ISO 18646-3-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18646-3:2021 — Robotics — Performance criteria and related test methods for service robots — Part 3: Manipulation. This part defines methods to specify and evaluate manipulation performance of service (assistive / domestic / commercial) robots, including measurable tests for grasp size, grasp strength and slip resistance, and procedures for opening hinged and sliding doors in an indoor environment.

Abstract

This document describes methods of specifying and evaluating the manipulation performance of service robots, notably: grasp size; grasp strength; grasp slip resistance; opening a hinged door; and opening a sliding door. It covers test setups and repeatable measurement procedures intended to give comparable, objective performance data for non‑safety functional capability assessments in indoor (and analogous outdoor) conditions. The standard is not intended for verification or validation of safety requirements.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: June 2021 (Edition 1, 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.30 (Industrial robots — Manipulators).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 14 pages.

Scope

ISO 18646-3:2021 specifies test methods and performance criteria to evaluate manipulation capabilities of service robots operating in indoor environments. The scope includes measurement procedures for: grasp size (the range of object sizes a manipulator can handle), grasp strength, resistance to grasp slip, and functional tasks such as opening hinged and sliding doors. The standard focuses on objective performance measurement and does not address safety verification or validation.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined performance characteristics for robot manipulation: grasp size, grasp strength and slip resistance.
• Repeatable test set-ups and artefacts to measure and report manipulation metrics.
• Test procedures for common manipulation tasks: turning/operating door handles, opening hinged doors and sliding doors.
• Indoor environment focus with notes on applicability to analogous outdoor situations.
• Guidance for specifying measurable performance levels for procurement, benchmarking and R&D (not a safety standard).

Typical use and users

Primary users include service-robot manufacturers, integrators, test laboratories, procurement teams, research groups and standards bodies who need objective, repeatable measurements of manipulation capabilities. The standard is used for product specification, comparative benchmarking, acceptance testing and R&D validation of manipulation subsystems.

Related standards

ISO 18646 is a multi‑part series on performance criteria and test methods for service robots. Related parts and relevant robotics standards include ISO 18646‑1 (Locomotion for wheeled robots), ISO 18646‑2 (Navigation — newer editions/updates apply), and ISO 18646‑4 (Lower‑back support robots). Other robotics and safety standards (e.g., ISO/TC 299 outputs and related ISO robotics documents) provide complementary scopes such as safety requirements and modularity.

Keywords

robotics; service robots; manipulation; grasp strength; slip resistance; door opening; performance criteria; test methods; ISO 18646; ISO/TC 299.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18646-3:2021 is Part 3 of the ISO 18646 series that defines performance criteria and related test methods for manipulation functions of service robots (grasping and door‑operation tasks).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurable test procedures and criteria for grasp size, grasp strength, slip resistance and procedures for opening hinged and sliding doors in indoor environments; it provides objective test setups but does not address safety validation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Robot OEMs, integrators, test labs, procurement/specification writers, researchers and standards committees use it for specifying, benchmarking and validating manipulation performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18646-3:2021 is published and current as the first edition (2021). Users should check national bodies or ISO for any subsequent amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 18646 series (performance criteria and test methods for service robots); other parts cover locomotion, navigation and other specific robot classes or functions.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are manipulation, grasp size, grasp strength, slip resistance, door opening, test methods, performance criteria, service robots, ISO 18646.