ASTM International, a global leader in standards and emerging technologies, announced today a request for proposals to support the Exo Technology Center of Excellence (ET CoE) Research to Standards project for return to work (RTW) exoskeleton and related technologies. The center anticipates providing up to $136,000 for a single project or multiple projects at lesser amounts up to a total of $136,000.

“Many healthy workers are starting to utilize exoskeletons to perform strenuous physical tasks due to their ability to protect workers from overexertion,” said Bill Billotte, ASTM International’s director of global exo technology programs. “However, there is a lack of standards for exoskeletons to aid injured employees returning to work and this RFP seeks to fill that gap.”

Research to Standards projects are targeted toward addressing immediate, critical needs that advance new standards, revise existing standards, or address lagging work items. In order to accelerate progress in this priority area, there is a need for standards that address certain challenges. The types of standards that would be responsive to these challenges include, but are not limited to: 

• Guide for design and development of RTW exoskeletons,
• Test method for assessment of exoskeletons used to support injured workers with shoulder injuries in RTW,
• Training practice for exoskeleton users in a RTW situation, and
• Risk management guide for deciding when to use an exoskeleton for RTW.

Applicants are requested to submit whitepapers to etcoe@astm.org with the subject header “ASTM ET CoE Research to Standards RFP: name of applicant/organization” no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) April 2, 2021. Inquiries or questions on proposals must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) March 19 to be considered.

For additional information on RFP application and submission requirements, click here.

The ASTM International Exo Technology Center of Excellence was formed in 2019 to pursue safe and reliable exo technologies for all of humanity. The center brings together a diverse group of users, suppliers, researchers, and stakeholders across academia, government, healthcare, and other industries and builds on the growth of ASTM’s exoskeletons and exosuits committee (F48). For more information on the committee, watch this video.

Media Inquiries: Jaime Martorana, tel +1.610.832.9796; jmartorana@astm.org

Release #11196

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