ASTM F3218 PDF

1.1 When conducting test methods, it is important to consider the role that the environmental conditions play in the Automatic through Autonomous - Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) performance. Various A-UGVs are designed to be operated both indoors and outdoors under conditions specified by the manufacturer. Likewise, end users of the A-UGV will be operating these vehicles in a variety of environmental conditions. When conducting and replicating F45 test methods by vehicle manufacturers and users, it is important to specify and document the environmental conditions under which the A-UGV is to be tested as there will be variations in vehicle performance caused by the conditions, especially when comparing and replicating sets of test results. It is also important to consider changes in environmental conditions during the course of operations (for example, transitions between conditions). As such, environmental conditions specified in this practice are static, dynamic, or transitional, or combinations thereof; with the A-UGV stationary or in motion. This practice provides brief introduction to the following list of environmental conditions that can affect performance of the A-UGV: Lighting, External sensor emission, Temperature, Humidity, Electrical Interference, Air quality, Ground Surface, and Boundaries. This practice then breaks down each condition into sub-categories so that the user can document the various aspects associated with the category prior to A-UGV tests defined in ASTM F45 Test Methods (for example, F3244). It is recommended that salient environment conditions be documented when conducting F45 test methods.