Porton-man was commissioned by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to accurately represent military users. This is a state-of-the-art robotic model designed for the UK Armed Forces to test Chemical and biological (CB) protective clothing and equipment.
The porton-man is computer-controlled, and when connected to its drive frame, it can walk like an infantryman, travel (at 0.5 m/s to 1 m/s)， run, sit (at 2 m/s to 3 m/s)， kneel, climb stairs and raise its arms as if seeing a weapon. More than 100 sensors throughout the body can record data during testing, allowing scientists to perform real-time analysis.
Application
The Porton-man Thermal Manikin is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
(1) Military Protective Clothing Testing: Evaluates the thermal, barrier, and comfort performance of CB protective suits, gloves, and boots.
(2) Chemical and Biological Defense Research: Tests the efficacy of garments and equipment against chemical and biological hazards.
(3) Product Development & Quality Control: Assesses new designs of protective clothing and materials under realistic motion and environmental conditions.
(4) Human Factors & Ergonomics: Studies the impact of movement, posture, and exertion on wearer comfort and mobility.
(5) Third-Party Laboratory Testing: Supports certification, regulatory compliance, and performance verification of protective equipment.
Standard：
The instrument is designed and tested in compliance with the following international and national standards:
(1) KSF ISO 12949 – Protective clothing testing methods for chemical and biological agents
(2) ASTM E459-22 – Standard test method for thermal manikins
(3) ISO 12949-2011 – Protective clothing—Manikin-based evaluation
(4) ASTM E457-08 (2020) – Thermal manikin calibration and performance
(5) ASTM D6616-21 – Standard practice for testing full-body protective clothing
(6) BS 10/30207740 DC – UK military protective clothing standard
(7) ASTM E598-08 (2020) – Thermal manikin measurements
(8) ASTM D4683-25 – Evaluating barrier properties of protective fabrics
Capabilities and Simulation:
The porton-man is computer-controlled, and when connected to its drive frame, it can walk like an infantryman, travel (at 0.5 m/s to 1 m/s), run, sit (at 2 m/s to 3 m/s), kneel, climb stairs and raise its arms as if seeing a weapon. This range of motion allows the robot to realistically simulate a variety of infantry movements and tasks, including locomotion at different speeds, changes in posture, and actions involving the upper body. This dynamic capability is crucial for evaluating how protective clothing performs during physical exertion and complex movements, which can impact its protective barrier, thermal comfort, and overall wearability.
Data Acquisition and Analysis:
More than 100 sensors throughout the body can record data during testing, allowing scientists to perform real-time analysis. These numerous sensors likely measure various parameters relevant to the performance of the protective gear and the simulated physiological responses of a human wearer. Data such as temperature, humidity, pressure differentials, and potentially mass transfer or agent penetration can be collected in real-time as the robot performs its movements. This extensive data allows for detailed analysis of the protective system's performance under specific, controlled dynamic conditions.
Key Aspects:
Accurate Human Representation: Designed to replicate the physical characteristics and movement patterns of military personnel.
Specialized for CB Gear Testing: Specifically built to evaluate the effectiveness of protective clothing and equipment against chemical and biological agents.
Dynamic Movement Simulation: Capable of performing a wide range of realistic infantry movements.
Extensive Data Collection: Equipped with over 100 sensors for detailed monitoring during tests.
Real-time Analysis: Enables immediate processing and interpretation of collected data.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Represents a high level of robotic and testing technology.
Features
Type: Computer-controlled robotic mannequin.
Primary Function: Testing Chemical and Biological (CB) protective clothing and equipment.
Movement Capabilities: Walk, travel, run, sit, kneel, climb stairs, raise arms.
Sensor Count: More than 100 sensors throughout the body.
Data Recording: Capable of recording data during testing.
Analysis Capability: Allows for real-time analysis of collected data.
