ASTM E2592-16

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2592 − 07 E2592 − 16
Standard Practice for
Evaluating Cache Packaged Weight and Volume of Robots
Response Robot Capabilities: Logistics: Packaging for
Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Equipment Caches
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2592; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Anyone interested in developing or deploying response robots for hazardous environments needs
ways to quantitatively measure whether a particular robot is capable of performing and reliable enough
to perform specific missions. These missions decompose into sets of elemental robot tasks that can be
represented individually as standard test methods and repeatedly tested to gain confidence and
proficiency. They provide a tangible language to communicate mission requirements and demonstrate
robot capabilities.
The ASTM International Standards Committee on Homeland Security Applications, Operational
Equipment Subcommittee, Robots Task Group (E54.08.01) specifies standard test methods, practices,
and guides for evaluating response robots. These standard test methods measure individual robot
capabilities to facilitate comparisons among different robot models or different configurations of a
particular robot model. The overall set of standards addresses the robotic logistics, terminology, safety,
maneuvering, terrains, obstacles, dexterity, sensing, communications, energy/power, durability,
proficiency, and autonomy.
These standards support robot researchers, manufacturers, and user organizations in different ways
by enabling testing of chosen combinations that address envisioned mission tasks. Researchers use
them to understand mission requirements, refine innovative approaches, and demonstrate break-
through capabilities. Manufacturers use them to evaluate design decisions, integrate payloads and
emerging technologies, and harden systems. Responder organizations use them to guide purchasing,
align with deployment objectives, and focus training with measures of operator proficiency.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the requirement that urban search and rescue robots and all necessary associated components or
equipment (for example, operator control station, power sources, spare parts, sensors, manipulators, tools, and so forth) shall
complement the response organization’s cache packaging and transportation systems.
1.2 Shipment by ground, air, or marine should be considered.
1.3 Volume, weight, shipping classification, and deployability of the robots and associated components are considered in this
practice.
1.3.1 The deployability is considered through the determination of:
1.3.1.1 The length of time required to prepare the robot system for deployment, and
1.3.1.2 The types of tools required for servicing the robot system in the field.
1.3.2 Associated components or equipment include not only all the onboard sensors, tethers, and operator control station, but
also any spare parts and specialized tools needed for assembly, disassembly, and field servicing.
1.3.3 Associated components also include power equipment necessary for the operation of the system, such as batteries,
chargers, and power converters. Gasoline, diesel, or other types of liquid fuel are not included.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E54.08 on
Operational Equipment.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2007Jan. 1, 2016. Published November 2007January 2016. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as
E2592 – 07. DOI: 10.1520/E2592-07.10.1520/E2592-16.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2592 − 16
1.4 The packaged items shall support the operational availability of the robot during a deployment of up to ten days. There shall
be no resupply within the first 72 h of deployment.
1.5 No such standards currently exist except for those relevant to shipping (for example, CFR Title 49 and International Air
Transport Association (IATA) documents).
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 Federal Standard:
CFR Title 49 Transportation
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 6780:2003 Flat pallets for intercontinental materials handling—Principal dimensions and tolerances
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 cache, n—approved complement of tools, equipment, and supplies stored in a designated location available for use during
responses to emergencies.
3.1.2 operator control unit (OCU), n—computer(s), accessories, and data link equipment that an operator uses to control,
communicate with, receive data and information from, and plan missions for one or more robots.
Available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-0001.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
Also referred to as operator control interface (OCI), operator control station, or human interaction control unit.
3.1.3 robot system, n—robot platform and all necessary associated components required for field operation and maintenance of
the robot, which includes, but is not limited to, the operator control station, power sources, spare parts, sensors, manipulators, and
maintenance tools.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The number and types of cases required for packing the robot and all associated components are identified, along with the
weight of each. This information will prepare the logistics manager of a response team to allocate space in the warehouse as well
as in the transportation vehicle to convey the robot to and from the response site. Weight is taken into consideration in terms of
transporting the equipment to and from the response site.
4.2 The length of time required to unpack and ready the robot for operation is measured. This provides the responder
organization an estimate of how long to allocate to the preparation of the robot for deployment.
4.3 The tools that are required for servicing the robot in the field are identified. This will help the logistics manager determine
whether additional, special tools will need to be packed along with the robot. It is preferable to avoid using specialized tools that
are not typically available in toolboxes that are part of the existing cache. If a specialized tool is missing, there may be no recourse
in resolving the problem with the robot in the field, and the robot may be rendered inoperable.
4.4 The weights of the robot and OCU are measured. The responders already have to carry an array of tools and equipment from
the base of operation to the operational work site. Part of their new logistical planning when robots are deployed will be the
additional burden of carrying the robot and any associated equipment, such as the OCU. It is important that the weight of the robot
and the OCU be factored into the response planning process on site.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Introduction of robots to the responder’s cache for use in urban search and rescue missions may have an impact on the
logistical planning for the response teams. Additional volume and weight shall be stored and transported to the response site.
Additional preparation time shall be allotted to ready the robot for deployment. The tools that are taken to the field may need to
be augmented to service the robots. Once the robot is ready for deployment, it shall be transported from the base of operations to
the mission zone. Responders may have to carry the robot and its controller or may have to provide some other transportation
mechanism if it is too heavy.
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5.2 This practice is designed to appraise the impact in terms of logistical considerations for a response organization.
6. Data Collection Form
6.1 A sample data collection form is shown in Fig. 1. This form is referenced throughout Sections 7 – 11.
Logistics
7. Volume of C
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