New proposed robotics standard will tackle mobile manipulator performance

The proposed standard will describe accepted procedures and test methods, including the supporting test apparatus, for measuring the static/indexed task performance of a single mobile manipulator. 

A mobile manipulator is a robotic system that features a manipulator using an automatic, automated, or autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) to move between locations. 

Such systems may be used for manufacturing applications including but not limited to assembling, processing, or prototyping large-scale components, material handling, machine/conveyor tending, flexible manufacturing and peg-in-hole insertion-type assembly. 

Static/indexed performance encompasses situations in which the manipulator and A-UGV of a mobile manipulator shall not move simultaneously while physically connected as a single unit. 

ASTM member Omar Aboul-Enein notes that the proposed standard (WK83858) will be used by manufacturers, suppliers, integrators and end users, to verify the performance characteristics of a mobile manipulator.

“Once approved, end users might use the practice to determine if a mobile manipulator can perform a given task, for example, peg-in-hole assembly, to their specifications and in their deployment environment,” says Aboul-Enein. 

“Manufacturers may use it to have standardised procedures and reporting methods that can be associated with their product specifications and used to evaluate robot designs for improvement. Integrators may use the practice to determine implementation correctness within a facility during deployment.”

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN. The next meeting face-to-face meeting of the F45 committee will be held April 19-20, 2023, and remote working meetings occur monthly.