April 5th Deadline: ASTM Exo Games Team Entry

To participate in the ASTM Exo Games 2024, teams are required to express their interest and submit a Team Description Paper (TDP) by April 5. The TDP should detail the design process, hardware, software, improvements, and CAD drawings. A template for the TDP will be provided by the ET CoE, which teams can request by submitting their interest. It’s important to note that failure to submit a TDP by the deadline results in disqualification from the competition, and late submissions are not accepted. Participation rules emphasize adherence to these guidelines. For detailed information and to submit interest, visit the ASTM Exo Games website.

To emphasize the importance of this deadline, teams interested in participating in the Exo Games 2024 must submit the form expressing their interest in entering and filling out all additional overview documentation (roughly five pages total).

Essential Links: Participate – ET CoE Website

History of the Exo Games:

The first Exo Games, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire and ASTM International’s Exo Technology Center of Excellence, marked a significant gathering of student teams from various countries. These teams, guided by ASTM exoskeleton standards and a strict budget, competed in challenges designed to test their custom-built exosuits integrated with fall protection harnesses. The event, emphasizing innovation within constraints, showcased creativity, technical skill, and adherence to safety standards. It also served as a platform for fostering STEM education, linking research and standards, and promoting human-centered design in exoskeleton technology. This pioneering event not only celebrated the achievements of the participating teams but also set the stage for future Exo Games, highlighting the growing importance of exoskeleton technology in education and research. Read our full coverage of the Exo Games 2023 in the Exoskeleton Report Digital Magazine Vol 1 Issue 1, pages 4 – 6, published September 13, 2023.

About the Exo Games 2024:

The 2nd Annual Exo Games, sponsored by ASTM International’s Exo Technology Center of Excellence, focuses on engaging students in exo technologies, particularly for First Responder applications. Partnering with NIST through a CRADA agreement, the event aims to develop exoskeleton metrology and boost student STEM involvement. It allows university teams to design, build, and test exoskeletons based on specific project specifications and ASTM standards. This competition encourages innovation and simulates First Responder scenarios, providing a hands-on learning experience and fostering industry connections. (visit to the competition page)

The 2024 iteration of the Exo Games will be held at the ASTM International Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, from August 5 to 9, 2024, but the first day will be dedicated mainly for teams to set up and will not be open to the general public. Note that closed-toe shoes will be required for entry.

The Exo Games 2024 comprises ten unique challenges designed to test exoskeletons in scenarios mimicking real-world tasks. These include a Bomb Squad Walk with a weighted vest and manual dexterity task, Cache Packaging involving moving varying weight totes, CPR performance after carrying a medical bag over inclines, a complex Townhouse Search, and Firehose Deployment involving hose manipulation. Additional tests include Fire Overhaul using a fire hook for various tasks, Confined Space navigation, Don/Doff for Vehicle Entry focusing on exoskeleton usability, Valve Turning at various heights, and finally, an Ascend and Descend Stairs challenge. These tests evaluate exoskeletons’ practicality, safety, and efficiency in real-life applications. The same exoskeleton and user must be utilized in all the challenges.

From the Exoskeleton Report team, good luck to all of the teams!