Wireless Control Combining Myoelectric Signal and Human Body Communication for Wearable Robots

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Robotics

Background:

• Myoelectric signals offer a promising interface for controlling prosthetic devices.
• Existing wireless communication methods for wearable robotics face challenges with data rate, power consumption, and miniaturization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact and efficient communication module for wireless control of wearable robot hands using human body communication.
• To investigate techniques for improving signal transmission performance and reducing module size.

Main Methods:

• Developed a communication module utilizing the 10-60 MHz band and impulse radio multi-pulse position modulation.
• Implemented a size-reduction technique by sharing electrodes for myoelectric signal detection and transmission.
• Investigated three distinct receiving electrode structures to optimize signal reception.

Main Results:

• Achieved 100% packet detection rate and a bit error rate below 10-6.
• Demonstrated reliable communication up to 110 cm along the arm.
• Successfully controlled a wearable robot hand using a human subject's myoelectric signals.

Conclusions:

• The developed human body communication module enables efficient and reliable wireless control of wearable robot hands.
• The compact design and high performance of the module represent a significant advancement in prosthetic control technology.