Standards Update: Robot Task Representation Standard and User Guide Development [Standards]

Robotics and automation technology has experienced an incredible growth period in the past decade. The barrier for entry across many economic sectors has been reduced due to cheaper computing, sensing, and actuation coupled with advances in machine learning algorithms and open source tools. Many companies have sprouted up to create myriad components and robotic systems that solve different domain problems. However, managing the complexity of a robotic system is becoming more challenging as all of these hardware and software components lack standards to ensure that integration works smoothly. Several years ago, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society established the Standing Committee for Standards Activities (SCSA; https://www.ieee-ras.org/industry-government/standards) to develop multiple standards that promote common definitions and measures that support the growing robotics and automation market.