Work Item
ASTM WK42364

New Test Method for Evaluating Ground Response Robot Sensing: Visual Dynamic Range

1. Scope

The purpose of this test method, as a part of a suite of Sensors test methods, is to quantitatively evaluate a remotely teleoperated robots video range in dynamic situations. The apparatus associated with this test method challenges specific robot capabilities in repeatable ways to facilitate direct comparison of different robot models as well as particular configurations of similar robot models. This apparatus can fit into a standard ISO shipping container to facilitate testing in temperature extremes and other environmental conditions such as darkness, smoke, rain, etc. The suite of Sensors test methods quantifies a corresponding set of elemental capabilities necessary for response robot emergency response applications. As such, the suite should be used collectively to capture the overall sensing performance. Additional test methods are being developed within the suite to fully address robot sensing capabilities requirements. This suite of test methods characterizes the sensing capabilities of response robots intended to be operated in human-scale, complex environments with variables including terrains, lighting, temperature, etc. Robots under test shall be teleoperated via operator control units (OCUs) that are out of sight and sound of the test apparatuses but within the radio or tethered communications range, except when the communication is the subject of the testing. The robotic configuration, as to be tested, shall be specified for all the subsystems and is to remain the same for all the suites of the test methods, as appropriate. Any variation in robot configuration will result in retesting for all the suites of the test methods to provide a comprehensive perspective of the performance for the particular robotic variant.

Keywords

emergency response, FEMA, operator control unit, OCU, remote teleoperation, responders, robot, sensing, sensors, test suite, urban search and rescue, US&R, video

Rationale

These test methods were developed specifically for emergency response robots, they may be applicable to other application domains. They can be used to ascertain operator proficiencies during training. They can provide practice tasks that exercise robotic control, including actuators, sensors, and operator interfaces. They can also provide performance objectives for the corresponding subsystems on the robots.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.

Details

Developed by Subcommittee: E54.09

Committee: E54

Staff Manager: Kevin Shanahan

Work Item Status

Date Initiated: 06-04-2013

Technical Contact: Raymond Sheh

Item: 000

Ballot:

Status: