This guide categorizes the capabilities of an exoskeleton based on a list of capabilities (e.g., leg, arm, torso, full body, hand, etc.) capabilities. This guide provides a basis for exoskeleton manufacturers and users to compare the intended task to the exoskeleton capability. This guide does not purport to cover all relevant capabilities or categories that an exoskeleton can perform. Instead, this guide provides a method for defining exoskeleton capabilities and limits of exoskeleton capabilities within specified categories. One or more capabilities may be used to define the exoskeleton capability and not all categories are required to be used for defining the capability of an exoskeleton.
Keywords
exo; exoskeleton; capability; category
Rationale
As with F45 capabilities of vehicles, this guide is useful for manufacturers and users to standardize across exoskeletons as to their capabilities. The guide will also provide an educational aspect to novice and experienced exoskeleton users and producers to compare the usefulness of these systems as compared to application tasks. As well, the guide serves as a roadmap for standards to be developed within F48.03 or within the full committee.
