Donald R. Peterson, Ph.D., NIU’s dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and mechanical engineering professor, was re-elected to his third consecutive and final two-year term as chair of ASTM International’s Exoskeletons and Exosuits committee (F48). The committee’s task is to develop industry standards in the growing field of exoskeletons and exosuits.
An exoskeleton is a wearable device that can be powered or unpowered that, unlike a robot that is autonomous, can augment a human’s strength and/or capability. For example, it might allow a soldier to carry extra gear into battle. Or give a firefighter the ability to move heavy debris to rescue a trapped victim. An exosuit, on the other hand, is made of soft material that bends with the body, and can also be powered or unpowered. Exosuits have been used to increase independence for people with mobility limitations, often referred to as a “wearable robot.”
As the use of these innovative cutting-edge devices increases, standards must be developed to measure the performance and evaluate the effectiveness to ensure that humans are in fact safe when using these devices, especially when used as personal protective equipment. Without standards, it is unknown if the devices will provide protection or have the potential to cause more harm.
“Over the several years of our work, we’ve made significant headway in the area of international standards that manufacturers across the world are already implementing,” said Peterson. “It’s allowed for many new innovations. It comes down to improving the quality of life for people everywhere. It’s an exciting time to be involved in this realm.”
The F48 committee was formed in 2017 with representatives from countries across the world in industry, trade organizations and government agencies specifically to examine exoskeletons and exosuits. Peterson, a researcher with more than 25 years of experience in biomechanical engineering and medical research, has led research in the development of new technologies and systems such as personal protective equipment, devices to assist patients with rehabilitation, exoskeletons for use in the workplace, wearable sensors, novel surgical and dental instruments and smart medical devices for home patient care. This is why his expertise plays an important role in the development of these standards that benefit manufacturers of exoskeletons and exosuits by providing design specifications.
“I am excited to share that my friend, Don Peterson, was re-elected as the ASTM Chair of Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits. I say this with somewhat mixed emotions as this is Don’s ultimate term as Chair,” said William G. Billotte, Ph.D., director of Global Exo Technology Programs for ASTM International.
“He has been a rock since the inception of F48 and has been instrumental in the committee’s rapid development and success. Don’s leadership has helped develop an uber-productive standards committee that is more than just collegial but dare I say a place where new friendships and collaboration partners are made every day. I wish him the best of luck and continued success on his term as chair,” said Billotte.
In addition to his involvement with ASTM International, he has been active on Capitol Hill helping legislators understand the technology and the need for standards to ensure worker safety. He also serves as a U.S. delegate on the International Standards Organization (ISO) Technical Committee on Human Exposure to Mechanical Vibration and Shock.
Peterson has published more than 115 peer-reviewed scholarly works and is the editor-in-chief for The Biomedical Engineering Handbook, published by CRC Press.
ASTM International’s mission is: “Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovative services to improve lives… Helping our world work better.” For more information on this committee, watch this short video: https://www.astm.org/video/exoskeletons.
