The ASTM International Exo Games is a student-driven innovation initiative, simulating the challenges faced by industrial workers, first responders, and others who have manual labor as part of their job.
This competition exposes students to real-world applications of STEM, encouraging independent thinking and the application of a systematic approach to solve engineering requirements. The competition is open to teams of students from one, or multiple universities, colleges, and/or technical schools.
Each team can use just one exo technology device at the competition, but all students who work on the challenge will benefit from the learning experience of applying their technical knowledge. Working in teams, students must design, build, and test a self-contained exo technology device. Teams must produce a design solution, make it, test it with the predefined ASTM standards, and compete.
Collaboration during the Exo Games is encouraged between teams to learn from one another and improve from lessons learned!
What to Expect
The Exo Games are an annual event, that typically takes place during the summer. A Specification is developed by the ET CoE Team that students are required to follow in order to participate in the Exo Games. As part of the Exo Games, participating teams take part in a Team Description Paper (TDP), Presentation Competition, and Exoskeleton Challenge Tests (which change every year based on the focus of the Exo Games).
The overall winning team receives the prestigious, custom made, Exo Games Trophy Coin and a certificate. All members of the winning team will receive a replica trophy to keep, together with a certificate.
The Exo Games’ Test Method Competition portion are based off of ASTM's Committee F48 exoskeletons and exosuits committee (F48). Teams must design, build, and test an exo technology device to compete in specified challenges detailed in the Specifications released for that year’s Games.
Each of the participating teams are responsible for following Specifications outlined by the ET CoE.
What is an Exoskeleton?
Exoskeletons are a wearable device that augments, enables, assist, and/or enhances physical activity through mechanical interaction with the body.
An exoskeleton may include rigid or soft components, or both.
Physical activity may be static or dynamic.
Exo Technology includes the exoskeleton and supporting hardware, software, and other systems necessary for their function.
Why Standards?
-Ann Virts, Robotics Researcher | Project Leader Mobility Performance of Robotic Systems | NIST
2024 Challenges at a Glance
The 2024 Exo Games had a focus towards First Responder applications. There were 10 specified challenges that Teams partook in: Bomb Squad Walk, Cache Packaging for Deployment, CPR, Townhouse Search, Firehose Deployment, Fire Overhaul, Confined Space, Don/Doff for Work Truck/Vehicle Entry, Valve Turning at Ceiling, Chest Height, and Floor, and Ascend and Descend Stairs.
Interested in more information about the Exo Games? Email us at etcoe@astm.org