Development of a Surface EMG-Based Control System for Controlling Assistive Devices

Abstract

The current study discusses about the development of an EMG based wireless control system for the patients suffering from high-level motor disability. Surface EMG (sEMG) signals were processed in the time domain and using discrete wavelet transforms (DWT). The statistical features of the signals (sEMG, envelope of the squared sEMG and wavelet processed sEMG) were determined and analyzed. The analysis of the features suggested that the features of the envelope of the squared sEMG signals were sufficient to be used for high-efficiency classification and control signal generation. A hall-effect sensor based switching mechanism was introduced for controlling the duration of the activation of the device. The control signals were wirelessly transmitted to the assistive device (robotic vehicle). The training and the subsequent use of the developed control system were easy.