Prosthetics and Biophysics: Addressing Prosthetic Limitations with High-Density Electrode Arrays
Start Date
2023 4:00 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 3rd floor
Abstract
As the world population grows, increased numbers of amputees require the need for prosthetics. However, in the case of upper-limb prosthetics, technology is limited. Many upper-limb prosthesis are limited to only small degrees of movement preventing amputees from returning to their initial quality of life prior to amputation. During the study, fundamental knowledge of the field was improved by building a human controlled robotic arm that responded to electrical signals created by select arm movements, known as EMG signals. Constructing an elaborate electronic circuity to convert the EMG input signals to output signals that can be received and understood by electronic servomotors in the robotic arm, was part of the experience. Upon completion of the project, components of this lab were used to explore the possibility of converting multiple EMG input signals from high-density electromyography arrays. Higher density arrays will allow for improved control in a prosthesis. The ultimate goal of this study is to design a high-density electrode array that successfully collects high amounts of EMG signals from a designated area of the forearm that may be compatible with hand amputees in need of prosthetic technology.
Prosthetics and Biophysics: Addressing Prosthetic Limitations with High-Density Electrode Arrays
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 3rd floor
As the world population grows, increased numbers of amputees require the need for prosthetics. However, in the case of upper-limb prosthetics, technology is limited. Many upper-limb prosthesis are limited to only small degrees of movement preventing amputees from returning to their initial quality of life prior to amputation. During the study, fundamental knowledge of the field was improved by building a human controlled robotic arm that responded to electrical signals created by select arm movements, known as EMG signals. Constructing an elaborate electronic circuity to convert the EMG input signals to output signals that can be received and understood by electronic servomotors in the robotic arm, was part of the experience. Upon completion of the project, components of this lab were used to explore the possibility of converting multiple EMG input signals from high-density electromyography arrays. Higher density arrays will allow for improved control in a prosthesis. The ultimate goal of this study is to design a high-density electrode array that successfully collects high amounts of EMG signals from a designated area of the forearm that may be compatible with hand amputees in need of prosthetic technology.
