ASTM F48 Formation and Standards for Industrial Exoskeletons and Exosuits

This paper provides an overview of a new consensus standards committee for exoskeletons, ASTM International F48, and describes the organization and current activities of this committee. Lack of product standards and certifications have been described as barriers to adoption of exoskeleton technologies in industry practice. While exoskeletons are not considered a traditional form of personal protective equipment (PPE) they are similarly wearable, and much of the interest in their application in the industrial/workplace domain is motivated by injury prevention. ASTM F48 believes that standards and certifications for exoskeletons in their manufacture, deployment, and use would enhance their adoption in the workplace.