ASTM F3613-22

Overview

ASTM F3613-22 is a standard practice developed by ASTM International for recording the exoskeleton fit to a user during testing. The main goal of this practice is to provide a consistent, repeatable method to document how an exoskeleton aligns, attaches, and conforms to individual users. By standardizing the way fit is recorded, this practice enables meaningful comparisons of safety and performance in exoskeleton testing across different users, devices, and test environments.

Fit is a critical factor in the performance, comfort, and safety of wearable exoskeletons and exosuits. Differences in body shape, size, and other user-specific characteristics can influence how an exoskeleton performs and feels. ASTM F3613-22 ensures that these factors are documented and that exoskeleton test results are contextualized by providing clear fit data.

Key Topics

• Standardized Fit Documentation

  • Specifies procedures for recording exoskeleton alignment, sizing, and distances between device components and the user's body.
  • Includes guidance for measuring fit along key body planes (sagittal, coronal, transverse) for multiple anatomical points such as the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
  • Recommends capturing photographs or videos from several angles to visually document fit.

• Reporting Subjective Comfort

  • Requires users to rate their perceived comfort while wearing the exoskeleton.
  • Mandates the identification and recording of any contact pressure points and discomfort.

• Recording Hardware Details

  • Captures manufacturer, model, serial number, and hardware revision/version of the exoskeleton used in testing.

• Fit Variability and Testing

  • Recognizes that variations in user size, gender, and shape can affect exoskeleton fit and, therefore, its capabilities and performance.
  • Provides methodology for documenting both proper and intentionally improper fits, contributing to comprehensive performance analysis.

• Replication and Reproducibility

  • Facilitates the recreation of exoskeleton tests by providing detailed fit data, supporting reliable comparisons across different studies and environments.

Applications

The use of ASTM F3613-22 is essential in various areas where exoskeletons are tested for human interaction, including:

• Research and Development

  • Enables exoskeleton designers and engineers to assess fit outcomes, identify design improvements, and ensure safety across diverse user populations.

• Product Testing and Certification

  • Ensures compliance with safety, comfort, and performance standards by providing a repeatable record of exoskeleton fit, supporting regulatory and certification processes.

• Occupational and Industrial Testing

  • Assists safety professionals and ergonomists in evaluating exoskeleton suitability and fit for workplace tasks, helping prevent injuries and optimize task performance.

• Clinical and Rehabilitation Settings

  • Facilitates the documentation and assessment of exoskeleton fit for individuals with varying physical abilities, ensuring that therapeutic and assistive devices are tailored to user needs.

• User Trials and Comparative Studies

  • Supports reliable benchmarking of multiple exoskeleton designs or configurations by standardizing fit documentation across user samples.

Related Standards

ASTM F3613-22 references and complements several other important ASTM standards that further support accurate measurement and fit assessment for body-worn devices:

• ASTM D5219 - Terminology Relating to Body Dimensions for Apparel Sizing Provides standardized definitions and terms for human body measurements.

• ASTM E3003 - Practice for Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor Outlines procedures for measuring and fitting personal protective equipment.

• ASTM F1731 - Practice for Body Measurements and Sizing of Fire and Rescue Services Uniforms and Other Thermal Hazard Protective Clothing Details methods for measuring and sizing specialized protective garments.

• ASTM F3323 - Terminology for Exoskeletons and Exosuits Defines key terms used throughout the exoskeleton industry and in related standards.

By following ASTM F3613-22, organizations can ensure that exoskeleton fit data is recorded in a way that supports safety, reproducibility, and reliable performance assessment-key goals in advancing exoskeleton technology and its applications across industries.