ASTM F3588-22 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Guide for Set of Objects used with A-UGVs — a guide that defines a standardized set of reference objects and representative test pieces for use when evaluating, testing, or validating the behavior, navigation, sensing, and protection systems of automatic, automated, or autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs). This guide identifies typical objects encountered in industrial, warehouse, healthcare, retail, and office environments and describes object characteristics intended to provoke or reveal common A-UGV performance issues.

Abstract

This guide provides a minimized, repeatable set of stationary reference objects (including three test pieces from ANSI/ITSDF B56.5) intended to represent obstacles and environmental features commonly encountered by A-UGVs (also referred to as AMRs/AGVs). The object set is intended to be used by manufacturers, integrators, test labs, and end users to exercise sensing, detection, avoidance, docking, and interaction behaviors in controlled test configurations. The guide also notes limitations and places responsibility for safety practices on the user.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: Current edition approved October 1, 2022; published November 2022 (document commonly cited as F3588-22).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 35.240.60 (Robotics) and 43.020 (Transport equipment; material handling), as listed in bibliographic records.
• Edition / version: F3588-22 (2022 edition).
• Number of pages: 12 pages.

Scope

F3588-22 provides a standard set of stationary reference objects for use with automatic, automated, or autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs). The scope covers objects typical to warehouses, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, offices, and retail spaces and defines object characteristics and representative test pieces intended to reveal navigation, detection, and protection failures or limitations. The guide is intended to be used together with related A-UGV test methods and practices rather than as a stand‑alone safety prescription.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of a minimized, repeatable set of stationary reference objects representative of common facility items.
• Representative object list examples: pallets, racking, wheeled carts, other A-UGVs/AMRs, steps/stairs, tables/desks, ladders, cables/hoses, chairs and overhangs, IV poles, and forklifts/forklift tines.
• Inclusion of three specific test pieces referenced from ANSI/ITSDF B56.5 to ensure common test artifacts.
• Guidance on using the object set to provoke or reproduce common operational interruptions (detection/avoidance/docking failures) and to support repeatable testing.
• Notes on limitations: the guide does not address all safety concerns and places responsibility on users to apply appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices.

Typical use and users

Intended users include A-UGV/AMR/AGV manufacturers, integrators, independent test laboratories, research organizations, system integrators, facility operators (warehouses, healthcare, manufacturing, retail), and standards developers. Typical uses include verification and validation of perception and navigation systems, regression testing after software or sensor changes, comparative performance evaluations, and pre-deployment acceptance testing.

Related standards

F3588-22 is part of ASTM Committee F45 work on robotics, automation, and autonomous systems and references and is intended to be used alongside related test methods and practices such as ASTM F3200 (terminology), F3244 (Test Method for Navigation: Defined Area), F3381 (Practice for Describing Stationary Obstacles), and other F45 series documents that describe test configurations and recording practices.

Keywords

A-UGV, AMR, AGV, autonomous mobile robot, object set, obstacle characterization, reference objects, test pieces, obstacle avoidance, navigation testing, ASTM F3588-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F3588-22 is a Standard Guide that defines a standardized set of stationary reference objects and representative test pieces for use when testing and evaluating automatic, automated, or autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers a minimized, repeatable set of objects typical to warehouses, manufacturing, healthcare, office, and retail environments (for example pallets, racks, carts, cables, chairs, IV poles, steps/stairs, and forklifts) and provides guidance on using those objects to exercise A-UGV perception, navigation, avoidance, and docking behaviors. It also includes three test pieces from ANSI/ITSDF B56.5.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, integrators, test labs, researchers, facility operators, and anyone performing verification, validation, or acceptance testing of A-UGV systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published it is the 2022 edition designated F3588-22 and is listed as the current/active edition in bibliographic records. There is no widely published revision or superseding edition as of this writing (status checked against available bibliographic sources). If you need absolute confirmation for procurement or regulatory purposes, check ASTM’s official catalog for any revisions after 2022.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM F45 committee’s body of standards for robotics, automation, and autonomous systems and is intended to be used alongside related F45 test methods and practices (for terminology, navigation tests, obstacle descriptions, and test recording).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: A-UGV, AMR, AGV, obstacle set, reference objects, test pieces, navigation testing, obstacle characterization, ASTM F3588-22.