ISO 18646-1-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18646-1:2016 — Robotics — Performance criteria and related test methods for service robots — Part 1: Locomotion for wheeled robots. This part defines methods to specify and evaluate the locomotion performance of wheeled service robots operating in indoor environments, providing standard performance criteria and corresponding test procedures for objective comparison and reporting of mobility capabilities.

Abstract

ISO 18646-1:2016 describes methods for specifying and evaluating the locomotion performance of wheeled robots in indoor environments. The document gives performance criteria and related test methods to measure mobility characteristics such as travel capability, maneuverability and repeatability under defined test conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed at review).
• Publication date: September 2016 (Edition 1, published 2016-09; listed on ISO as 16 September 2016 / 2016-09).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.30 (Industrial robots; robotics).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 13 (official ISO record shows 13 pages for this part).

Scope

Specifies test methods and performance indices for the locomotion of wheeled service robots in indoor environments. The scope is focused on objective, repeatable measurements of mobility performance (for example travel speed, maneuvering in constrained spaces, obstacle negotiation and repeatability of trajectories) and is not intended for verification of safety requirements. Tests are intended for whole-platform evaluation under defined environmental and operating conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of locomotion performance indices relevant to wheeled service robots (e.g., travel speed, pose accuracy, repeatability and maneuverability).
• Standardized test environments and conditions (indoor surface types, obstacles, slopes, tolerances and environmental parameters) to ensure repeatability.
• Procedures for measuring straight-line travel, turning/steering performance, confined-space maneuvering and obstacle negotiation.
• Measurement and reporting guidance to allow objective comparison between platforms (test apparatus, data capture and result presentation).
• Limitations: the standard addresses performance evaluation, not safety verification; it applies to complete mobile platforms in contact with the travel surface.

Typical use and users

Used by robot manufacturers, system integrators, test laboratories, research groups and procurement/specification teams to characterize and compare wheeled service-robot mobility. Also useful for R&D when validating mobility improvements, for conformance testing to communicate capabilities to customers, and for regulatory or procurement documentation where objective mobility data is required.

Related standards

ISO 18646-1 is part of the ISO 18646 series on performance criteria and test methods for service robots. Related parts include ISO 18646-2 (Navigation — updated edition published 2024), ISO 18646-3 (Manipulation — published 2021), ISO 18646-4 (Lower-back support robots — published 2021), ISO 18646-5 (Locomotion for legged robots — under development / draft stages) and ISO 18646-6 (Lower-limb wearable robots — under development/FDIS stages). These parts share a common objective of providing repeatable performance metrics for different aspects and types of service robots.

Keywords

robotics, service robots, wheeled robots, locomotion, mobility, performance criteria, test methods, indoor navigation, ISO 18646.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18646-1:2016 is an ISO international standard that defines performance criteria and corresponding test methods to evaluate the locomotion (mobility) of wheeled service robots in indoor environments.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers methods to specify and measure locomotion-related performance such as travel capability, maneuverability, pose accuracy/repeatability and related test conditions and reporting formats. It focuses on objective measurement rather than safety verification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Robot manufacturers, test laboratories, integrators, procurement teams, researchers and standards bodies use it to characterize, compare and report wheeled service-robot mobility.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO records show ISO 18646-1:2016 was published in September 2016 and the edition has been reviewed/confirmed in subsequent ISO reviews; the 2016 edition is listed as the current (confirmed) edition in ISO records. Users should check national bodies or ISO for the latest status before relying on it for regulation or procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO 18646 series (Performance criteria and related test methods for service robots). Other parts address navigation, manipulation and specific robot classes (see related standards above).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: robotics; service robots; locomotion; wheeled robots; mobility; performance criteria; test methods; indoor navigation; ISO 18646.