Rationale

This new standard practice was developed under ASTM Committee F45 on Robotics, Automation, and Autonomous Systems, Subcommittee F45.05 on Grasping and Manipulation, Task Group on Grasp-Type End-Effector. This task group meets monthly to develop a series of performance tests to support grasp-type Robot End-Effectors. This first standard practice defines a split force measurement apparatus (SFMA) that is used to support several of the performance tests that are also under development by this task group. Ultimately, the test methods provide a means to characterize a range of metrics to guide selection of appropriate end-effectors for a particular application and to direct research and development advancements.