Benchmark Test product

The BenchMark Test product, or BMT, has been the primary test-subject at the hardware unit-testbed at NRG to measure operator performance. There are a number of handling features integrated, such as gripper features, a Stäubli RH fluid connector, guiding pins, anti-loss pop-up bolts and a two-handed operation (erecting the horizontal frame to the vertical position).

The first version, in the picture on the right, demonstrated that assembly and dissambly with direct view through a window, will already slow down handling with a factor of about two when compared with hands-on access. This effect is for a large amount due to handling via remote means rather than handling hands-on. 

The second version of the BMT is better tuned to match the kinematic configuration of the arms and size of the hands. An extra commercially available RH connector is integrated, and a welding tool mockup including realistic umbilical is available. Also, the test procedure is now fully detailed, and the work is now done in a team with two operators: one for the handling itself, another to read out the procedure.