of this test method, as a part of a suite of exoskeleton use test methods, is to incorporate various crawling techniques which can be included, as appropriate, in quantitative evaluations of exoskeleton (see Terminology F3323) safety or performance, or both.

1.1.2 Exoskeletons possess a certain set of allowable exoskeleton user movement capabilities, including user-motion adaptability, to suit operations in market sectors such as: industrial/occupational, military, response, medical, or recreational. Environments in these typical sectors often pose constraints on exoskeleton user movement to varying degrees. Being able to crawl, as intended by the user or test requestor, while using an exoskeleton can be essential for using exoskeletons in a variety of tasks (for example, installing flooring, low-profile soldier movement, pipe installation in crawl spaces). This test method specifies test setup, procedure, and recording to standardize the crawling task for testing exoskeleton user movement.

1.1.3 Exoskeletons need to function as intended by the manufacturer, including for types of tasks and terrain complexities (for example, dirt, metal, masonry, rock, wood). Intended 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 needed to evaluate whether or not exoskeletons meet their intended functionality.

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 listed in 1.1.2 (and possibly other applications). The F48.03 test suite consists of a set of test methods for evaluating exoskeleton capability requirements. This crawling test method is a part of the test suite. The apparatuses associated with the test methods challenge specific exoskeleton capabilities in repeatable ways to facilitate comparison of different exoskeleton models or to facilitate application of exoskeleton capabilities to intended tasks.

1.1.5 The test methods quantify elemental exoskeleton use capabilities necessary for sector applications listed in 1.1.2 and perhaps others. Test requestors of this standard may use either the entire suite or a subset based on their particular requirements. Test requestors 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 specific applications.