Redesign of a Surface Electromyography Driven Mechatronic Arm System
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
Purpose: The Padnos College of Engineering uses an interactive robotic arm, wirelessly driven by surface electromyography (EMG) signals recorded from a volunteer, during K12 outreach. This mechatronic system effectively demonstrates principles of mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering in an entertaining and accessible way to younger audiences. The mechatronic arm was redesigned to make it more robust and improve its functionality. Procedure: The mechanical upgrades included reinforcing and improving wire connections and updating the wearable housing with the wireless communication module. The sensors were upgraded to a new model that allows for raw, rectified, and envelope EMG signals to be recorded. The wearable form factor was also optimized, greatly shrinking the overall size and weight for added comfort. Another difference was how the sensors were mounted. In the earlier design, the sensor boards had to be placed directly on the muscle for measuring EMG signals which contributed to wear and tear. In this upgrade, the sensors are kept protected and leads are used to connect the sensor boards to the EMG pads. Outcome: The improvements made to the robotic arm resulted in reducing operational instability and simplified EMG signal acquisition, improving overall system performance and usability. Impact: These enhancements make the robotic arm more reliable and accessible for outreach demonstrations. Set up is easier and the wearable module is more comfortable. The improvements will allow us to use this mechatronic system for broader engagement across diverse audiences.
Redesign of a Surface Electromyography Driven Mechatronic Arm System
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Purpose: The Padnos College of Engineering uses an interactive robotic arm, wirelessly driven by surface electromyography (EMG) signals recorded from a volunteer, during K12 outreach. This mechatronic system effectively demonstrates principles of mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering in an entertaining and accessible way to younger audiences. The mechatronic arm was redesigned to make it more robust and improve its functionality. Procedure: The mechanical upgrades included reinforcing and improving wire connections and updating the wearable housing with the wireless communication module. The sensors were upgraded to a new model that allows for raw, rectified, and envelope EMG signals to be recorded. The wearable form factor was also optimized, greatly shrinking the overall size and weight for added comfort. Another difference was how the sensors were mounted. In the earlier design, the sensor boards had to be placed directly on the muscle for measuring EMG signals which contributed to wear and tear. In this upgrade, the sensors are kept protected and leads are used to connect the sensor boards to the EMG pads. Outcome: The improvements made to the robotic arm resulted in reducing operational instability and simplified EMG signal acquisition, improving overall system performance and usability. Impact: These enhancements make the robotic arm more reliable and accessible for outreach demonstrations. Set up is easier and the wearable module is more comfortable. The improvements will allow us to use this mechatronic system for broader engagement across diverse audiences.