Surface Electromyography-Controlled Automobile Steering Assistance.

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Upper limb disabilities (e.g., hemiplegia, amputation) necessitate alternative driving control methods.
• Surface electromyography (sEMG) interfaces have shown promise in prototype steering assistance systems.
• Validation of mass-produced sEMG devices in real-world driving scenarios is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the path-following accuracy of the Myo armband, a commercial sEMG interface, for one-handed remote steering.
• To compare the Myo armband's performance against conventional steering wheel operation in a commercial automobile.
• To assess the feasibility of the Myo armband for drivers with upper limb impairments.

Main Methods:

• Field testing of a commercially available automobile equipped with a Myo armband sEMG steering system.
• Comparison of path-following accuracy between Myo armband control and conventional steering wheel operation.
• Evaluation during various maneuvers including 90° turns, wide U-turns, narrow U-turns, and 45° turns at low speeds.

Main Results:

• The Myo armband demonstrated lower path-following accuracy than the steering wheel during a 90° turn and wide U-turn.
• Conversely, the Myo armband achieved superior path-following accuracy during a narrow U-turn and a 45° turn.
• Overall performance of the Myo armband was comparable to the conventional steering wheel.

Conclusions:

• The Myo armband presents a feasible option for one-handed remote steering assistance in automobiles.
• This sEMG-based interface shows potential for enhancing driving accessibility for individuals with upper limb disabilities.
• Further research and application in future automotive studies are warranted.