Automated turf testing apparatus and system for using same

An apparatus configured to apply static or dynamic kinetics or kinematics at one or more prescribed levels or rates, the apparatus comprising:

• a hydraulic power unit and/or weights for forcing a translation-rotation footform having roll, pitch, and yaw adjustability onto or into a surface, wherein the footform is capable of being shod with footwear, and wherein the footform shod with footwear engages with the surface to apply horizontal, vertical, and rotational forces to the footform;
• and
• one or more processors configured to receive information from one or more sensors sensing horizontal, vertical, and rotational forces experienced by the footform before, during, or after it engages with the surface, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to evaluate safety and/or performance of the footwear, the surface, or both, based on information received from the one or more sensors sensing the horizontal, vertical, and rotational forces experienced by the footform before, during, or after it engages with the surface;
• wherein the apparatus mimics or substantially mimics a behavior or a motion of a human foot during an athletic movement, wherein applying and measuring interactions between the apparatus and the surface at a same or different time or times allows for the safety and/or performance evaluation of the footwear, the surface, or both.