A grizzly bear named Kobuk, raised in the Alaskan wilderness, became known as a "problem bear" after developing a taste for human food, which ultimately led to her death at the hands of a rancher. Her cubs were then used to help test bear-resistant containers, which must withstand bear attacks to be certified as such by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (I.G.B.C.). The I.G.B.C. employs bears like Kobuk to assess the effectiveness of these containers by allowing them to attempt to break in for a set period. The testing process requires that the containers endure at least sixty minutes of bear contact without sustaining significant damage.
Rodney Brooks, a roboticist, noted that no bear surrogate can match the capabilities of an actual bear. Kobuk was particularly adept at manipulating locks designed to be bear-proof, highlighting the need for human oversight in determining product failure. The relationship between the bears and the engineers reflects a broader theme in Alex Davies's book, "Kobuk the Destroyer, and Other Tales from the Wild, Unseen World of Test Engineering," which explores the importance of human judgment in the testing process.
Test engineering is presented as a dynamic field, often involving dramatic experiments reminiscent of popular stunts. For example, Underwriters Laboratories, known for its safety certifications, once tested a safe by filling it with paper, igniting it, and subjecting it to extreme conditions. Similarly, airplane black boxes undergo rigorous testing, including being fired from cannons and submerged in water, to ensure their durability under extreme conditions.
Davies recounts historical testing methods, such as the baptism of the Eads Bridge with heavy locomotives and even an elephant, to demonstrate its strength. The narrative also includes the development of safety mechanisms, such as Elisha Otis's fail-safe elevator and John Stapp's rocket sled tests, which pushed the limits of human endurance to ensure safety in aviation.
The article discusses the challenges of simulating real-world conditions in testing. For instance, bird ingestion tests for aircraft engines involve shooting thawed birds into engines to assess their performance during bird strikes. The Federal Aviation Administration has recorded few incidents involving chickens, leading to the use of these birds as a testing standard despite their lack of flight capability.
Davies emphasizes the trade-offs inherent in the testing industry, where safety and usability must be balanced. Historical examples illustrate the evolution of safety standards, such as the introduction of dead man's switches on lawnmowers, which were implemented after numerous injuries. In contrast, innovations like Steve Gass's safety device for table saws faced resistance due to cost concerns, demonstrating the complexities of product safety and market forces.