ASTM F3585-25a

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for assessing the user’s intent to accept working with an exoskeleton, their perceived safety while using the exoskeleton, as well as the cognitive fit of the exoskeleton. This test method, the Cognitive Fit, Perceived Safety, and Acceptance (CSA) during exoskeleton use assessment tool, is a subjective questionnaire designed to discover the cognitive fit, acceptance, and perceived safety of a particular exoskeleton design for a user given a particular task.

1.2 The CSA consists of a ranked choice safety perception questionnaire and a Likert scale questionnaire consisting of two sub-models, the Exoskeleton Use Intent (EUI) and the Exoskeleton Cognitive Fit (Ref. (1))2 (see Fig. 1). These two questionnaires are given to a test subject twice: one four question Likert form and the safety questionnaire given to a worker after they have performed a typical work task without using an exoskeleton, and one 24 question Likert form and the safety questionnaire after they have performed a typical work task using an exoskeleton. An example of these questionnaires is in Appendix X1. The CSA tool is briefly summarized, as well as a discussion of its scoring, and analysis of results are in Appendix X2.

1.3 The data provided by the CSA can help exoskeleton designers with the user’s perceptions of the exoskeleton’s acceptability, task usefulness and safety of their exoskeleton designs. The CSA can also provide potential purchasers to a decision whether the exoskeleton design is a suitable candidate for the worker performing a given task, however using the CSA will probably be limited to large corporations with an abundance of resources available.

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 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.

5.1 Exoskeletons are being used in the industrial/occupational sector to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the user to perform tasks as well as in the medical sector to provide rehabilitation or mobility, or both, to people. This test method is primarily intended for use in the occupational sector, but readers may find all or parts useful in other sectors, such as medical or military.

5.2 The test results of the CSA will indicate how well the exoskeleton is able to support the user within the specified types of environments, confinements, and terrains as well as if the exoskeleton is providing the user with a feeling of safety. Data provided by the CSA can inform the tester as to the applicability of the exoskeleton to a particular task and help lead potential purchasers to a decision whether the exoskeleton design is a suitable candidate for the worker. The CSA can also inform exoskeleton designers about a user’s perceptions of the exoskeleton’s acceptability, usefulness, and impact on safety when an exoskeleton is applied to execution of a series of tasks.