Events for the application of measurement science to evaluate ground, aerial, and aquatic robots

This paper reports on three measurement science field exercises for evaluating ground, aerial, and aquatic robots. These events, conducted from February to June 2017, were conducted in close co-ordination with the responder community, standards organizations, manufacturers, and academia. Test data from a wide variety of robot platforms were gathered in a wide variety of standard and prototypical test methods ranging from mobility and manipulation to sensors and endurance.

I. Introduction

Remotely operated robots enable emergency responders to perform extremely hazardous tasks from safer stand-off distances. Standard test methods help robot manufacturers and users objectively evaluate system capabilities to align with mission requirements. This improves the safety and effectiveness of emergency responders as they attempt to save lives and protect property in our communities. The ASTM International Standards Committee on Response Robots for Homeland Security Applications (E54.09) is developing the standards infrastructure necessary to inspire innovation, inform purchasing decisions, and focus training with measures of operator proficiency [1].