ASTM F3244-21

5.1?A-UGVs operate in a wide range of applications such as manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Fig. 1 shows three example A-UGV types and test apparatus sizes to test A-UGVs intended for different vehicle tasks, types, sizes, and capabilities. Such sites can have both defined and undefined areas that are structured and unstructured. The testing results of the candidate A-UGV shall describe, in a statistically significant way, the ability of the A-UGV to navigate through a defined area with or without impairments. Whether or not an A-UGV is able to deviate from its path, or uses features of the local environment as input to its navigation method or both, should not result in a different test method. Rather, the capabilities of the A-UGV to adapt its navigation method in a given environment will be objectively determined by its performance in the test method.

5.2?Three different manners in which a test method apparatus can be rendered are specified for use: physical boundaries, virtual boundaries, and floor markings (see Section 6 for apparatus specifics). Two types of impairments are specified that can be utilized as the defined area as part of a navigation test: obstacles and communication impairments (see Section 7 for more detail). The apparatuses and impairments chosen shall be appropriate to the application and environment in which the A-UGV will be used.

5.3?These test methods address A-UGV performance requirements expressed by A-UGV manufacturers and potential A-UGV users. The performance data captured by these test methods are indicative of the capabilities of the A-UGV and the application represented by the test.

5.4?The test apparatuses are scalable to constrain A-UGV sizes in defined areas to meet current and advanced next generation manufacturing and distribution facility operations.

5.5?The standard apparatuses are specified to be easily fabricated to facilitate self-evaluation by A-UGV developers and users and provide practice tasks for A-UGV developers, users, and potential users that exercise A-UGV actuators, sensors, and controls.

5.6?Although the test methods were developed first for A-UGVs, they may also be applicable to mobile manipulators and other types of industrial automated mobility equipment, as well as in other domains.

1.1?Purpose:?

1.2?UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are not precise mathematical conversions to inch-pound units. They are close approximate equivalents for the purpose of specifying material dimensions or quantities that are readily available to avoid excessive fabrication costs of test apparatuses while maintaining repeatability and reproducibility of the test method results. These values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3?This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. Safety standards such as ANSI/ITSDF B56.5, ISO 3691-4:2020, or other safety standards should be followed. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.