The ASTM International Exo Games is a student-driven innovation initiative that challenges participants to design solutions inspired by the real world needs of industrial workers, first responders, healthcare professionals, and others who perform physically demanding tasks.
This competition provides hands-on experience with STEM, encouraging students to apply engineering principles, think critically, and follow a systemic design process. 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 evaluate their designs using competition requirements and applicable ASTM standards before competing.
Collaboration is a key part of the Exo Games experience, encouraging teams to learn from one another, share ideas, and improve from lessons learned.
What to Expect
The Exo Games are an annual event, that typically takes place during the summer. Each year, the ASTM ET CoE publishes a competition specification outlining the design requirements and challenge objectives.
As part of the Exo Games, participating teams take part in a Team Description Paper (TDP), Presentation Competition, and Exoskeleton Challenge Tests, which vary each year based upon the competition theme and focus area.
The overall winning team receives the prestigious, custom made, Exo Games Trophy Coin and a certificate. All members of the winning team also receive a commemorative replica trophy coin and certificates recognizing their achievements.
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.
Participating teams are responsible for meeting all competition requirements and following specifications outlined by the ASTM 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